bluetigereyes

I work in Patient Accounts for a hospital, most of your deductible will be applied to the physicians bill since they typically get their claim in to the insurance first. If your deductible is under $1,000, the hospital may not ask for it up front, but to be safe, call the hospital and ask what their policy is.

I am scheduled to have my port flipped back over on Monday the 13th, The doctor is going to do it in his office, and hopefully do my fill at the same time. the end of this speed bump is in sight, thank goodness

I'm disappointed and want to cry! I was so excited to get my first fill and finally feel some restriction in my band. I went to the doctor on the 1st for my fill, and he could not access my port. He tried over and over (and my stomach is bruised to show it!!!). So, when he figured my port was flipped, he sent me to get an x-ray to confirm his suspicion. And, yep, its flipped. So, I ask, whats next? He told me if it was flipped, he would get me in today (Friday the 3rd) to open the area up and flip the port, do the fill and have a happy me. Well, I talk to his office today and the scheduler is putting me off, saying he cant do it today (even though he told me he would even do it in the office if needed), I have a good friend coming out next week for her birthday, so I cant go have this done while she is here, and so it looks like I am being put off for almost 2 WEEKS. I'm so disappointed, I'm trying to sit at work and look like I'm fine, but I just want to cry. I keep telling myself this is just a minor speed bump in my journey, but darn it, I dont like speed bumps!!! Why is it that having the port flip is not a common complication, but if its going to happen, its going to happen to me???? UGH can I just scream now?

Well, I have my date (FINALLY) to have my port flipped back over. Monday, I go in to have the port fixed and get my first fill (again...FINALLY). I have gone through all the emotions, mad, sad, happy, depressed...and that was just in the first day I found out my port was flipped and couldnt get my fill. Well, I'm doing much better now and know that I am in good hands...this is just a minor speed bump. I'm just really hoping my dr does my fill at the time he opens me up to fix my port so I dont have to wait even longer the feel some restriction. I was banded on 12/22, and was really hoping that I could have been able to lose more by now, but since surgery, I have actually gained 3 lbs. I just want to be back on the road to 'loserville' and reach 'goalville' as soon as possible

I know that feeling! I got the confirmation that the port is indeed flipped. But the hospital's procedure room is booked until the end of March. I dont know what is going to happen yet or when I can get my fill at this point. I work in a hospital too, so I feel your pain!!!

I have talked to my dr office quite a bit in the past few days. The x-ray did confirm that the port is flipped, now they have to find an opening in the procedure room at the hospital, and at this point looks like it is booked until the end of March. So, I dont know when I will be getting my first fill...its quite disappointing to say the least!!!

Thanks everyone. I am feeling better today, still disappointed but I know that its just temporary. I guess everything happens for a reason. I am heading out to Sun Valley Idaho for the weekend and on Tuesday my friend is coming to visit for a week, so maybe it was just meant that I have no restriction while she is here. I dont know why things happen most of the time, but I do know everything happens for a reason.

I just had my band placed on Thursday Dec. 22nd. I have never written in a blog before, so I figure this is a great time for new beginnings. I started my journey of getting the band on Oct. 23, 2011. At that time I weighed 273 lbs. I stared on the diet my dr gave me, and at the time of surgery, I weighed 251lbs. I am 5'3", so as you can imagine, this is something that I really needed to have done. I thought about having the surgery 3 years ago, but I do t think it was the right time for me. When I decided this time, everything seemed to fall into place and go so smoothly, it was almost surreal. I now have my band and still thinking I'm going to wake up from the dream. Overall, I am feeling good. I do have some post op pain, but that's to be expected. I had the first 2 days of just clearliquids now this morning I'm trying a protein shake. It's sitting a little heavy, but I'm not feeling the intense hunger had this morning. I know there is no restriction I. The band yet, but I almost feel like there is. I'm sure it's just because of the swelling still, but it's a good feeling. I know this is the tool that's need to get to my goal. If you are just considering the band, this forum is a great help with people of all stages. It's been a great blessing to find this site. I will keep updating as I heal and share my experiences.

