2nd fill today.....not as easy as the first......

I was excited to go for my appointments today. My second fill under flouro then a follow up The fill did not go as well as the first one. My first one was fairly simple. It took a couple of pokes and a little maneuvering but it wasn't bad. Today was a different story. It took 6 sticks and a lot of manipulating. The shorter needle was a little too short. The longer needle was too long and flexible. It would hit the port but then it would slip to the side instead of going in. After several tries she wanted to quit. I asked her to try one more time but it just wouldn't go. So she left it up to my surgeon.
 
He was pleased with my progress and weight loss, 30 lbs since surgery, 132 total. And he was happy that I have been walking. He wanted to try a fill in his office. After a few minutes,  he just couldn't get it. So I was headed back to flouro. But he wanted to try one more thing. And he got it right away. Yay! With the weight loss and my body changing the port was a little higher than it was before. So they needed to go just a bit higher to hit it at the right angle. But now we know for next time. I got 3cc added to the 1cc I already had. I am sitting here sore with 8 little holes in my stomach but I am happy he was able to get it. I was afraid I was going to go home without a fill.

I'm so glad they got it. I know how frustrating it can be when it's not behaving and they are obviously right there, so close to getting it, but not... 
 
My port shifted after surgery too.  I had a disastrous 2nd or 3rd fill. I can't remember... They usually have people do the crunch but I am officially a leg lifter now days. I can crunch all day and it does nothing. If I put my hands under my butt and lift, that baby pops up like never before.

Just make sure you tell them next time it's higher tilted etc to save you the pokes.  Oh happy days!

Happy to hear a happy ending!!  I used Fill Centers USA last summer.  That PA and then the doc really could NOT get it right.  They poked me DOZENS of times and I was so scared that they were going to damage my port or tubing.  

I only went to them because my surgeon is over 4 hours away and is always booked.  After that experience, I just deal with the long wait and traveling.  My surgeon always finds my port on the first try.  

So glad you got a fill, that would have been heartbreaking if you coudn't get one!

My surgeon had me lay with a pillow under the arch of my back and do a partial sit up. Not the most comfortable position but it worked. My surgeon is over three hours away as well. But, like you said, it is well worth the trip to get it right. I feel tighter today than I did after my appointment yesterday. Not too tight though.

I had my second fill on the first and it wasn't as simple as the first time...less fat around the middle and some scar tissue around the port made things a bit wanky, but she got it in and it has made a significant difference!

Hi Airhead!

Glad you were finally able to get your second fill!  I am confused though.  I was literally a 10 minutes away from a plication.  My understanding was that the plicated stomach alone would give enough restriction  ESPECIALLY a newly plicated stomach that has not stretched. You don't feel enough restriction?

I know you had to do what you had to do, but in my heart I wish for you that the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch could have been available to you - even in a 2 staged procedure.

I wish you well and if I could be of any help, please let me know.

Blessings,
Leila

The plan was sleeve later converting to RNY after losing another 100-125 lbs. Insurance would not cover the sleeve. They would cover the band. So I got it approved because of the band. Still plan on a conversion. Only 70 to 90 lbs to go. I do plan on asking about DS as well.