fsvasquez

I will be contacting my doctor about this tommorow, but I have this burning sensationin my chest around where I believe my band is and I'm a little concerned so I just wanted to get your opinions. I'm able to eat and drink okay so I know it probably isn't slipped. I'm wondering about the possibility of erosion, or even gastric ulcers. I've been under a tremendous amount of stress recently and I'm kind of worried that I've developed ulcers. What happens with the band if it is actually ulcers, and what other possibilities could be causing this burning sensation/pressure? Does this sound like erosion or anything else? I was banded on 05-02-05, but became pregnant in June so I haven't had a fill yet as I just had the baby 5 weeks ago. Thanks for any help you can give me, Sara 232/216/135

It's been happening for about 2 or 3 days. The pressure is there all the time and eating does not seem to have any effect on it, either worsening or relieving it. I am also having the feeling of a lump in my throat, although I'm not sure if this is related.

Well, I tried to call the doctor today, but apparently her office is closed on Fridays. There was an option for "an emergency that cannot wait until the office reopens on Monday" but I don't know if this applies (???) Do you think there's any harm in waiting until then? Sara

I chose a surgeon to perform my surgery and just found out that he charges a $3500-$4000 "aftercare program" fee that is mandatory, not covered by insurance, and due at least 2 weeks before surgery. I thought this sounded extreme and I found another surgeon who charges $750 for basically the same program. The first surgeron told me that this fee covers fills for 2 years, a support group, dietician, and "access to him and his staff." I was told by the office of the new surgeon that fills are usually covered anyway by BCBS if they cover the surgery, and that I shouldn't have to pay for "access" to the staff. I'm just a little confused about all of this and not sure if this is something that every surgeon charges or what. I was wondering if all of you have had to pay some type of fee like this, and if so what did it normally run? Thanks, Sara

Okay, this might be a silly question, but do can you "feel" the band after the surgery? Is there any sensation or uncomfortable feeling that you know it is there, or does it feel the same as before the surgery?

I was wondering how everyone went about finding their doctor. I just found out that my insurance covers the procedure, which I'm shocked about because they won't even cover an office visit with my primary doctor when weight loss is discussed. Anyway, I have the list of doctors who perform the prodecdure in my state from the lap band website, but now I don't know what to do with this. I don't want to just pick a name off the list and none of them are extremely close to where I live. How do I find out how many of these surgeries they have performed and how successful they have been? Thanks

Hi everyone. I am in the researching phase with this procedure and I'm just trying to get as much information as I can. I was wondering how many of you have gone through a pregnancy after having the surgery. I've read that there is no problem with this and that the band is just adjusted to allow you to consume more food during the pregnancy so that you can get enough nutrition for the baby. But I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience with this. Did you have any complications and was there anything unexpected? I have been trying to get pregnant for a while and I know that my weight is part of the problem that I am having getting pregnant. I just don't want anything that would jeopordize a future pregnancy though. Thanks for any help that you can give me. Sara