youknowit

Brian is nice... i've only met him at the office, never seen or talked to any of the actual doctors. I don't think me going to a support group is a good idea, since i'm a the other end of the spectrum, and it's not a positive place for those moving towards getting the band. Anyways, I'd love to know more about your experience, etc. Did you go through insurance? Please feel free to write on here or PM me. It would be good to know someone with first-hand knowledge, which I don't have much of as far as Atkinson goes... yet. :thumbup:

how has your process been with Atkinson's office? I'm considering going to them to have my band removed (their the only people my insurance will pay for, although not much). Just wondering what your thoughts are. Thanks!

I have to second what WASa is saying here... I had my band surgery with Huacuz... and I have a leak. Ok, so he didn't poke a hole in my band, it's the POS band that is broken; however, ALL doctors have SOME problems, no matter how good they are. This should not be something that is hidden. All I can say is do your homework. You decide based on whatever. But I must say if it's PRICE you're basing your decision on, please reconsider that; regardless of the doc.

How does this work? It doesn't seem like this would make sense, but if this is true, that's very cool! :confused:

anyone have updated pricing information?

I know this is off topic, but can you tell me more about the M&M procedure (what does that standfor), and how I can learn more? Why is he getting this specific surgery? Hope to hear back, and best to your husband on his surgery. :smile2:

Hi Seattlelight -- No, this isn't normal, and no, you're not alone. Please keep us posted on your situation. Do you know for sure where you leak is at or coming from? I hope it's an easy fix for you... Feel free to email me anytime, I've been in this spot for over 8 months now, NOTHING in my band, leak ON the band... Anyways, hang in there! :laugh:

Can you tell me what the "rules" are for eating... the time, the reasons, etc? I'm still researching the sleeve, converting from my current band. Sorry if this wasn't the right place to ask, but I thought you might have some insight to share. Thanks! :thumbup:

if you don't mind me asking, do you have private insurance or through work, and what company? :thumbup:

Hey there! I'm in a bit of a different situation than you are, as I'm trying (unsuccesfully) to get my leaking/broken band REMOVED, and I've gotten the same thing. The ONLY office my insurance (HMO-gggrrr) will allow me to go to asked for $3000 UP FRONT to even see me, because I didn't have my band with their office. We went round and round, let's just say I didn't pay the $3k. I did pay $300 out of pocket just to walk in the door (according to the office and my insurance, they don't pay for "consults", grrr again)... where they told me once I had my "consultation" that my copay WITH insurance to have the band removed is, I hope you're sitting down... $11,000. Shocking, and insane. They told me, after going round and round that if I didn't get my band "replaced" they could knock of the cost of a new band, but that my surgery, just for removal, would still cost ME $9000. WITH INSURANCE. My "insurance" says they will pay up to $5000 FOR LIFE regarding bariatric surgery. We all know that isn't even gonna scratch the surface. They told me getting my band removed is my best choice, because if I get it replaced... I won't have any further coverage (EVER) if there is a problem. TOTALLY BS... grrr again. So... I don't know what to do either. Everyone (Allergan, my doc, the doc here, etc) keep saying "you can just leave the band there, it's not hurting you"... which may, or may not be the case, physically. It is hurting me mentally; I'm so tired of this battle, and I just want this thing OUT! I wish you the best of luck in your journey... the band DOES work (as long as it doesn't break). :thumbup:

if you don't mind me asking... who did you go to, and what did you pay? :biggrin:

Hi there RedTulips -- In my many months of researching the "leak situation" etc, I did come acrossed someone else who had this same problem as you did... I guess Allergan calls that a "bubble", which like you said, the saline congregates in one spot, and can't evenly distribute itself. The lady I know who had this problem is STILL dealing with them on this. They did make her have a fluoroscopy, etc, and want her to have an Allergan representative in the OR during her surgery. She STILL is going to pay for all of this upfront, so she hasn't had the re-do surgery yet, because she can't afford it. Very odd that a number of people with the LAST generation band are having these "Bubble Junction" "Leak" etc... issues. Hope you are well! - :sad_smile:

