Fill/Unfill Question

mom2babyrose97 · October 6, 2005

I'm having my port removed tomorrow due to an infection, but my Dr. said he could give me a fill during surgery and then cap off my tubing. I am VERY happy about this as I feel no restriction (have yet to have a fill) and haven't lost in about 2 1/2 weeks. This will hopefully give me a little bit of restriction while I'm healing and before I get my new port. That being said, if I happen to need an unfill my only option without a port is surgery again. Definitely don't want that to happen. My question is, about what percent of people end up needing an unfill? It seems to be pretty common...well, more common than a port infection anyway. Should I just trust that he knows what he's doing, and the ramifications of an unfill? Sometimes it seems that fills take a couple days to 'kick in'. Just want to know if I should worry or not. TIA!!! Erin

Penni60 · October 6, 2005

My band surgeon strongly does NOT recommend a fill with port removal. What if you end up with restriction just from the surgery itself and all the swelling that comes with that normally? Then he gives you a fill and you have MORE restriction! OUCH!!!

It is not good practice to give a fill during port removal. As you mention, if you need an unfill that means more surgery and more chances for the infection to spread and that is a whole other lists of concerns.

The percentages I can't help you with maybe someone else can.

I wish you all the luck and a speedy recovery. I personally would NOT get a fill with the port surgery.

vinesqueen · October 6, 2005

I had to have an unfill a week after my first fill. I've had two subsequent fills.

I know that we had someone with the VGB, the Verticle Gastric Band a while back. this person said that they had one fill level for ever. I don't know how they are doing though.

I would think this would make it so that you were in that sort of boat.

Sorry I cannot be of more help in your decision.