First fill a disappointment

Off to the surgeons office I went yesterday for a 10:45 appointment. Metro ride was fun as usual ( I love the metro) anyway got there and there was someone suppose to be there before me and they were late so they took me in at 10:30 so I was happy about that. Well the before appointment showed up and gave them a rash of poop about traffic well you know what leave the damn house earlier I didn't have a problem. So instead of getting to me I sat in the room for about 25 minutes past my appointment. The physicians assistant then comes in after her fill and I lay down on the table with the thought that he would not touch my scabbed over hole, well guess what. He poked, prodded and squeezed which in turn opened the damn thing back up so he proceeds to tell me that the dr. might not let him fill, where at this time I was pissed. My surgeon come in and told him it wasn't infected so go for it. I was to get 3 cc's. So he numbed me and proceeded to start the fill. He pushes it in and draws back the first time nothing and when he pushed it in and pulled the saline back out it had little flakes of what looked like dried blood from surgery inside of the port. He then gets another needle and tries it again and the same thing happened. Again he goes and gets my surgeon and he confirmed that sometimes when plugging the tube into the port during surgery it will get some blood in it. So instead of 3 cc's I got 11/2 cc's. I think Dr. Brody could see that I was pissed and very disappointed. He told me to call Monday and make another appointment for the middle of April and he said they would give me 2 more cc's and that the first fill doesn't count toward my 3 free fills. I am very pissed off about all this and am beginning to wonder if it was really worth it, no wonder us weight loss surgery people get depressed. I know I sound like a broken record but this road has been very long to just be losing as of yesterday 48.5 pounds.

UGH I am so sorry it did not go as planned.  I think that my concern over fills is part of what's steered me to consider RNY instead of LB.   so now you have to wiat SIX WEEKS for another fill?

I understand your frustration, but I think your're doing excellent in regards to your weight loss. You're losing almost as fast as a RNY patient. For what I know bandsters loose at a much slower rate than you. Good job!

Dear Dusty,

That was pretty irk-ifying to have happen.  I would have been PO'd and disappointed too.  However, sounds like the doc is trying to make amends with not counting this as a first fill.

But honestly in regards to weight loss.  You and I had the same surgery date and I'm (I know we can't compare ourselves) at 46 pounds lost.  I think you are doing pretty damn awesome with the weight loss!  Also, your Dr making promises about how many CC's he plans to give you doens't always work out.  I have a friend at work who had LB and she gets a fill, then gets an unfil because it was to much.  So I wouldn't think that easy does it is such a bad thing.  You didn't say how the fill did for you?  Do you feel any restriction?  3 CC's may have been to much the first time and you might have been miserable like my friend.  I hope you get some restriction with this fill and then next month you'll look forward to just the 2 cc's. 

Head up man, you're doing GREAT!! 

Hi Dusty,

I am sorry you are upset and frustrated but like the others said I think you are doing AMAZING with losing 48.5 pounds in less than 3 months.  I am sure that you will be happier when you are finally able to reach that sweet spot like the lappbanders say. I know from reading from others that it usually takes a few fills top finally get there.  I am glad that you are doing great regardless. 
Big hugs to you!

Hi Dusty, I am really sorry about your experince. Maybe the PA didnt know enough and had a hard time. You are doing great and I wish I was in your shoes. This is why I am so damned confused on what surgery to attempt. I am now scared and leary about the band. I hope things will get better for you and keep up the good work. Dont give up you have come to far. Put a smile on your cute face and now there are better days ahead..

                                                                       Julie

Hey Dusty,

Bro, I am sorry to hear that you first "fill" experience didn't go so well.  That sucks!  But I have to tell you that you are doing great with regards to your weight loss.  We had surgery the same day as you know with the same Doctor and you've lost about 11 to 12 lbs more than me and my first 'fill" went as planned.  So, as bad as that experience was,  and it was....just remember that you're down almost 50 lbs since December....that is AWESOME! 

Dusty,

Sorry you had such a bad experience, I would have been frustrated and dissapointed too!  Like everyone says, you are doing so well with your weight loss, hopefully even the smaller fill will give you some restriction.

Hang in there,
Heather

Dusty,

I am sorry this appointment did not go as well as you had hoped.  PLease hang in there. You are doing great! And you have fought too hard to give up now. I am confident that you will continue to do great!

Wishing you all the best!

Debbie

Aw, honey, I'm SO sorry!!!  Sorry I missed your call on Friday, but when you called, I was in the dental chair.  I know your journey seems like it's just been an uphill battle, but you've done an AMAZING job - from fighting the initial denial to this.

Just hang in there and TRY to stay positive.  If slapping someone would make you feel better, I've got several candidates in mind, just ask!!!

Love ya,

Tia