Question on frequency after one year

[cartermc 0]

Hi all,

My question is for those that have been banded for at least one year.

How often did you have to have your band readjusted after the one year mark?

I'm trying to chose between two hospitals which both have qualified surgeons but the after care program seems to be the big thing. The one that people seem to like that has lifetime follow up does not include fills and they cost $250 per fill. Where the other hospital includes one year of follow up in their program and it includes fills for one year and then after that its $125 per fill. What do you think?

Thanks,

Melinda

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

Hi all,

My question is for those that have been banded for at least one year.

How often did you have to have your band readjusted after the one year mark?

I'm trying to chose between two hospitals which both have qualified surgeons but the after care program seems to be the big thing. The one that people seem to like that has lifetime follow up does not include fills and they cost $250 per fill. Where the other hospital includes one year of follow up in their program and it includes fills for one year and then after that its $125 per fill. What do you think?

Thanks,

Melinda

WOW! I would definately choose the one with fills for a year. I had a hard time getting to where I needed to be and had a total of 9 fills/unfills the first year, and 2 since then. BUT it depends alot on the quality of care at both!

[cartermc 0]

It's going to be hard to choose. They both have nice staff that answered my questions quickly. Well, the one thing I found out about the lifetime follow up is for the dietician, exercise person, doctor visits that don't involve the fill, and after care programs such as support groups. I did talk to the dietician this AM and she had some good things to say.

What do you think?

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

It's going to be hard to choose. They both have nice staff that answered my questions quickly. Well, the one thing I found out about the lifetime follow up is for the dietician, exercise person, doctor visits that don't involve the fill, and after care programs such as support groups. I did talk to the dietician this AM and she had some good things to say.

What do you think?

WOW that does make it sound even better. I always see my dietician at my clinic though, so that should be a given anywhere! You can find support groups for free too. So that leaves the exercise person, is it worth it to you ? Will you use them?

I would talk to the other place and tell them your predicatment, and see what they say! lol...they may have other things to offer as well that you aren't thinking of!

[juliegeraci 7]

I had at least 5 fills my first year. If my surgeon gave me the choice of a year of fills or $250 out of pocket I would have chosen the one with a year follow up. It is really expensive. My fills were $200 each and $200 forever.

[cartermc 0]

See...this is why I love this forum! You presented me with a question I hadn't thought of to ask. So, I called the hospital that offers the one yr free. So, it is one year free follow up that includes the following:

1. fills/ unfills - and after one year its $150

2. routine visits

3. dietician - after one year if I need this it will cost me

4. no exercise person

So, the questions becomes does anyone really use the exercise person? If I were honest with myself, I feel I'd use the dietician more than I'd use the exercise person and I'd probably only use the dietician until I felt comfortable with the band and how different things effect me and my weight loss. Does that make sense?

Anymore questions you think I should consider?

Melinda

[Wheetsin 714]

I would pick the hospital that you get th best vibes from. Peace of mind is worth a lot.

I know many people who went the "free fills" route, and dislike the aftercare program so much that they're not wanting to go get their free fills. Not a good bargain, is it?

I've never heard of an exercise person through a surgeon's program. I have heard of a psychologist, which you don't mention, but everyone here could benefit from (a good one). Might want to ask about that as well.

[cartermc 0]

Wheetsin,

I'm not sure on the shrink for the one that includes the free fills. Just like anything there are the people that have used both places and they sing praises for both. Right now I'm getting all my insurance info and sleep study done and then I'll go to both places to their seminars and "feel" it out. You are right that the vibe will be a big part for me.

Thanks,

Melinda