Losing 2

My insurance Aetna HMO doesn't cover my fills; however the $500 explained that they submit the first claim for fills just to make sure. If the insurance denies, I'll need to pay the $130 for fills. I can really understand the answers about the $95. center; and for the most part, I'd take it and run . But, I've been a bit worried about not having a doc to help if I didn't feel good about something with the band, so I am leaning towards the $500 doc. Both places are highly recommended her on and obesityhelp. I really, really appreciate everyone's honesty. I need this to make a decision.

I have a question to ask your opinion of... I thought I knew which way I was going to go, until tonight. So, I thought I'd run it by the forum in a couple of places, to get your valued opinions. I am self-pay, went to Detroit for surgery. Fills were covered for 90 days. Anyway, the cost of us driving there, hotel, etc. adds up of course; After 90 days, the fills are $150. I've received info here regarding fills about 45 minutes from me for $95. at a center. Then, I called a very personable Doc who was recommended here (he's 5 minutes from me at a local hospital. I called his office to inquire if he'd do my fills. He called me back personally and provided me with his pager #, which I've used twice & he's called back quickly in both instances. Anyway, his office charges $130 and will attempt to bill your insurance. However, he has a $500 (self-pay fee) to take over your care - to become your band doc. You can call on him from now on end for all f/u band care and he sets you up with a nutrionist, if necessary. Question: Would you pay the $500? Or just go to the center for $95. Thanks for your feedback.

Thank you so much for your thoughts - I really the idea of knowing I have aftercare right at my back door. I have made the appointment and believe yt's the best choice. Thank you

"4. Physically set your utensil down between bites. Sounds silly 'cause we've never done that before but it really does help. If we're holding our fork/spoon while waiting to finish chewing, we're already thinking about the next bite instead of concentrating on the current bite. Again, here comes the pain if I swallow too soon." So far, this is one of my biggest problems. I think I eat even faster than I did before I was banded. I appreciate reading this advice.. especially the one above - I really am going to try this.

I think I've already watched every eposide twice. Talk about a 'real' person. So nice & her face is just pretty. I too cannot wait to see her success... she is rocking it!

Well, in your bosses defense... this is one of the main reasons I haven't felt it safe enough to tell my co-workers. At work, I have always dressed with girdles, etc and as careful as possible to cover my size. I've talked about this for years at work as others watched me go up and down and down and up in weight (hiding it as much as possible) - mentally too. When I started talking seriously to a few folks... they said, you don't need that. At 220 - 5' 2" - it's miserable for me. I was on my way to a size 22/24 and it started hurting me - mentally & physically. I didn't say much - just smiled and sometimes I say a little something to my husband. While at our jobs insurance fair two months ago, I was asking our 'outside' insurance rep for the job if adjustments were covered (I told her I had the surgery-but my coworkers didn't know.. so I was whispering). She said, girl - you didn't need to do that.. do like me - I just lost 5 lbs by watching what eat, etc. I told her I've lost that 5 plus 45 and have found them and more, over & over again. I was angry with her - but I didnt let her know that. I just smiled and walked away. We never know anyones inner struggles. BTW: At 190 - I feel a whole lot better already (inside & out). Good Luck

Thanks Dolittle, I called there today and made an appt for later in the week.

I made an appt. at Synchrony Health for this Wednesday. The weather might cause me to cancel... but I know I am ready. Thanks for info - they charge $95., a real bargain. I've been on the phone all day trying to find a location closer to me. I might have to opt to pay more if the weather doesn't coorperate, otherwise - I'll pack my patience and reschedule at Synchrony.

I'm reading and reading and realize it 'might' just be time for me to get my 2nd fill? I can whatever I want - just not as much, but a good amount - if I want. I can feel certain things right in my throat... but, the fact that I can eat bread, buns, crackers - I believe I need to get off my tail and call again for prices on fills in Chicago. I really hate to drop the $250. I was originally quoted - but, I might need to just do it. I'll call a few places tomorrow.

