Newbie with an "almost" surg date & Fills @ OTC, CMC

Hi,

I'm Suzette and on the journey toward Lap Band. I am going thru the Obesity Treatment Center @ CMC in Manchester. Last week, I got a consult date with Dr. Campbell (YAY!) so I know getting my surgery date is just around the corner!

I have a couple of questions:

1) How soon after your consult with Dr. Campbell did you have surgery? I've heard 4-6 weeks and just wondering if that it s accurate.

2) Fills: Lurking on these boards and seeing You Tube videos is making me a little nervous. Plus, I found out that OTC does not use numbing medication for the "stick". OK. Like having an IV or blood drawn, I do have a rule if they don't get it in the first time, they either need to using numbing medication of get someone who can get the needle in the first time. Maybe I'm being a baby about this but, like I said, watching some of the "fill videos" where the physcian is literally digging around for the port...  well...that doesn't exactly give me the "oh, it's not big deal" feeling.

What are your experiences regarding fills at OTC? Thanks...Suzette

I have no experience with fills or with Dr. Campbell (but have heard great things via this board), but I do have a LOT of experience with medical/surgical things. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, in that it causes people to freak out and worry unnecessarily. Try to stay away from the youtube videos -- they will show the "extremes".  Most procedures involving injecting fluid into a port are close to painless, and I have also heard that here -- much less than an IV or normal injection (you might want to post this question on the lap band board as well).

The other point -- you are in charge of your own health/body.  If you are concerned about the fills being painful, say so. They will explain the procedure, the likelyhood of pain and the options to you.

Good luck with your consult and getting a convenient surgery date. Hopefully someone who has had fills without numbing can give you first-hand reassurance.

I just had my lapband done this past Monday with Dr. Gould at DHMC and I was at the Elliot. There you stay over night, at CMC you go home the same day for lapband. I liked that I stayed overnight because they were able to keep better track of the pain medication. My surgery was scheduled 6 weeks out from when I met with Dr. Gould because it's after you see teh doctor that all the information goes to your insurance for approval. I was so lucky, they approved me in 5 days. My insurance is HPHC and I was really pleased at how fast they turned it around. The thing to remember the most after the surgery is to walk and drink lots of water. I don't get my first fill until 8 weeks post-op because he wants to make sure all the swelling is gone then he starts with a 2cc fill. I'm still on liquids right now and feel pretty good. The one thing I was upset about is that when I came home from the hospital I was 9 lbs. more then the day I went in because of the the gas and all the fluids they give you in the IV. But I've lost all that and an additional 3 lbs. to date. I'm really looking forward to the skinny girl inside of this fat suit to come out, she's been hiding in there way too long.
Good luck.

 Generally about 6 weeks out after your appt with Dr Campbell - gives them time to submit to insurance and get an approval.

Fills -- I wouldn't want to have numbing medicine - that stings more than the poke of the needle does.   I've probably had about 8 fills and have never had to have them 'dig' around.  One simple poke and it's in and I hardly ever feel it.

Come to the preop support meetings and there are usually several post ops there at the meetings.

Thank you for the responses. I do know that many posts on forums tend to be worst case experiences and the majority of people are successful, just living their lives with little time to post.

Serenity, I have the same thought regarding numbing medication. It can sting and you do get poked twice. If the worst case is even the level of "discomfort" as a blood draw, then no big deal. :) One of the PAs told me "that's all I do all day" (fills) so practice would make perfect. Thanks!

Hello there!! 

Glad you have your appointment with Dr. Campbell!  I bet you are looking forward to being on the other side. 

Things are done a little differently from when I was first banded.  I guess you can say I am a vet at 2 years out!  WHen she places the band now, she also puts some fill in and then you go back every 4-6 weeks as necessary for "tune-ups".  When I was banded, the band was left empty for six weeks and then you were give your first fill. 

The fills them self are not a bother as, Serenity said.  You are pretty much numb in that area due to scar tissue and can not feel it at all. 

I wish you the best and keep us posted as to when you are scheduled for surgery.  Also feel free to PM me if you need to!

Niki

Best of luck with your surgery Suzette!!
I had my surgery at PRH so, I'm not familiar with how CMC does it, but I do know a couple people who have gone there and been very happy with the whole process and the docs there.
I was very nervous about the fills until I had my first one. I think I must've been holding my breath when the nurse said, "that's it." I couldn't believe how easy and painfree it was.
But first things first, focus on your surgery and recovery first. The fills will come afterward.
Let us know when you get your surgery date!! 

Diane

Hi Suzette,

I'm new to this site and still trying to figure things out.  I had my consult with Dr. Campbell on April 24th,  my surgery was 6 weeks later on June 4th.  My first fill was on July 8th, and I had no issues.  Allison did the fill and I was in and out of the office in minutes.  No numbing medication given or needed for that matter. 

Unlike Nicki my band was placed with 5.8cc of fluid, at my first fill she added another 1.2cc's so I'm now at 7cc out of a 10cc band.  I think that my next fill will get me real close to what they refer to as the "sweet spot" 

I've spent a lot of time on another web forum for lap band patients and have heard a lot of horror stories.  I really think that the OTC has got it right.  We may think that the "hoops" they make us jump through at the time are not necessary; but for one thing we are informed and very aware of what is ahead of us.  The support group meetings are great.  (Although, there is a postop meeting tonight and my schedule won't allow me to make it) 

Good Luck to you, and keep us posted on your progress! 

Pam....please introduce yourself at the next post op meeting you are at!!

Niki

Will do Niki; I hope to be at the meeting in August! 

Enjoy the nice weather we are finally getting.