Questions about port and first fill

[katie2244 11]

Hi everyone...I am fairly new here and I was banded on June 24. I am scheduled for my first fill appointment tomorrow, and have been feeling really nervous about it. It took me until 6 weeks after surgery to be able to eat close to the 1200 to 1500 calories my doc wanted me to get to (I can now get close to the 1200 in 4 meals)... And I am finally feeling like I am not struggling with weakness everyday...the only time I feel hungry is if I am up really late at night, and it's been 5-6 hours since I last ate. I'm still losing about 5 lbs a week since the surgery.

I am wondering if a fill is always done, or if maybe I could wait a while longer.

I was also wondering if people can feel their ports. At my 1 week checkup, the nurse said I shouldn't be able to, but I have this hard sort of round thing under one of my incisions that is still a bit uncomfortable...I'm wondering if that is the port.

Thanks.

[rmalikone 108]

It's your body and your not hungry, so to me why get a fill! The port is that little bump under the largest incision. As for feeling it, everyones body is different and placement can also be different. I could always feel mine.

[SolracSpree 133]

If you are staying full then no you do not HAVE to get a fill. I am hungry often and can EASILY get to 1400 calories so a fill would help me. 5 pounds a week is awesome and if you dont think you need a fill I would tell them so. You can always go back if you change your mind.

I can also feel my port ever since the swelling from surgery went down. Its to the right of my port incision.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Hello,

When you go in for fills they are elective, never required. However, you and your doctor will determine what is best based on a few criteria. Those usually include:

1. Are you losing adequate weight

2. Do you NOT have adverse symptoms (stuck episodes, gerd)

3. Do you feel satiated

If the answer is yes to all 3 than a fill can be postponed. Answer no to any of them and that will lend to a fill or unfill.

You are brand new and sounds like things are going well for you. Keep in mind that things can change within days or weeks so keep self evaluating for when you feel you may need that fill. The goal is to get to green for optimal loss and food management.

Good luck hon

[katie2244 11]

Thanks for the info everyone...I appreciate it. Looking forward to my appointment being over!