What to expect ?

sparkling · May 15, 2006

Heya all just curious what to expect for my first fill on 5/19? Does it hurt?? And will I feel the restriction? Right now I'm starving and can eat almost about anything.

Morsaille · May 15, 2006

I've had two and the worst part of both was finding the port. The needle is barely an issue. It looks scary, but the pressing and belly kneading is more uncomfortable than the needle sticks.

You will be planning number two before you know it. I am waiting on number three right now as I chase down the elusive critter they call, restriction.

Relax, it will give you a better fill.

Bernie · May 16, 2006

Morsaille is right, the needle itself doesn't hurt at all, it's just uncomfortable as the doctor presses your stomach to find the port. Tense your stomach muscles as best you can, that helps I find. I have found that the restriction is most noticeable in the first couple of days after a fill and then it seems to ease off. I have 3mls in now and I can barely eat anything and yet I have a friend who has in 4ml and can still eat whatever she wants. Everyone is very different and you won't know until you have it done. Good luck and remember: Stay relaxed cause it doesn't hurt, but tense up those tummy muscles!

sheryl · May 17, 2006

It depends on how experienced the doctor or tech is. For mine, the doctors are very experienced and they find the port really fast and it never hurts. Getting a flu shot hurts 20x more... But the needle looks scary because it is so long. It actually is a very fast process. Also, my doctors use floroscope (sp?), so finding the port is a easy. Perhaps it would be harder if they didn't have that...

I didn't get my restriction for 1-2 weeks after the fill. I was somewhat restricted right away, then very restricted later.