Where did my fill go? How do I know whats in there?

[SherryW 4]

This is something that's been bugging me since my 2nd fill on 8/16/06. My first fill the doc said I got anywhere from 1.0cc to 1.5cc. Hard to explain but, my friend and I went into the room at the same time for fills. He did hers first and had a hard time with her so he was nervous by the time he got to me. Mine went in no problem but, he didn't remember what the nurse put in the syringe so he said I got between 1.0 and 1.5 so we called it 1.25. Well when I went for my second fill, he was only able to pull out .50ccs? He said they expect some evaporation or for some to stay in the tubing but .75? He said he did pull out some air bubbles when he took out the .50. He was running really late and was short with answers so it left me wondering. Anyway he says he put back the .50 and added 1.00. So now I'm wondering....do I have 1.5 cc or 2.50cc in my band? I'm thinking...if he can't keep track then when will he know when I've reached the 4.0cc level? Anyone else have this uncertainty with how much they have in their band? I'm going to write to my surgeon for a better explanation but, was curious what others were told.

[DonnaB 3]

It's very common for part or all of a first fill to disappear - no one seems to know why, but it happens a lot.

When you get your next fill, tell him ahead of time you want to know exactly what your fill level is. He should be pulling out your entire fill (every time) and then putting it back PLUS adding any new saline. The point of pulling out the fill is to be sure your fill is staying and that you don't have a leak.

The only way you'll know your exact fill level is if you tell you you want to know BEFORE he gives the fill. You're paying him good money, he needs to provide you with good service.

Good luck.