I just wanted to share some experience with self pay banisters or people new to lap band.
I was banded in 2008 and self pay. I flew to Detroit from Maryland for my band and I literally pay my local doctor a fee to fill or unfill my band. He will do pretty much whatever I want cause no insurance is involved.
In the time I have had the band I've lost about 80-85 lbs. but I've completely abused the band. I eat whatever and whenever I want knowing I will vomit or can easily vomit up the food if I choose. I have crazy acid problems at night and will aspirate in my sleep. I never really exercise and rarely gave much thought to the food I put in.
Recently, I found myself at the bathroom of my job vomiting up bright red blood. I cannot tell anyone who has been thought this how frightening it was. What a wake up call! All I could think about was how much I have abused this amazing tool over the years and how it has caught up with me. I knew I didn't really have medical support so I thought I would try to handle this before seeking outside help.
Since then I have made LIFE CHANGES rather than a quick fix like I was doing before. I cut out most meats and breads, this was always hard for me to digest. I really focused on fruits and veg. I stop eating before 7 at night, I never drink alcohol. I began taking an acid reducing tablet before bed and number one, I stopped releying on vomiting up food as a way to stay in control.
I'm no telling anybody who has gone though this not to seek help because you should. But I know how easy it is to fall into these horrible habits and please beware.