smammas

Does anyone else think that $450 for a simple fill (no fluro) is excessive? My husband and I both had lap band fills and just got bills dating back to Nov 2007 for every fill and unfill we have had since then. The original charge had been $50 which we paid, and now they changed the amount due to $450 for each visit. Anyone else have this happen? We were self-pay and had a certain number of fills included, but apparently after those were used, they decided to stick it to us! Any advice on how to handle this would sure be appreciated. To make matters worse, I had to have my band removed because of a slippage--I'm just sick about that! Frustrated in PA:mad:

Yes, that's right. They never, ever told us that fills would be $450. They just asked for $50 every time we checked out.

I did have my lap band removed on Monday and came home from the hospital yesterday. I know I did not have a choice. As I said in my earlier post, the reflux was unbearable. As it turns out, the band and the port were still stitched in the right place, but the stomach had slipped up through the band and part of it was laying over on its side. That is why the reflux and acid was so bad-everything was just staying in the pouch and not going through correctly. To make things worse, I got home from the hospital and found a disconcerting letter from my insurance company. Basically they said, I was authorized for the surgery, but they did not know if they would cover it or how much they would cover until they saw the medical notes afterwards. There's nothing I can do about that right now. I had to have the surgery, so we'll just have to face whatever bills come in when they do. I was glad that I was able to hit the -80 pound mark before the surgery. So, I am thankful that I had the band as long as I did and I'm pretty sad about losing it. The doctor was definite that I should not be rebanded and is hopeful that I can continue my weight loss with the help of an appetite suppresent I was on when I had my band un-filled and with hard work and exercise. Of course, I am very hopeful, but I am also realistic and I'm really scared I can't do it. There are so many people now that know what has happened to me and are going to be watching me and judging me even more. People who don't have a weight problem just do not understand what it is like. Many think having the band is the easy way out and somehow cheating and you are not losing weight on your own. For me, having the band was difficult for the whole 20 months I had it. It was not easy and never worked properly. Most of the time I had no fill in it because I couldn't eat anything when I had it filled. So now I feel like some who know me are watching closely to see how I handle this. I know most of them want to see me succeed but I really think they don't believe I can. I'm not so sure I can, either-because I know I never have in the past (without the help of the band). Anyway, the surgery was much easier than when I had the band put in. Probably the 80 pound weight loss made a difference. I am having the gas pains in the shoulders that I never had before and I'm a little sore, but I have not had pain medication since the recovery room, so that part is better. So far I'm on liquids, except I cheated and had a few saltine crackers, and then will gradually move to regular food. I haven't had anything solid for weeks now and I'm really looking forward to eating again. And that scares me, too, because I'm afraid I'll not be able to control myself. For those of you who are Christians, please pray for me. I know God allowed this to happen for a reason. I just pray that I can be a good witness of His presence in my life and show His strength in my weakness. I'll try to keep my profile updated. It is so encouraging for me to read of others' success after the band. I hope I'll be like that, as well.

I am so glad to read your posts. I am supposed to get my band removed this coming Monday. I have so much fear about that right now because I don't want to gain my weight back. I know the doctor has told me that they'll help with appetite suppressents, etc, but I'm so afraid. I know what I was like before the band. I was just starting to see real success. I've lost 75 pounds, but still have about 80 to go. I have just gotten into clothing in the regular department - out of the plus sizes- and I am so afraid of going back. Aside from all that, how is the surgery compared to getting the band in? How long is the recovery? I'm supposed to fly across the country in 2 weeks to see my first grandchild and I don't want to miss it. Did your reflux problem begin to clear up immediately? I'm really anxious to hear what others have to say. Thanks.

I have had my band about a year and a half. About 6 months ago I began having problems with swallowing and reflux, so eventually all the fill was taken out of my band. After being on Prilosec, Reglan, and Carafate, eventually things calmed down. Still no fill, however. Now, it is worse than ever. I've been sick with fever, chills, and reflux so bad that I can't lay down at all. It comes up violently through my mouth and nose. I'm coughing and wheezing because I've aspirated it and now have pneumonia-started out as bronchitis a few weeks ago. Is there anything I can do?????? I'm desperate! I feel awful! I just can't take this much longer. Angela Banded 2/19/07 313/236/155

Update: I talked to my weight loss doctor today and it looks like we are going to start moving toward band removal. I have to finish up the antibiotics I'm on for the pneumonia and the big question is, will insurance pay for the removal. In the meantime, I'm back to liquids only and on a different antacid. I have mixed emotions about having the band removed. On one hand, I can't stand to live like this and be in pain and get no sleep. But....I've come so far with the band and am just starting to notice real results. I don't want to lose that! Maybe I'll have a miraculous recovery from this bout and can continue...I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the support. Angela