And you are right... this is a mechanism, it can break, and it does. Although I would consider myself an anomaly, after 2 1/2 years my band sprung a big leak, holds nothing, and I am gaining slowly. I'm doing my research going towards getting a revision to a sleeve, as I don't want to gain all the weight back, and I'm fairly certain I DO NOT want another band that can break. I never had any other issues, lost 80 pounds with the band, and then it blew up in my face... I understand the back-and-forth you're feeling about what to do... keep the band, or get the sleeve, or? It's tough. For me, it's just a matter of time before I MUST do something, and I will be self-paying (again) so I want to make the best, most educated, long-term decision that I can. Best wishes -- :pray2:

Oblong... you can do this! I went through all of these same feelings before making my final decision. And, although my band is broken, and no longer functions, I still do NOT regret my decision. Don't worry about what you can't have in the future, because a lot of that has to do with what you can handle individually. I've had a glass of champagne, sometimes I was able to eat a few bits of bread, but I'll tell you this... I don't miss the cracked out feeling of wanting a soda so bad, and the crappy feeling after I had one, PRIOR to the band. Not having had soda all this time is a blessing. I'm an ice Water and iced tea (no sugar) kind of gal now, and I enjoy that. Anyways, if you need a shoulder or a person to bounce off of, that's why we are all here. Hang in there! You'll do what's best for you. :Dancing_biggrin:

PAMRN - Did you go through with getting the sleeve, and how is everything going? :Dancing_biggrin:

excited to see how this goes for you. i'm sure it will be great! keep us posted. :Dancing_biggrin:

i'm excited to hear how everything goes for you. i am considering a revision at this point, because my band has a leak, and hasn't held any fluid in almost 6 months. anyways, you go girl! :Dancing_biggrin:

Hi there. Update: Not a good situation. I still have the broken, leaking/empty band. This is becoming VERY complicated and maddening. I'll get to the most recent/worst part thus far... I went to a new doc on Friday, the only one my insurance would let me see for a consult (which, even with insurance, I had to pay $300 for ONE 15 minute office visit, but anyways)... I was told by this doctor that I can have my current band removed, no problem, however, it is unlikely that my insurance will pay ANYTHING to replace the band, because I am no longer "fat" as he put it. He told me he has run into this one other time recently, and that he is still battling for that person, but it's not likely the insurance will budge. This is soooooooo maddening, and insane! Almost six months now with this broken band, and counting. Up 17 pounds (which I'm surprised isn't more). Just hanging on by a thread everyday, my mental health (stress/anxiety) is really not good. So... I would be happy to share the rest (there's more to this), but would rather not share it all here. Feel free to PM me or email me, and I'll give you the full scoop. (There a side of this that has to do with Allergan as well.) I am SO glad to hear that you were able to get this solved! Congrats! Cross your fingers and toes for me! I need a miracle. :biggrin:

hi anne. please PM or email me through here, and we can talk directly. you are NOT the only person. and it appears this is starting to happen more and more. i would really like to talk with you.

are you having a leak as well? do you know anyone who does? please let us know. -

What was the outcome? Did you have a leak? Please feel free to PM me. Thanks!

hi there. update on your situation? how did this all work out? i'm still in the "have a band, have a leak, need removed" situation. i am going to try to go to my PCP and hope they will refer me to have it removed. my insurance also does not pay for WLS, but like you said... this is a complication, not WLS. -- Any advice would really help. THanks!

anyone on this thread ever have a leak, or have their band removed because of a leak IN the band? i'm trying to find out what that's all about... i have a leak.

Millie Miller -- I would demand a fluoroscopy to see if there is a leak, especially if after what smilin apple mentioned. I had this done, massive leak. Please let me know what happens.

bumping this up, hoping someone will respond...