bluetigereyes

I would love to find other bandsters in Boise that would like a work out partner. I have a membership at IAC but its not easy going alone. I have found that it helps so much to have someone to go with to work out, it pushes me to be more motivated and go on a regular basis.

I work for the hospital where I had my band done, I happen to also work in the Insurance billing dept. I, too, chose not to tell everyone in my office (there are about 100 people in this office). I did tell 2 people, one is a close friend, the other is the lead for someone I was worried about finding out. Well, the person that I was worried about, did find out (she looked at my medical records) and then had teh nerve to confront me about it, then tell me about another person that had it done, and talk loud enough that people around my desk could hear the conversation. I told her several times that I did not want the whole office to know. I went to her lead and told her what happened and said she needed to discuss this with her as it is a HIPPA violation. When she confronted me again, i went to management. At that point I had to tell my manager about the surgery (which I did not want to do) and he took care of it. If she says another word she will lose her job!

I had pain for about 3-4 days. The pain at the port site lasted a little longer because it is a larger incision and they do some tunneling. After a week -10 days, you should have no pain at all.

OK...I have worked with medical Insurance for over 20 years.....Let me try to explain how this works. The doctor can bill for each procedure done, separately. Especially if he did one procedure and then had to go back in and do another, as long as you were out of your post op period. (there is a time, set by a global standard that all follow up within a specified time period is included with the surgical charge). Its unfair to say that *ALL* doctors overcharge. Typically Insurances have a set price that will be paid on a specific CPT code (Billing code). That means it doesnt matter if they charge $10,000, if the insurance only allows $1,000, they have to write off that other $9,000 if they are contracted with the insurance. The doctor cannot bill you for that amount. Now, on the other hand, if you see a non-contracted doctor, they CAN charge you the difference, so make sure you see a doctor that is contracted with your inusrance. Now, on to your specific situation.....I agree that the doctor says it only takes an extra 5 mins to repair the hernia, however, he is billing the insurance for a "hiatal Hernia repair" which, if performed alone, would cost that much. I do not believe the doctor did anything wrong...that is just how Insurance billing works. I hope this helps

You need to go in for a fill! if you are 3 months post op and no fills yet, whats stopping you? I just had my first fill last week, (I am 2 months post op) and have lost 5lbs since that fill. It really does work, when you let it work. Just having it in place will not make you lose weight, remember, its just a tool. The tool cannot work if its not used properly. Go, get your fill, you may not even feel restriction on the first fill, keep working closely with your doctor, thats when you will see results!

just downloaded....cant wait to play with it! Thanks

Most doctors will let you come in before a month if you call them and tell them you need another fill and not feeling restriction. Mine says every 2 weeks is good

Cathy, rarely does the first fill get you to your 'sweet spot', just make sure you call your doctor, make the appointment for your next fill, and dont get discouraged

I really wish my best friend could have come on this journey with me. Unfortunately her insurance would not approve her to have the surgery. She has an H.M.O. and they keep sending her to all sorts of strange doctors instead of approving her, then her insurance changed and they do not have that as a benefit of her policy. She really needs to have it done, but its apparently not her time. She is VERY supportive of me which I totally appreciate!

Ask if you can go to the office and pick it up to hand deliver it to your surgeon. I did that with my Orthopedic Surgeon because they were so slow in getting the letter to my surgeon. It helps and you KNOW it gets there. Take a deep breath, this is NOT a fast process (trust me, i am very inpatient so it killed me to have to wait!!)

I had surgery Dec 22nd, including pre-op, I have lost 24 lbs. I had some complications and was not able to get my first fill until last week. During the time from surgery to my first fill, I acutally gained 5lbs, but as of this morning (1 week after first fill) that 5lbs is gone and I am back on track. I go in for my second fill in 2 weeks (although I'm going to try to move that appointment up to next week if I can) and I cant wait to feel a little more restriction and see the weight fall off. My goal is to be under 200 by June....50 lbs....I really hope I can do it! Zumba class tonight.....my new start to a new me!

I also have a 14cc band, I currently have 6.5cc in it, but only feel slight restriction. In the morning, my band is tighter and I have found that I do best just having a protein shake. But, by about 10 am, my stomach starts growling and I could eat a side of beef. I am scheduled to go back in on March 5th for another fill, but thinking I might want to move that appointment a week sooner to get the next fill. On a more positive note, since I got my fill (first one) last week, I have lost 4 lbs, so I know once I get better restriction the weight will start falling off. Tonight is my first Zumba class, I cant wait to try something new!

You should have a fill under flouro to make sure there is no leak in your band. Sounds like there could be.

AMAZING, what a true inspiration! I was banded on Dec 22nd, and I have had my share of trials. My port flipped, so I was not able to get my first fill until last week when I had my port repositioned. I have lost 3 lbs since last week, but I have to limit my exercise (again) because I have the incision to deal with. I know this is just a small speed bump, but its sure slowing me down quite a bit. I cant wait to be able to get to the gym and work out like my head wants to (not sure what my body will think of that idea haha). I am actually going to try a Zumba class tomorrow, I am excited but hope I dont re-open my incision doing the exercises

My doctor told me NEVER give up, If I need to go in every week for fills, he would rather have that then not feel restriction. I have 6.5cc in a 14cc band right now, I only feel very slight restriction. I go back in on March 5th for another fill. You owe it to yourself to get back in there, get the fill (and if needed, have the dr do it under flouro to make sure everything is ok with your band) and feel the restriction.

Seeing that I had a flipped port and just had it fixed on Monday I can tell you, to fix t, they open you back up and suture it back in again, my dr did in his office it didn't really hurt but I had the uses bruise ever. It's still very black and blue

Instead of the hiatal hernia route, which you would have symptoms that could be obvious, you can say you are having a diagnostic laparoscopy. It's less invasive than hernia repair and you can say you've been having 'female' problems you were not comfortable discussing. It would also explain the incisions and no one will know the difference

You MUST have an iPhone...because its really making me laugh with the auto correct. When I read this on my phone, my tea almost came out my nose I laughed so hard "Regular spew taste weird to me though." lmbo

I have to say that I LOVE my insurance, they cover my fills with just my $20 co-pay.

I was just teasin Sam....I knew you didnt mean calories...but, hey...what a concept HAHA

OK...I have to just make a correction to this....letting the soda sit for 15 mins does NOT get the calories out (although that would be a fantastic concept...just let your food sit for 15 mins and its calorie free...oh wouldnt that be wonderful!!!)

I have only been banded for 2 months and before my first fill, I had no problems drinking soda at all. Since my fill, what I do is pour the soda over ice, that seems to take some of the carbonation out and as long as I drink it slowly I have no problems. Although, I have cut down from drinking almost a 12 pack of diet coke a day, to MAYBE one a day, which for me is a huge improvement. I drink alot of iced green tea and its just as satisfying for me

cls, everyone loses at a different rate. I am almost 2 months post op, had a delay in getting my first fill due to my port flipping, and I honestly didnt lose anything after surgery. In fact, when I went in to get my port repaired, I had gained 5lbs. Its not the end of the world. I have lost 3 lbs since I had my fill /port repaired on Monday. Until you have your first fill, you may not see any changes. This is not a sprint to lose weight...more like a marathon.