x-post I need help/advice/someone who can understand

[htaylor1021 0]

I need Help/words of wisdom/someone to listen who can understand what I am going through.

First some background. I was banded 8/13/08. I have been having some troubles with my fills for awhile. Every time I went for a fill when they would draw back the Fluid to check the volume, I would have way less than what should be in there. At first we were not concerned because sometimes you can't get it all out, but at this point if I had every cc that they had put in I would have over 12cc's in a realize (9cc) band. (I wouldn't be able to swallow my own spit!) Throughout all this, up until the last couple of months I have been doing fine weight loss wise. I have lost over 50 pounds and gone from a size 24 or 26 to a size 18. Not so much anymore, since January 2nd I have only lost 10 pounds.

Today, they injected contrast dye into my port to check for a leak and you guessed it I have a leak. I kind of knew that I must have a leak although I was hoping for not and I had prepared myself (sort of as much as I could) for the possibilty that they might have to replace my port. But, the leak is not in my port or tubing it is in my actual band. And, even though I thought I was prepared for bad news I really wasn't and I really wasn't expecting this. I am devestated. I am scared. I have worked so hard to get this far.

So now I don't know what to do. I feel real good after a fill for about 3 1/2 weeks, then I lose that comfortable feeling and go back to struggleing with increased hunger. Better than before the surgery, but not like when I have a good fill. At that point when they check the volume before my fill I usually have about 2-2.5cc's. So, I am faced with a decision do I could continue with the way things are now, keep getting fills and just lose really slow, (But my doctor is a little concerned about doing fills too frequently, secondary to the risk of infection) and see how things go, or do I just replace the band? If I just replace the band how does that work? I am at a point where I would no longer qualify for the surgery and as of April 1st my insurance has changed. I know that the new insurance covers lapband surgery but where I had the surgery under another insurance company and I don't weigh enough anymore do I even stand a chance of them covering a new surgery? Oh god, I am so sad and scared. Any advice/words of wisdom would really be appreciated.:smile2:

P.S. As if all this were not enough, I ran over my own cat last night. We don't know if she is going to make it. I am just a basket case right now. I can't stop crying. Everything is getting to me.:frown:

[sexylips 1]

sorry you are going thru all this have you asked your doctor what would be the best way your insurance will cover your new surgery? he should know a way around the insurance company,in the mean time relax its gona be ok god always has answers for us hope you feel better soon if you need someone to talk to feel free to pm me...lol ps hope your cat is ok.

[Chris61 0]

I would go back to your doctor and have him contact the band company and see about getting it replaced. Your companies new insurance shuld cover any problems since they changed it. Again you will need to check but should be covered. What part of Ct are you in? Iam in New Haven and if you have any questions just ask. Plus there are others in here that also get together in the Ct. Area.

Chris

Chris