Depressed!

soon2bskinny · September 13, 2003

Well, I drove all the way to Nashville (3 hours) to have my second fill only to be told that the nurse in Dr. Morton's office could not do it. I had spoken to her twice on the phone and she told me if she could not find my port she would send me to the hospital to do it under x-ray. When I asked how much she told me she didn't know but the hospital would bill me. When I got there on Thursday she was delayed in surgery, they had already called and tried to reschedule and I refused because I had driven so far. She couldn't feel my port but I don't believe she tried or desired to. I can feel it when I lay down so I am sure she could have. She said it was too deep to do it in the office. I respect that and it did not upset me but the fact that she didn't tell me over the phone that they charge $350 to do the fill at the hospital and the hospital charges $450 really made me mad. Especially considering I had asked her that over the phone and she knew I was driving a long ways to boot. Anyway, I have been terribly depressed. I now have a fill scheduled in Dalton for Wednesday but I hate that it costs around $800 to do it here. I was sure looking forward to paying the $150!!! Hopefully this will last me like my last one. It has been three months since I had a fill but it has been about three weeks since I have needed one. I will ask for an aggressive fill this time. Perhaps 4cc since I have the 11cm band. I only got 3cc my first fill. Wish me luck!

Thanks for all the support!

Sarah · September 13, 2003

Hi Soon2bskinny!

This probably won't cheer you up much, but I think the doctors in the US a ripping everyone off! I had my first fill in my doctor's office last week (also have the 11 cm band, originally filled to 4cc now contains 5, but probably should be more) and he charged me 60 Euros, which is about 60 Dollars! Earlier in the week I had a Barium swallow x-ray session, which was very thorough, and that cost me 149 Euros (149 Dollars). So, even with a full set of x-rays plus a fill, the total was just over 210 Euros(Dollars).........

For goodness sake, the fill is only injecting saline using a needle! How much do they charge for a vaccination?

Sorry you've had a lousy experience.............. Good luck with your new appointment and let's hope it lasts you as long as you need!

Cheers,

Sarah (in France)

leo · September 13, 2003

I went back to Tijuana for my fill. The total was $250 for airfare, $150 for fill and $220 for 2 days stay at the hotel.

And I got to enjoy 2 days in Mexico which was really cool.

soon2bskinny · September 13, 2003

Thank you for your kind words. I know it is terrible how much they charge. Of course, if the doctor had done my surgery it would be much cheaper. As if I need some reminder that my insurance wouldn't pay. I have checked into going back to Mexico but I am going to spend about the same for the travel expenses and have to take time from work. Thanks for the suggestion though. I do plan to go back for my 1 yr Anniversary though.

glenda6 · September 14, 2003

That is such a lot of money, I don't know how they can justify it really - specially when it takes 3 minutes or less. My doctor here in Australia only ends up costing $55 - which is like $34US per fill - that is no comfort to you I know. I would put something in writing to whoever is in charge of the nurse and perhaps that may help.

Glenda

soon2bskinny · September 15, 2003

Thanks Glenda,

I guess the frustration has passed now. I have an appt. for Wednesday and although it is a lot more money I am just happy to be getting a fill. I haven't lost any weight in about three weeks. I am more than ready to start losing again.

Thanks again for everybody's support.