First fill expectations

[nygiants 2]

Banded 1/21 and don't get filled for about 4 more weeks. What can I expect that first time? Do you normally go on all liquid? Any nausea?

[Thellie 1]

I have now had 2 fills. I find that they are no issue whatsoever. I eat normal after and have not had any issues. Good luck.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

Look at you, still sore and already a little nervous (?) about the adjustment.

No nausea. The saline is injected into the port, not into the stomach or any part of your digestive tract. You'll feel a pinch at the moment of injection and, if the person doing it doesn't have the lightest touch, maybe a slight soreness for a short time after. Really no big deal either way. The needles will hurt far less than the soreness you're feeling now at your incisions.

Some practices do the fill under fluoroscope so that they can see the port before stabbing the patient. Mine doesn't as a rule. I'd get up on the exam table, lie back and do a modified crunch -bring my upper body up a tad and tighten the abs. This made it easier for the NP to feel the port. As soon as the needle was in, I'd relax my body. (Same goes for an unfill if I never needed my band loosened a bit.) Once its done, you'll be given a small glass of Water to be sure it goes down comfortably before you leave.

Practices also vary on post-adjustment instructions. Some want patients to drink Clear liquids (or liquid?) for the rest of the day. Some advise liquids for a couple of days. My practice advises liquids for the next meal and soft foods for the rest of the day, going back on regular food the next day (or something very much like that -- it's been a long time since I've been poked.)

How are you feeling on the third day after surgery?

[nygiants 2]

Thanks for the info. Not nervous,just curious. Day 3 is real good. Went off the pain pills after day 1 and can get up and down with minimal pain. Went out today to walk around at some stores after going stir crazy and got tired pretty quick.

Been having some gas pains but nothing too crazy. Last night I took some chewable gas x along with some Meds and it felt like it got stuck in my throat. HORRIBLE heartburn ensues but got through it after an hour.

Looking at work from home some tomorrow and maybe back in the office on Tuesday.

Thanks for the info. Not nervous,just curious. Day 3 is real good. Went off the pain pills after day 1 and can get up and down with minimal pain. Went out today to walk around at some stores after going stir crazy and got tired pretty quick.

Been having some gas pains but nothing too crazy. Last night I took some chewable gas x along with some Meds and it felt like it got stuck in my throat. HORRIBLE heartburn ensues but got through it after an hour.

Looking at work from home some tomorrow and maybe back in the office on Tuesday.

Edited January 25, 2016 by nygiants

[nygiants 2]

How long do the gas pains last? Every sip I feel like it hits the pouch and hits and rises only to go back down (hard to explain). Still get the bubble up gas though post drink.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

To the best of my recollection, the left-shoulder gas pains lasted up to three weeks. Some people are done with them sooner. They've just got to run their course. If you haven't already been told, lots of people say that walking helps ease them; walking in the house counts toward it.

No surprise that store-browsing tired you. Even laparascopic surgery takes a toll. Good that you felt up to going out, but go easy. You'll feel your normal stamina and strength quickly enough.

As for the heartburn, try spacing out the meds a little more if you can. They may have been too much along with the gas-x. I'm just guessing at that. If the heartburn persists, you can call the surgery office and run it by someone. I don't know or recall whether it may be of some concern.

[kathousefl 62]

Banded 1/21 and don't get filled for about 4 more weeks. What can I expect that first time? Do you normally go on all liquid? Any nausea?

Congratulations on the surgery. Each doctor does things differently. My doctor suggests liquids after the fill. I have not experienced any nausea.

I did want to respond to your other question about gas though. I get it a lot and sometimes it is pretty severe. It seems my diet, which consists of mostly veggies, still triggers my IBS.

Good luck! It is great that you are excited and thinking ahead.