I think I'm too fat for my first fill....

Even though my surgery was Nov. 9th, I still haven't had my first fill yet because I got sick (flu) and have been a slow healer. My Dr. also told me that my port was positioned very deeply.

On my last check up a month ago, my Dr. was feeling around for my port and said it would be a good idea to wait till a dropped some more weight so it was easier to find my port.

After a month, I don't think I've lost any weight. Actually, I might have gained a bit. Now I'm afraid that since my port is very deep that I won't be able to get a fill. My appt. is Monday the 7th.

Does anyone else have deep port problems? I'm actually pretty surprised I had so much abdominal fat....I'm 5'7", 211lbs and my weight is pretty evenly distributed.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

I am 5'6" and had my first fill at 260. I don't see why you Dr. should have any trouble if you are 211.

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Drinking and driving don't mix...that's why I ride a bike.

Banded February 6th, 2007
Dr. Bacal~Oakwood Bariatric Options~Dearborn, MI

I agree you should be fine. I got my first fill at over 299. I would be concerned if the Dr couldn't do it about his competence. Good Luck!

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I got my first fill at, I believe it was, 500-ish lbs. So if I didn't have a problem, you should be fine.

I would be suspect of the doctor. Basically he is saying to you...."Oops, apparently I put the port too deep so now I can't do anhything for you until you do it all on your own." I think I would start kicking up a big fuss, myself.

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Kacee


Dr. Hadar Spivak, Houston
Banding: 05-23-07, High225/Surgery218/135/140
1st Fill 06/21/07 - Total 1.8cc, 2nd Fill 06/27/07 - Total ~2.2cc
3rd Fill 07/31/07 - Total 2.8cc, 4th Fill 09/06/07 - Total 3.1cc
5th Fill 12/05/07 - Total 3.3cc, 6th Unfill 03/20/08 - (1.3 out) Total 2.0 cc
7th Fill 04/03/08 - Total 2.5 cc, 12/30/08 Unfill to 1.5

That Is Unreal....we Are All Big When We Start Getting Our First Fills. He Needs To Help You Succeed Here, Not Put You Down.....maybe Consider Getting A Second Opinion???
I Know I Would Be Pissed....

Good Luck....

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Determined to get back on track in 2009

Setting my Goals for 2009
Surgery date:5/31/07
335/225/180

The nurse said my port was deep but she got it. I had to push my rib cage up and that helped. It shouldn't be so deep they can't reach it. If it is your doc messed up.

Good luck!

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Banded on 11/20/07 by Dr. Spivak, Houston, TX APS 10cc
1st fill 12/27/07 3.5cc, 2nds fill 01/16/08 .5cc, 3rd fill 01/30/08 .5 cc, 4th fill 06/24/08 .25cc = Total 4.75cc of Omnipaque Un-fill 05/08/09 -2.75cc = 2cc, fill 07/14/09 +1.5 = 3.5cc
222h/210s/157c/130g

That sounds pretty hokey to me....

The whole point of the band is to get fills and have restriction to help you lose weight. I had my first fill at about 280lbs with no problems whatsoever. 6 fills and 100+lbs lost and I have never had a problem with finding my port or getting fills.

I would suggest laying on your back and poking around yourself looking for your port. You should be able to feel it quite easily. Once you've found it, still flat on your back, lift your feet straight up off the floor (its like doing a mini ab crunch) When your abs tighten you should be able to feel your port pop right up !!! This brings it closer to the surface and makes it easier to access.
My clinic has us do this for every fill and every person I have ever had do a fill (4 different nurses) have all hit it first try !!!

Good luck and all the best !!!

Patricia
11/16/06
306/204/175 I think !!

I'm 5'8" and I probably weighed around 275 when I got my first fill. He had no problem finding the port. Good luck.

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Julie
banded 6/6/06
Dr. McKeen, San Jose CA

320/213/goal 199. Almost there!

I had my 1st fill around 265ish I dont think you'll have a problem.

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banded 10/26/2007--Dr.Pucci
1st fill 12/17/2007 4cc
2nd fill 01/15/2008 2cc
3rd fill 02/26/2008 2cc
4th fill 04/08/2008 2cc
5th fill 05/20/2008 1cc
6th fill 07/15/2008 .75cc
7th fill 10/07/2008 .50cc
8th fill 11/18/2008 .50cc

Tell your doc to use fluoro.... He needs to use a huber needle as well... It is what is recommended by the manufacturer anyway. When you lay on your back it makes it a lot easy for the doc to locate it... He is stupid to think that you will lose weight without a fill........... Obviously he must be thin as a rail... Best wishes and consider finding a different fill doc.

Have you SEEN the needle that they use to do fills with? It's plenty long enough that he should be able to access your port. If he can't FIND it, then he needs to perform the fill under fluoro. Unless you have really good restriction, there is no reason for your doctor to not give you a fill.

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Excellence is achievable. Perfection is God's business.
Banded by Dr. Brent Steward 02/05/2007
Tallgrass Surgical Center, Topeka KS
285/247/160

Try laying on your back and then bringing your head up (as if you were going to do a sit-up). It should push your port up towards the skin and you could at least feel it. (It's the only way I can feel mine).

I was just four weeks prior to you and I've had two fills already--so get hopping, girl!

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That's not possible. I was almost 400 pounds and my surgeon could fill me. I had inches of fat that he had to push past to find my port but he did it. He did say that it was down very deep and he struggled but didn't give up. It took 30 minutes of me bearing down, lifting my legs, holding my breath and him pushing and pushing but we made it! So, do not take that as an excuse!

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Starting Weight February 2006: 392
Current Weight: 217
Total Lost Since February 2006: -175
Banded April 2006