1st fill after 90 days

LinzerPA · February 8, 2008

Hi All,

I was banded on Dec. 11th - can't get my first fill till the 91st day after surgery (insurance restriction - or so I'm told). Is this normal? My dr. uses fluoroscopy and I understand it costs about $1500 each fill ($500 for the dr. and $1000 for the hospital). I have a 14 cc band so I'm hoping for a good amount added the first time. Right now I feel NO restriction and it's a purely mental challenge for me to cut down on what I'm used to eating.

Anybody's experiences with a larger band appreciated.

coolcrystal · February 8, 2008

Wow, I've never heard of it costing that much.. I thought it was like 300 bucks for fluro... my insurance will pay for mine when I get mine put in later this month.. I just have to pay the 15 dollar copay, but I still think it's like 150 for regular fills and 265 or 300 for fluro.. I could be wrong though.

shortgal · February 8, 2008

The Dr./hospital might not be willing to give you the fill because it's possible that any "aftercare" for 90 days after surgery might be considered part of the surgery and the ins co. won't pay more. If your Dr. and hospital wait the 90 days then they'll get paid.

I'm not positive this is the reason, but it would make sense. Why not call your ins. co. It won;t change anything but at least you'll know the reason.

I think the policy stinks! My Dr's office does the fills in the office ( no floroscope, it takes literally 2 to 5 mins.

Oh and that might be the amount the Dr. or hospital bills the ins co for, but I doubt that's the negotiated amount they receive.

PETA · February 9, 2008

Hi All,
I was banded on Dec. 11th - can't get my first fill till the 91st day after surgery (insurance restriction - or so I'm told). Is this normal? My dr. uses fluoroscopy and I understand it costs about $1500 each fill ($500 for the dr. and $1000 for the hospital). I have a 14 cc band so I'm hoping for a good amount added the first time. Right now I feel NO restriction and it's a purely mental challenge for me to cut down on what I'm used to eating.

Anybody's experiences with a larger band appreciated.

Hi there

I have to say I feel very sorry for you having to wait that long for a fill it is the first time I have heard of a 90 day waiting period for ins/cover. I am also very stunned with what I am reading throughout these posts regarding the fill charges averaging from $250 to $1500. I have not paid anything for my fills they come at no charge FREE with the lapband here in Australia and I am not on a pension or healthcare card but I do have top table insurance maybe that is why. When I got my 14cc band I was told by my surgeon that there would be zero dollars involved and to date have not paid one cent towards this process/band, I guess I must be very lucky because I am completely shocked at all these high figures posted on the board, anyway goodluck I hope all works out well for you. Peta