Thanks! I put my head down earlier, had a little cry and got it out, that helped alot. I got a little pick-me-up when I checked my bank account and my tax return was deposited today...I wasnt expecting it until at least next week. So, that gave me a little bright spot to my day....Words of encouragement help and I'm feeling a little better. I guess I just needed my own little pity party for a bit and now the party's over

I went to the doctor on Wednesday Feb 1st to get my first fill. I was SO excited and ready to feel the restriction and see the scale start moving int he right direction. I get to my appointment and give the doctor my food chart for the 3 days prior (like I was instructed to do so he knows how much to fill), he gets everything ready to add 4cc's to my band. The doctor starts the procedure of filling my band, but its really painful. He is pushing, poking, having me do crunchies, all while fishing the needle around. I could feel him hitting the port, but felt more like a scratching feeling inside me (Very odd feeling, I must say), He continues this for a good 5-7 minutes. He tried from every angle to get into my port, all with no success. So, after the doctor is frustrated, I'm frustrated and sore, he tells me that he thinks my port flipped. He was obviously upset and told me that he started using a new port and this is the 2nd one in less than a month that has totally flipped and has had at least 3 that have partially flipped. Now, my doctor has done literally 1000's of Lap bands, so I totally trust that he did things correctly, but this new port is obviously flawed. So, I went in yesterday (Thursday) to get an x-ray to verify that the port has flipped. I am now waiting to hear back to when I can go in, have the doctor open me back up and flip the port over, give my fill, and sew me up again. I was totally devastated and upset that this would happen to me. I know its not the doctors fault, but its so disheartening to have this happen, especially for my first fill. Other than this little hiccup, I am feeling absolutely wonderful. I do still get a little burpy after I eat and my appetite is completely back to normal, but I know once i get some restriction I will be on the road to my weight loss journey once again. This hiccup will set me back a little in my exercise program, but I'm sure I can still do my walking and eliptical without too much worries. I just cant start my water Zumba class like I wanted to...yet.

Its great to see another Idaho "bandster" How are you doing? I am 6 weeks post-op. Who is your doctor? If there is anything you need, just ask

Well, I went in for my first fill on Wednesday and was SO disappointed! I was excited because he was going to put 4cc in and I was anticipating seeing the scale move again. Well, after 25 minutes of poking, manipulating, and horrible pain, it turns out my port is probably flipped. I had to go in yesterday (Thursday) to get an x-ray to verify that is flipped and will know more today. If the port is flipped, he is supposed to schedule me today or monday to come in and open me up to flip the port and re-stitch it back down. He said this is a new port that he started using around the time of my surgery, and he has seen 3 flip sideways and I am the second one that he has seen flip totally over. The doctor did say that when he is in there, he will do the fill as well, which is a small consolation, but I left the office almost in tears from the disappointment and pain. Now, I have another HUGE bruise on my stomach, 12 poke marks and still no restriction. UGH

OMG, I cant believe that office posted that information...GB, you are doing the right thing, DO NOT let the HIPPA violation go unanswered. I hope you find another doctor that is worth YOUR MONEY, because you are the one paying his salary, and jerks like that deserve to lose all of their patients as well as their practice!!

I just had my band placed 6 weeks ago. I would suggest calling your insurance and finding out what needs to be done for your specific policy. I can tell you that, as an example, all blue cross policies are NOT the same, it all depends on what coverage your employer elects to have on the policy. Then, attend a seminar. If you are not sure where a seminar is, contact your local hospital and they can direct you to when and where one is. This is VERY informative and will usually have people there with the band so you can ask questions. They will also set you up with their surgery coordinator, that person will be your main contact point, typically, until you are ready to consult for surgery. I started the process in 2008, then things happened and I got discouraged and gave up. Then in October 2011, I decided I was ready, in the right frame of mine,and the right place in my life to get the band done. In 2 months, I lost the required weight, had all my appointments completed, and insurance approval. I had my surgery on Dec 22nd. It was the BEST Christmas present that I could do for myself. I would highly suggest contacting your insurance FIRST to make sure this is a covered procedure and find out what their specific criteria is and go from there. There is nothing worse than going through everything and then finding out that your insurance will not cover. Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions, this forum is fantastic. I have learned alot and sure i will learn ALOT more in the coming months/years.

