colomomof3

The doctor charges a flat fee and has some type of deal with everyone involved. He does not deal with any types of insurance;hence me trying to figure it out on my own. I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle but I'm not ready to give up yet.

Hi everyone, I self-paid for my surgery in July but was told by my insurance company that they would pay for it. Of course it is never that easy! I have to fill out the claim for myself as the surgeon I used charges a flat fee and does not deal with insurance. Any help or ideas? I have the CPT code for the lap-band surgery. Do I need to add a code for anesthesiology? Other ideas? I'm not even sure what to put in as charges since there was 1 flat fee paid. Any advice or anyone have the codes they used on hand? I appreciate any and all help. Thanks!!

Has anyone ever had their doctor go through a blood vessel while getting a fill? My doctor said he went through one on my first fill and I'm black and blue. It did not hurt at all just wondering if this has ever happened to anyone else? He acted surprised. Also, does anyone else ever have a hard time figuring out when they have had enough of a fill? I had a super hard time telling when water started going down differently. Thanks!

I have my first fill this Friday. I'm so nervous, yet excited to get the first one out of the way and fear no more. I watched my sister have a fill with Dr. K and she did not even flinch, I hope the same for me! My fears are not knowing when enough is enough. Having the band be too tight and having to return. I live in Colorado but still not close enough to make me not worry. Any advice? Patty--I watched your video, what an inspiration! This thread is so helpful and motivating! Dana

I think it is different for everyone. I was banded on July 16th. I had very minor gas pain, with none in my shoulders. I slept in bed from the first night post-op. I'm a stomach sleeper and it took a bit to get used to. By the 3rd night I was able to do a modified side sleep and as of last night was able to sleep easily on my side. I was able to bend over since the first night post-op and it has gotten easier each day. Good luck, you will do great! :bolt:

I was banded last Friday, July 16th, and everything was going great. As of last night I have been getting a terrible pain in the right side of my upper stomach, right below my ribs. It can be so painful that it is hard to walk. I'm pretty sure it is not gas pains (or gallbladder) as it feels almost like a stitch in my side. I only feel the pain when I'm up walking, not when I'm lying down or sitting. I called the surgeons office today and she said that most people complain about the left side--something to do with nerve endings. Has anyone else dealt with this? They said if it keeps happening I'm going to have to go back and see the Dr. (100 mi away). It has made me very nervous--what could it be? Hope someone has advice. Thanks in advance.

Hi all, I was super nervous today and even had a couple of short crying spells. Just want to let everyone know that has upcoming surgeries that it is so much better than I imagined. I'm in very minor pain, the worst is trying to get up out of the bed. Once I'm up it is all good. I did a ton of reading on this site and it helped me so much. Just wanted to reassure all of you that will be banded soon! Also if anyone is considering Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, CO.--he is wonderful and the surgery center is awesome. Now on to the losing....:cool: Dana

I have my surgery today too. Good luck!!

Thanks for the reassurance Marie. My sister had surgery with Dr. K last year and has only wonderful things to share. Now if I can only lose 100+ like her!

I'm having surgery this Friday (16th) with Dr. K. I can't wait, but I'm super nervous. It has been wonderful reading about all of your successes! Can't wait to join you with successes of my my own. Dana

My date is July 16th. I can't wait for the surgery to be over and on my weight loss journey. Good luck to everyone that is having upcoming surgeries!