cost and frequency of fills

Kathi W · June 21, 2006

I am pretty much cluelessd on the subject of 'fills'....would appreciate feedback on the cost of fills, is the cost covered by insurance, how often will I have to be re'filled,' and does the port used for these 'fills' stick through your skin?

Thanks for all your help and info as I navigate down this new road.

Jachut · June 21, 2006

OK, I'm in Australia so my experience re cost is not relevant - I paid a once off fee to my surgeon of $3,000 and this represents my entire out of pocket expense including all aftercare and fills forever.

But with regard to frequence, I have a 4ml band. I had 1 ml put in six weeks after surgery, .1 ml put in four weeks after that, then I went 3 months (by which time I"d lost close to 20kg but was really noticing restriction had dropped markedly), had .3 mil about 4 weeks ago which I felt for a day or two but again, I've got virtually nothing now. I cant eat the wrong foods fast or I back up but if I eat slowly I can eat almost normal preband portions. So on Friday when I'm due to go back I think I'll have more.

So in short, my visits are monthly and I can have a fill if I think I need one at any of those visits. My docs are supportive but not fill happy so its really my decision.

juliek · June 21, 2006

Hi, I have to pay my regular co-pay for fills, which for me is $10. My insurance covers the rest. I can feel my port, but it doesn't stick out so it is not noticible to anyone else.

Kathi · June 21, 2006

My insurance has an exclusion for any WLS, so my fills come out of my pocket. I pay $205 for a fill under fleuro.

Your port is under your skin.

Nana~ · June 21, 2006

I HAD UCH PPO paid 20.00 copays thats it

NOW I have Atena PPO and I have to pay 175.00 PER fill...

I can not wait til it INS changing time at work!

UHC wasn't an option for us this past year

Tricia K. · June 21, 2006

I was a self-pay patient and my follow-up and fills were free for 1 year following surgery. After that, they will cost me $40.

As far as frequency is concerned, it's an individual thing. I have a 4cc band and had my first fill of 1cc at 8 weeks post-op. My 2nd and subsequent fills have been at approx. 6-7 week intervals. It has been my experience that when I lose fat around my abdoment, I lose proper restriction.

Best of luck to you!

DrewsLou · June 21, 2006

I am 7 weeks out and have had 2 fills. The first at 4 weeks 1cc and the second at 7 weeks .5cc. I am self pay and my fills are free for 3 months then $15 after that.

gadgetlady · June 21, 2006

Free fills for life. I have had one so far about every 6 weeks. I'vd had 3 so far but the last one was a bit too much so I did a slight unfill a week later.