BlackCatLady

Thanks, greyhoundmom! It really does help to know that I'm not alone with the problems and struggles I've had! I joined my local Jazzercise class and went tonight for the first time! It felt great! I'm going to take it one day at a time -- go to classes at least 3 times a week, and maybe four and once I get on the exercise habit high, I may get the guts to go in and get a fill. Oh and btw -- I love that you love the grey hounds --personally I've never had one, always thought they were great looking dogs, though! We have a "basset brigade" -- we have 5 bassets (a mom, 3 of her babies that are 2-1/2 years old, and a stray a neighbor brought over), plus a couple of mutts! Luckily we have a VERY large yard!!!

Thanks for the reply. We did check into Cobra -- it's 4 times what our normal payments were, so it's out of reach. My doctors' fill are only $75 without insurance, so they're OK. I'm just worried about having problems with the band and ending up in the hospital and how to cover it then. (Already had to go into the hospital for a revision). I'm afraid to get any fills, though, for fear of problems and no insurance.

Does anyone know of an insurance company that will take over and cover, i.e. the fills for my lapband, etc? We lost coverage when my husband changed jobs and I'm wondering if there's any coverage out there that's affordable that will cover my fills? Thanks for any info!

I had the lapband done 2 years ago. I had success for the first 6 months, dropping almost 50 pounds. I didn't realize the problems associated with and things that could affect the band. I started waking up with fluid coming up and coughing and choking, as well as the heartburn. After putting up with this for a while and getting no relief, I went to my doctor. At first they gave me pills to relieve severe heartburn, stating I had some sort of gastro itis (???) problem. With still no relief, I went back and they took some fluid out, stating that the change in weather can affect the band. I had immediate relief. I went back 2 weeks later and had the fluid put back in. Within a couple of weeks, the same thing started all over again. This was the beginning of a long battle. Over the course of the next year and a half, it was take some fluid out; put some back in; take it all out; put some back in a couple of times; take a little out; take it all out.....I just couldn't get back to that perfect "sweet spot" I'd had before after my initial 3rd fill. I ended up stretching the pouch (a couple of times) and after the "in and out fill" rollercoaster, I had a revision surgery where they took out the old band and put in a new one. So I've essentially started over. That was 3 months ago and I'm scared to death to go get a fill now, for fear I will screw it up and stretch the pouch! But yet, I'm gaining weight and am desperately looking for help! Can anyone help me? I feel like such a failure.:thumbup: