Jon B.

I wasted what I felt was valuable time when my determination was at its highest- the first six months after the surgery. My band most likely punctured at the first fill. I was only when a new doctor to the practice questioned why I needed to come for refills so often and was not losing very much. I was very upset that either the band had failed or that it had been punctured, and it needed to be replaced which meant more surgery. My insururance would not pay for the original. I was informed by my doctors' office manager that I would have to pay the full amount once more for the replacement. Since nothing I had done was the cause for the replacement, I informed them that I felt that it was the responsibility of the doctors or the lap band maker for the cost of the replacement. I lost faith in my doctors at this point. I informed them that if they were responsible due to a puncture, they should pay and if it was the quality of the band, then the maker should pay which the doctors should pursue. Only after threatening legal action, did the doctor agree to replace it. I still had to paid $5000.00 for the hospital charges. Needless to say, I think that effected my attitute toward the band, which has not been highly successful.