disappointed with Lap band

[jhpowell 0]

Was banded by Dr Carson Liu last September and have gained over 20 pounds. My first and last fill was several months ago. I wanted to go back but they sent me a bill $450 for my first fill which I thought was free. I live north of San Francisco and this MD is down in LA. I would like to find an MD closer. Any suggestions? I am wishing I never spent the money on this procedure since I have gained.

[HelenC 0]

It sounds more like you're disappointed with your band doctor, rather than your band! Were you private pay?

[momlambert 77]

Sorry about your troubles! It does sound like your doctor has let you down--I'm new to this (and self-pay also) but my doctor does include the first year of fills in his price and says that you may not lose any weight until you get properly filled. It sounds like your band is not adjusted correctly for you and it may take a few fills to get it right. people on here talk about the "sweet spot"--most say it takes awhile to get there and then even losing weight can change it so you need to continually get fills. My doctor offers the 2nd year and onward of fills for $250/year. You might want to find a doctor willing to offer a similar program. I couldn't possibly pay what you did for each filling, knowing it may take a long time to reach the sweet spot. Good luck to you!

[*susan* 1,709]

I agree with HelenC, it is not the band that failed you, but your doctor. Did you discuss the cost of fills with him prior to getting the band? Did you get anything in writing about what the fills would cost?

Hopefully you can find a different fill doctor with more reasonable rates. It usually does take 2-3 fills before one reaches optimum restriction with the band. Once you get there, you will be very happy with it and your weight loss.

I hope you are able to find a fill doctor and continue on the road to a healthier you.

[tracew 2]

Here's the thing....I too was self pay. I paid 15000 for the procedure and unlimited consultation and fills forever! I can even have my band relocated if the sternum becomes too close....they will even replace the band if it were to fail. I don't get what you guys are going through at all! My doc in Ontario included it all in the original cost. It may not be this way now I suppose, but it sure was when I was banded, good luck everyone.

POPT

Tracey

[Dedee 0]

Check out www.fillcentersusa.com

I found it while doing research for myself.

[Jachut 487]

I think its a fill/doctor issue too - I'd had about 4 fills on six weekly schedules by the time I was 6 months banded and had lost about 60% of my excess weight. Of course, it costs me nothing in Australia, its way easier to use the band properly when the aftercare doesnt send you broke.

Hopefully someone from here can help you find something a bit more user friendly.

[juliegeraci 7]

Dr. Robert McKeen is really good here in San Jose, CA. You should give him a call. His fills are $200 if you have surgery with him. Not sure how much if you don't have surgery with him. Its worth a call.

[hellybelly 0]

Hi. It sounds like the problem is with your consultant. I'm sure if you start a new thread asking if anyone knows where you can get fills done locally to you at a reasonable cost you will get lots of help. I live in the UK, so sorry this is all the advice i can give. good luck! don't give up.

[flabuless 18]

jhpowell

sorry to hear of your situation...I cant help with suggestions cause I am all the way in New Zealand however, I just wanted to pop by and say I was thinking of you.

becky