Fills Under Fluoro

[fire_bellydancer 2]

How does that work? My new surgeon wants to do my first fill with him under fluoro to verify placement and if it's working. I'm looking forward to it. He said that he is planning on making sure that he gives me a good fill seeing as it is over two years since I had my band and no success.

[kll724 3,055]

My surgeon puts the needle in with Fluid and then has me hold it in place while I stand and walk to the floroscope. He then has me drink the barium swallow, nasty white stuff, and watch it either go down or not. If it goes down smoothly then he adjust the amount, if not going down, he will remove some. I love the floro fill. Best wishes.Karen

[Sojourner 2,446]

The only difference with a fill done with fluoroscopic imaging is that you have to drink a small amount of contrast, while you are under the intensified x-ray screen while the surgeon watches the screen. They can see the Fluid as it passes through the band, and also can verify that your port is properly working.

My surgeon had me watch the screen with him...it was pretty interesting to see the actual process of swallowing and fluids going through the band.

Nothing to be concerned about...

[Heathermarie0407 67]

It was really cool! When y surgeon did it he had me lay down, numbed my port area, had me do a mini crunch to locate my port, stuck the needle in. Then had me sit up on the edge of the table. The machine had like an arm that extended to where I was sitting, he postitions the arm. Has me drink the icky white stuff, and watches it go down. You can see how fast or slowly the liquid goes through your band.

[2012 359]

I had this done yesterday, has anyone gotten sick from the barium? I have not felt good since yesterday, but they had overfilled me and then unfilled me about an hour later where I could swallow again. When I tried to eat today, which is pureed, I just don't feel good and not really hungry. Maybe my stomach is aggravated from what they did to me yesterday?

[LouisianaLiLi 231]

I know when I did my Upper GI for my pre-op, I felt yuck for several days....That stuff was NASTY! It felt "heavy" in my stomach. I never got sick enough to throw up or anything, but it was just a gener al icky feeling.

My surgeon does not use flouro to fill. I've only had one fill and the PA did it. I didnt' have any trouble, but another girl in my group did. We weren't even asked to drink Water to make sure it went down (that kinda bothered me). I will definitely do it before I leave from my next fill.

I think the fill under flouro would be great so the surgeon can see exactly what your restriction would be like. Seems advantageous to me.

Good Luck in your journey

[Heathermarie0407 67]

The barium doesn't bother me but I guess it's possible between the barium and all the trauma to your tummy to have a reaction. Hope you feel better soon!

[2012 359]

Thanks both, I feel better now than I did this morning

[Lu_11 52]

I was banded in aug 2011 and the assistant does all the fills. The one time the doctor had to take some out for me it didn't seem like he knew what he was doing and left me very bruised.

I have had 4 fills, going for a small fill this monday.... none have been with contrast. Is this something I have to request??

[2012 359]

Hi Lu, I did not have to request this where I go, the first fill is automatically done under fluro. I think they do this to also check the lap band is placed correctly. When I was looking at my X-Ray, it's big machine you stand in front of and look at 2 screens, at least where I go, and they were pointing out that my band is sideways (which is how it's supposed to be placed) and here is my tube and port. The only thing I could really make out were my bra hooks and the port

[Lu_11 52]

Thanks for info. I have to take the "301" band class again tomorrow morning before they will give me a fill. I am going to be asking them these questions too. I have onle seen my dr once since my surgery. I am just going to put them on the spot and get the nurse to give me more info.