At home fills?

[Lisa D 2]

Is it possibe to do a fill at home by a registered nurse? Of course knowing the procedure and the capacity of your band. I have the Mid-Band.:thumbup:

[TheGh0st 9]

Their are stories floating around about those who have done this though I can't say if they are just urban myths or reality.

I will say that it is highly unrecommended and I know at least 2 doctors in my area that will refuse to continue follow up care to any of their patients if they leave their practice to have a fill somewhere else so I'm sure they would be even less willing to continue follow up care for someone who had a fill at home. Thier reluctance has something to do with worries of any confusion over who may have caused any possible complications down the road.

With some doctors charging hundreds of dollars for fills I can see the allure and in the end you have to do what you feel is right for your own care. It is not our place to judge your final decision. We don't know your finances, we don't know the level of expertise of the person you might ask to give you the fills. For all we know it could be a nurse practitioner that gives fills all day long in a clinic and happens to be a relative of yours willing to give them to you for free after hours. But in my own humble opinion I wouldn't risk it if only because I wouldn't want to risk my doc finding out and telling me he would no longer see me.

[kbinaz 0]

I suppose anything is possible. You could probably technically do brain surgery at home, too! I guess it depends on who the nurse is. Is she experienced at giving lap band fills? Is she just a friend who happens to be a nurse? I'd be really careful because something goes wrong and anything gets messed up, there isn't a doctor who is going to want to touch you.

[Claytaco 0]

I agree with kbinaz and TheGh0st above. Fills are something that are very simple and quick procedures but should be preformed by someone that is highly experienced. With the new small ports there is little room for error. The "poke and hope" method can easily cause a puncture of the tube which would cause a leak.

Everybody wants to save money but since you've already invested so much of your time, energy, and money to get this far I would highly suggest sticking with your doctor or nurse that put in your band initially.

I've seen people that have been "taught" how to do their own fills and it didn't turn out well. Be careful out there. There are many places that I am sure could help you and keep you safe.

Best of luck to you!

[Wheetsin 714]

Possible? Yes. Adviseable? No.

[JulieICURN 0]

I was considering doing my own fills, my port is substernal. But it takes precison and a special needle that doesnt damage the membrane and well...I am a nurse have accessed ports like this and honestly, I dont plan to do it myself. I went to fillcenterusa and had my first fill done yesterday. Yesterday, I received 1.5cc and sorta could tell a difference, but today I am like eating more than the 1/3 cup w/o drinking and dont feel full. Wish this was an easier process, I guess I will have to see what time does and what the next fill brings. DO NOT FILL YOURSELF is my suggestion.