Fill Experience

Apr 26, 2012

Good morning family,

I realized that I wasn't specific enough in my blog yesterday, so I decided to recount my fill experience for anyone that is interested in what a Lapband or Realize Band fill is like.

At my surgeons office they use a fluro machine to view your band and stomach on a screen. Remember during your pre-op stuff you had to swallow the barium and the technicians took snap-shots of your digestive track, well its just like that except the machine is smaller and you are sitting up-right. I meant to ask if it was okay if I took a picture of the machine but I was so nervous I forgot. I go back next month so I will take a pic then and post it for you to see. So the first swallow of barium was to record my restriction without the band. When the surgeon saw how quickly the liquid passed thru the opening, he said, " yeah, you have no restriction so we need to get something in there" I ended up getting 2 cc's, I think. So the first time he stuck me, he penetrated scar tissue. He said "poke your stomach out" and I burst out laughing  because I have never had to stick it out, it was already out!  He called his tech in the room to guide him, come to find out he wasn't any where near my port! She took the snap shot while he placed a pair of scissors on my stomach as a guide so my port would show up better on the screen. Once he found the port, he stuck me and filled me at the same time; it was quick! I drank some more yucky stuff to ensure my band wasn't too tight and that was it. My PA suggested that I be on a shake-consistancy diet for two days, then soft foods for 2 more then gradually start re-introducing foods again. I have decided that I will go back to my one slice of bread a day and severly limit my white carb intake. Last night I felt nauseas but I don't know if it was due to the band or the fact I hadn't eaten since lunch.

Over all my fill experience was insightful and a necessity as I work to achieve my WL goal. I pray I have reached my "sweet spot" and wont be needing another fill, as I don't like to be stuck with needles. (you would be surprised at what does float peoples boat)

This morning I feel fine with periodic feelings of having to burp but I can't. I burp a lot with the band; thats one of the things I don't like. I am not supposed to drink from a straw but I CAN NOT bring myself to put my mouth on cups at restaurants and the styrofoam cups at work!  That's a straight up negative Ghost Rider! I don't sip cups will be any better so I just have to deal with it.

Okay, back to the regularly scheduled blog: family I bid you a good day, praying, hoping and wishing you are well along with the loved ones in your life. Take care

TTYL

Kimberly

0 Comments