I'm not sure of the brand, my dr did say it was a new port and he is seeing issues with it with several patients

you look amazing! Over time, the scars will fade too and you will feel that much better as well. I am just starting my journey (I get my first fill today...I'm now 6 weeks post op) I cant wait until I can share pictures as well. Keep up the good work

the pain from the gas lasted almost 2 weeks for me, long after the incision pain was gone. The one thing that helped me alot was standing in the shower and letting the hot water just cascade over my shoulder and chest. Keep moving, as you do, you will feel the gas move around and eventually you will start feeling relief. I'm now 6 weeks post op and feel wonderful

Most doctors cannot submit the request for approval until ALL the steps are completed. Depending on your insurance and more specifically, your policy, the approval process can take anywhere from a day to 6 weeks. My insurance did not require pre-authorization at all. They paid my doctor within 20 days of him submitting the claim, and I just received my EOB that they paid the hospital last week. Some insurance companies cover the procedure, but individual employer policies may not. I would call your insurance and ask them exactly what their requirements are for the surgery based on your particular policy. Dont let them tell you that its just considered out-patient surgery, tell them you need the exact requirements for the surgery and how long they typically take to approve the surgery once the request is received. I know this, because I work for a hospital, in the billing department, and have seen alot of claims come through that have been denied because the individual employer elected not to cover bariatric surgery on their policy. Hope this helps

I had my surgery on Dec 22nd. I have only told a few select people. I only 3 people at my work, however, since I work for the hospital where I had my surgery done, one other person in my office found out and confronted me on it. I told her that it is a personal decision and I dont want other people knowing. After she confronted me again, I went to the manager and filed a HIPPA complaint. She was told that she is not to discuss it, and at this point, I dont think anyone else knows. I told my ex-sister in law (because I needed her to babysit my kids the day of surgery) and she has been extremely negative about the surgery. (she has only spoken to me twice since surgery!!) She has never had a weight problem, and I think she truly does not understand. I love having my band, and actually get to go for my first fill today. I have been at a plateau with my weight since surgery, so looking forwawrd to having my fill and seeing the scale going down once again. Having the surgery is a VERY personal decision. You have every right to choose who knows that you had it done. I am not keeping it a secret per se, however, I would rather see the weight come off before I announce that I had the procedure. Keep your chin up, now that they know, there is nothing you can do about it, but show them what a great decision it was for you to have this done.

I go in for my first fill this afternoon. I am really hoping that it helps my hunger because at this point, I have absolutely NO restriction and really need to feel that restriction. I'm glad that I have not gained, but then again I have not really lost since surgery. I'm now 6 weeks post op, and SO ready for my fill. Wish me luck that I can start dropping the weight again and not feel hungry all the time!

Mum...You have an amazing journey ahead of you. Enjoy your pregnancy, because it will be over before you know it and your little bundle of joy will be in your arms again! Just remember to eat sensibly and healthy during your pregnancy and the weight will come off shortly after. You can still exercise, just be careful with it. When I taught water aerobics, I had 3 people in my class twice a week that were pregnant and worked out until the week before they gave birth. That may be a good option since its low impact and the water helps ease the movement while still getting a great workout. Keep up the gerat work, you are truly an inspiration!!!

I got my band Dec 22nd, and every so often I get a sharp pain at the port site when I bend or sit too long, I know thats just part of the healing process. Most days, I can bend without any issues. There are just those occasional days when I bend and get that sharp pain at the port site. I'm told this is normal and will go away as I continue to heal. Good luck! Hope everything comes through smoothly so you can get your band

There is a program called Care Credit, its similar to a credit card, but used for Medical procedures. I have friends with it, it can be used for anything medically related, inculding for pets.