Guest TXrangersfan Posted March 28, 2008 I am awaiting insurance approval. I had the seminar yesterday but the doctor did not address fills. He merely said that we would be returning to him regularly. What is a fill?.:smile: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheetsin 714 Posted March 28, 2008 A fill is when saline is inserted through a port into the band, causing it to tighten around the esophagus, hence "fill"ing the band. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenChrysalis 1 Posted March 28, 2008 (edited) Hi there! A "fill" is when you get saline put into your band (via a port) to make the opening to the stomach smaller. Some doctors call it an "adjustment." This is the essence of how the lap band works. Bandsters try to find their "sweet spot" -- the perfect amount of tightness, or restriction, that allows them to lose weight while eating healthy solid foods. The amount that works varies for everybody, which is why it's so great that the band is adjustable. You can learn more here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/how-lap-band-actually-works-fills-refills-45563/ [/url] Edited March 28, 2008 by GreenChrysalis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheetsin 714 Posted March 28, 2008 See image below. Needle pierces the skin and enters the self-closing port. Saline travels through the tubing and into the band. The band is lined with a "balloon" that can be blown up or deflated with saline, hence adjustable gastric band. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TXrangersfan Posted March 28, 2008 Thanks for the answers. I have been reading threads about the PBs. Now I understand how they occur. You've gotta admit, it sounds a little frightening.:confused2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelinsnorkel 0 Posted March 29, 2008 Do you have to be put under for fillings? Is the port linked to the outside of your skin? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
socalgal3 4 Posted March 29, 2008 No, you aren't put out for a fill. It is like getting a shot. Some people request that the area be numbed, but I don't. The port is under your skin and accessed with a needle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
losingjusme 12 Posted March 29, 2008 LOTS of information in the FAQ Lap-Band Surgery FAQs and References - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support Share this post Link to post Share on other sites