3pointers

Unfortunately, I'm self pay, so I need to find the least expensive facility. I've received a few quotes in the $6,000+ range, but would really like to find something closer to $5,000. I'm willing to go to another state, if needed, if someone can recommend a surgeon who is less expensive. I've had the band for almost 8 years and just want it removed. Since I don't have any complications associated with it, my insurance won't pay for the removal. Thank you. Jane

Well, I really meant I don't have major complications like erosion, slippage, or some of the other problems you hear about, which would be covered by insurance. I just have annoying smaller problems. I don't want to deal with the PB issues any longer, even though I eat slowly and take small bites. I have a problem where every time I eat, I develop a cough afterwards for about 1/2 hour, and this coughing then results in my losing most of my meal. I've also had some enamel loss on the back of my teeth due to the slight acid that I have. I really should have never had one to begin with, but you know how we always hope that something will be the "answer". My real problem is not portion control, but actually not eating enough. I eat so little that my metabolism is extremely sluggish. I have no hunger until about 2 to 3pm in the day, and since it's so close to dinner, I just wait until dinner. And since it's not working for me, I don't want to have something in my body that could cause problems in the future, so I just want it out. My husband will be retiring within the next few years, and he has a supplemental benefit that pays for medical expenses not covered by or in excess of our regular medical insurance. So I can use that to help cover some of the costs, but I have to pay out of pocket first and then get reimbursed. Even with this benefit, however, it still won't fully cover it.

I'm so frustrated and angry right now. I'll start by saying that I'm a self pay. I was banded 3/04 in Mexico and everything was fine. Had my first fill down there, and then was able to find a somewhat close doctor in the States for subsequent fills. I never really reached that "sweet" spot and noticed in '08 that I had almost no restriction, but I chose to ignore it because it was so inconvenient getting fills. Last summer, after gaining back 30 pounds, I decided enough was enough and started calling local doctors. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that US doctors are now open to seeing people banded in Mexico. Well, after getting 2 fills, turns out I had a leak. Prior to the surgery to take care of it, the doctor discussed that it was probably the port, but that he would do a procedure (can't remember the name) and check out the band while I was on the table. I told him to do whatever he had to do, including replacing the band if necessary. Well, for reasons unknown to me, he only replaced the port, which did have a definite hole in it and didn't do that procedure to check out the rest of the band. I had to wait 6 weeks for the first fill and did notice restriction. A month later, in October, I had my second post-replacement fill and had good restriction. However, it didn't seem to last long and I went in for my 3rd fill a little over a week ago. I received 3 ccs and the doctor wanted to know if I lived close, because it was a large fill. I should note that I always seem to see different doctors for each fill. So, it's been almost 2 weeks and I have absolutely no restriction. I'm going back this week for another fill and will definitely discuss my lack of restriction at that time. So, my greatest fear is that my band has a leak or the port has a leak. I've spent about $7,000 in the last 6 months and for nothing. Also, my husband told me that the doctor explained the sleeve to him the day of my surgery. As I was sort of out of it due to medication at the time, I don't remember if it was pre or post surgery. If he had even discussed that with me prior to scheduling the surgery, I may have gone that route. Wouldn't have cost all that much more considering the cost of fills and other visits. If it turns out that I have a leak, do I have any recourse with the doctor to take care of it for free or give me a drastically reduced revision to the sleeve? I think he should have checked out the entire system while he was replacing the port as I did tell him to do it and that I would consent to total band replacement if necessary. Of course, if this wasn't noted in my chart, it's my word against theirs. So any suggestions on what I should do?

I was banded by Dr. Kuri almost 3 years ago. I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been a good bandster but I really do want to succeed. It's been probably 2 years since I've had a fill, and I really feel I need another. I had my first one on a return trip to Mexico and my 2nd one in Shelton maybe 6 months later. About a year later, when I called the Shelton office, they sent me somewhere in Olympia. All of these fills were done by fluroscopy, although I don't believe I saw an MD for any of them. They were always performed by assistants/nurses; not sure which. I think this was with Dr. Neal's office. Since it's been a while, I was wondering if any other doctors closer to Seattle provide fluroscopy fills for patients banded in Mexico? Also, are there any doctors that provide other follow-up care such as endoscopies and any other needed services? I'm in Mukilteo. Thanks. TJ