FocusOnMBM

I don't feel that you need to get a fill, just because you can technically eat more.. Know what I mean? I feel after a year of being banded, you just sort of know when to stop. I use my judgment over my band at this point, for the most part. I don't think I've 'used' my band in quite some time now.

Let me put this in a different way. You only -need- a fill if you -want- one. The reason for a fill is to help you lose weight. Follow me? So, let's say in a year from now... You're still happy with your weight. Don't get a fill. Let's say in a year from now you gained some weight, and you want to lose it... But you wan't to do it on your own. Don't get a fill. If on the other hand (and this is where being a bandster comes in handy), in a year from now you gained some weight and tried to lose it on your own, and need some 'help', go get a fill... You'll lose the weight, and be happy again. It's all up to you, honestly. I've been at my goal weight for > 4 months. Sometimes I gain some weight, I just watch what I eat a bit more carefully.. have some more salads, etc. The weight comes right off. No problems. I keep on myself though. I won't let it get out of hand, ever. I get on the scale every single morning. Sometimes even at night. I'm not obsessed, just making sure I don't get back to what i was. If that scale reads #'s > 5lb lost... I immediately rectify. Anything else is generally just flucation. I might have a lighter Breakfast the next morning and that pound or two comes right off.

I haven't had or needed an adjustment/fill in at least 4 - 5 months.

actually now that I think about it since he moved his office the fills are performed in the same building. On the first or second floor below the lobby.

All my fills were performed by Dr. Nusbaum himself, not in his office though.

I was banded with this DR as well. My insurance only paid ~ 70% for the DR, and I think 100% for the Hospital. I had asked the DR office to write a letter to me stating they will only require 70% and will not bill me for the rest, and they did. It's been > 1 year since then, I have not received a bill. The only bills I ever received from this DR was for fills, because my insurance company sent me the checks directly. If the insurance company ever paid me less than what was billed by the DR, the office accepted that as payment in full. So, same deal with fills. If you can have all payments sent to DR directly, though, it makes life a lot easier.

I'm typing this from my cell phone so I can only type so much. The surgery is at the hospital itself and his office staff won't be there. The staff at the hospital was great. Tried to accomodate me in every way. As soon as the surgery was over he immediately went to the waiting room to my family and actually showed them a picture of my band. Told them his concerns which really were nothing major (about my enlarged bladder? Something LOL nothing to do with the surgery) said to keep an eye on it with normal dr visits. My insurance required overnight stay. I was fine. It was great. They gave me anything and everything I wanted and I was quite a pain at times solely due to gas pains :ohmy: Dont worry. You'll be fine!!

Medical necessity is fairly easy to get, actually. Esp. if you have a track record of trying to lose the weight or any other medical problems, sleep apnea, etc. The staff will generally work with you to get approval, as long as they feel you do need it.

Sure do. He was my Dr. As far as a Dr. goes his experience and kindness was just great. I wasn't a fan of his office staff at all times, but, that's about it. I'd go to him again. :smile:

Hang in there.. I've been through some ups and downs but it all fell together. It's worth it. Just keep trying.

It's not about looks for me. It's all about who the person is, on the inside.

I'm having a tough time hitting my goal but I started at 305 and I'm currently ~ 205. 100 down. 25 to go. I'd like to be at 180. I've been bouncing from 199 - 205. I'm really pushing myself now. Hitting 199 and going back > 200 was depressing.

OK.. I will, I'll call my normal DR. I've been having this pain (feels like back pain almost, but isn't. Seems to be on the right side of my upper back) for about 2 weeks now. I went to a local ER and got X-Rays and a CAT Scan. They thought they saw some leakage from my band (scary) and transferred me to Livingston NJ, where I had my surgery for lap band. They did an upper GI with the Barium. Band is fine they said. I don't think anyone looked for a Gallbladder problem. I don't know if they would have seen one. Both hospitals discharged me with no reason for my pain. It's just as bad, sometimes it's really bad. I can't go on like this.