mesaucy

I had the band placed October 29th, first fill Nov. 29th, had trouble finding port, thought they accessed port, but I felt no restriction. Port was accessed in January for the first time (after a 15 min. ordeal), then my port flipped. Had surgery on March 16th, to flip it back, site was very bulbous and swollen. On the first MD visit after the revision the steri-strips were removed, site had large amt. of blood tinged fluid leaking for 3 hours after leaving MD's office (soaked up 3 large abdominal pads). Site decreased in size after leakage, then stopped leaking. 4 days later went for a fill under fluoroscopy, MD pulled out over 20 cc bloody fluid from lower abd. Now my site is back swollen and bulbous, he told me I had a seroma (fluid filled area), now I think its back, because the site is swollen and bulbous again. Has anyone had this problem. In some of the information they say I may need a drain, if the fluid keeps coming back...I do not want that. My stomach is big, and it's not gas

I have a question, I hear everyone saying that they have been on a pre-op diet for 1-3 weeks, but my doc told me just clears for 24 hours, why havent I been put on a pre-op diet? Is it due to me not having a gall bladder? Also were you outpatient or did you stay overnight, my doc stated they will not know until after the surgery if I stay or leave the same day. I have been watching you-tube for people who had the lap band, and so far the one constant thing they have said is that you need to eat correctly. I will be banded on Oct 28th, I am excited and nervous, because I know this is a life change, but I am starting to question is my mind ready for it? I am still some foods that are bad for me.....I know I can do this.....but am i mentally prepared?

Hello Cindy, Dr. Higa, Boone, and Muhammed take this insurance they are in Fresno, ca, and I heard they are the best. But they do let you know which insurance plans are better like denials and approvals, and what you need to do.

I am in the 3rd month of my medically supervised diet, my 6 months will be up Aug 19th, but I do not want to wait until September for my consult with the surgeon. I have my blood test done, my psychologist appt is june 18th, and all my pre-op will be done, when should I meet with the surgeon (maybe July) so that once Aug 16th comes, they can send off my paperwork the next day for insurance approval. Can you give me some ideas on how to approach this. I just do not want to wait until November or December for the surgery. I would like to have the surgery in September if possible. The surgeon will not submit to insurance until after Aug 16th, which will be my 6 months. I have blue shield HMO in california, Sante physicians group......any suggestions?

Just a question, how did you get your surgery date before you finished the 6 month diet, and have they pre-qualed you. I thought once you finish the diet, then apply to insurance, then they approve, then you get a surgery date?

Hello Cindy, I also have Blue Shield HMO California, and I am currently in my 3rd month of the 6 month medically supervised diet. I also have to do a psych evaluation, and medical exam. I wish they would have told me this in November 07, when I first asked for a referral, my 6 mo. would have been up in April 08, now I have to wait until August. but that is okay. I am really thinking can I do this on my own, you really cannot eat the same especially carbs. Can anyone who has had the band tell me what you can tolerate after?

I have blue shield ca- sante physicians group, and was told a 6 month supervised diet is necessary. The insurance company itself did not know what I was talking about. I have a 15 year history of weight loss attempts, have been on weight watchers for 1 year with weight fluctuations, and will submit my 10 year weight history, do I really need to wait another 6 months, my bmi is 47 with no co-morbidities? If i go ahead and submit before my six months is up, can I resubmit after my 6 months medically supervised diet is over? Can anyone guide me please!!!!!

Will I have to switch to BC/BS PPO to get approved? <p>Will I have to switch to BC/BS PPO just to get the lap band, or has anyone had the procedure with a HMO?</p>