Fills From Someone Else, Someplace Else?

[Shelleymb 75]

I'm still doing the research, but has anyone ever had their fills by someone other than the one who did their surgery? Like the first few fills? I'm having surgery in December, but there is a chance I will be in Japan the months that follow the surgery, I have found a place that does the lap band and have sent an inqury email, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has done this. And what did you tell your surgeon?

[poconomom61 1]

So far, I haven't even been able to find a doctor who will see me. My original surgery was 3 years ago and only 12 pounds lost. I want to see another doc since my doc told me I'm at max fill. But they won't touch me. Good luck, I hope u find someone.

[Shelleymb 75]

I think it will be a bit easier for me since I will be trying to get a fill in Japan, health care is totally different there. I had a root canal there in January, walked right in, told them my tooth hurt and got it done for 45 bucks. America abuses health insurance and doctors are afraid of being sued. We have a twisted society. I'm curious to what people do who have their LB surgeries in Mexico and such.

[poconomom61 1]

Wow, that is amazing. I definitely agree health care in the US is ridiculous. The insurance companies have all our lawmakers in their pockets. Good luck to you.

[Cycle4life 17]

Hello,

I just has a fill today by a different doctor in Virginia. I just took in my Operative Report and they have me a fill. It was a little expensive since I did not have done through them but I had my surgery done in Mexico and can not affor to be flying there. It went well.

Audie

[Shelleymb 75]

Hello,

I just has a fill today by a different doctor in Virginia. I just took in my Operative Report and they have me a fill. It was a little expensive since I did not have done through them but I had my surgery done in Mexico and can not affor to be flying there. It went well.

Audie

Thank you, I figured that if I do end up going to Japan, I will just take with me a copy of my medical records from the hospital regarding my Band. I just really don't want to turn down the trip to Japan, but I also don't want to wait on the band. I'm selfish I guess.

[honk 780]

I would make sure your US doctor will take you back after you've been treated by another doctor.

[Shelleymb 75]

I would make sure your US doctor will take you back after you've been treated by another doctor.

She actually told me today that she would help me find one in Japan, to make sure they were good.

[Mxmom740 9]

I had my surgery done in Mexico on 4/13/12. I have had 2 fills done in my band through a practice in St. Louis who agreed to provide my aftercare. I pay cash for it ($400 initial consult/exam/1st fill under fluroscopy) & $250 (exam/fill under fluroscopy), but have been very pleased w/ my care. My surgeon provided me w/ my post-op report which I gave to my family doctor & to my aftercare center.

While researching a follow-up facility, I did find that many places will not provide care if they did not do your initial surgery ~

[Cocoabean 430]

She actually told me today that she would help me find one in Japan, to make sure they were good.

This says it all, for me. How long will you be in Japan? Would it be possible, if you cannot get a fill, to just postpone the first fill until your return? There is no harm to having an empty band. It doesn't help much either. I postponed my first fill a month due to a planned cruise. I did not want the risk of problems with only a ship's doctor to count on for an unfill. Even without the fill, I managed to lose a pound while on a 10-day Panama Canal Cruise.

[Cazzy 725]

I think cocoabean is right there wouldnt be much harm if u left your band empty for the few months u are away, having said that many in the UK go to Belgium for their surgery , like u have people go to Mexico, and they have fills done here in the UK, its not an issue if your original surgeon supports this

[honk 780]

If you doctor is willing to help you find a doctor in Japan I would feel comfortable with that. Japan is after all a first world country.

My mother had hip surgery with a procedure that is very common in Japan/Europe/Australia but still very new here in the US.