You are doing awesome... thank you for sharing.

Wow! This thread is very encouraging. Everyone is doing very well. I haven't lost any weight lately - maybe its time for fill. Keep up the excellent work! I'll check back often for encouragement.

I too took a 2 week vacation and by day 7 felt very good. Was out at Walmart walking. And yes, walking, walking made a huge difference, everytime I felt pain (along with liquid tylenol). I feel awesome and feel like a new person; when I try on clothing now, I feel like I should have done this 5 years ago! Best of luck to you!

Wow!!! You are an amazing inspiration!! :wub: CONGRATS!:tongue2::coffee:

Congrats to You on Getting a Date!:tongue2::coffee::wub:

What an Amazing journey... You look AWESOME! :thumbup:CONGRATS!!:tongue2::tt2::wub:

Of course I'm set with Dr. K in Colorado - but, I called all day Thurs & Fri - was unsuccesful in getting someone to accept me for local fills. fillcentersusa is not local for me. So... today, I begin considering going local and paying more. So, I'm posting messages in different areas to asking for prices locally (Chicagoland/Indiana). I do have 4 prices here so far. Actually found a couple good prices - just need to know if they will accept my current financing option which is all set and ready. RightWeigh Bariatric in Kentucky charges $12,500 - they also have a location in Indiana - I will call in the morning to see what they charge (hoping its so close to this). Lifeway Bariatrics in Downers Grove & Merriville, IN charge $15,500. Synchronyhealth: $16,000 Midwestbariatrics: $16,211 If any of the lower ones accept my financing and can band me sooner, I'm going to make the switch ASAP to free up that 10/30 date at Dr. K's office.

I have absolutely no regrets! Other than I wished I'd done so much sooner. I feel absolutely amazing and still have a ways to go.

Best of Luck to you & your husband... I agree, what an absolutely great support system there!! The two of you will do awesome. For your 1st time having surgery, you did awesome.

My rings are all already twisting & turning... so, I am seeking an expensive replacement to wear to work.

At this point, it just feels So Very Good to walk in the store not go straight to the plus-size section. I never did like shopping in the past, but now - going into Macy's & Carsons and trying on suits for work is sooo rewarding.

I thought I was going to tell the world (I talked about doing this for years); but, when I finally put the funds forth to do it... I got online and asked the same questions - cause I didn't want to hear the negatives. So, I took 2 weeks vacation (I have a desk job and have to walk people around a lot - but no lifting, etc). Came back to work and took it very easy with no problems. I told 2 co-workers and my family. I have lost pretty fast and nobody really asks me 'how' I did it, but they say WOW. Probably because I lost the same weight 5 or 6 times in the past 4 yrs. This time, I lost quicker and am actually a bit smaller. We had our open season time last week, where insurance companies came out to answer questions - I asked the outside rep if they would pay for my fills and she said, 'why did you go and do that?' you could have done that the good old fashion way - I just lost 5 lbs and am getting ready to lose some more. I said, good luck and walked away. I want to tell so many folks at work who I think would be supportive - but, thee are so many others who would find out and give me stares & grief. So, I'm still on the fence. Best of luck to you.

Logan, you are truly going to enjoy this site! Best of Luck to you on your surgery ~ come back and post and let everyone know how you are doing. You'll get the answer to many, many questions here! Take Care

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We drove over to Detroit for my first fill yesterday - there was no pain at all. My surgeon did the fill and let me know he does them at 4cc's at a time, which from reading here... I sort of thought that was a bit much. He let me know my band holds 12cc's. lot?" He easily gave me the 4cc's and a cup of water, I gaged and fluids came back up twice. He quickly removed all fluids and slowly inserted 4 (to see if it would fit - it did)... he released it down to leave 3.5 cc's total. I felt sooo much better! And I do feel restriction... even tho my greedy self put some of my sisters homemade stuffing / dressing on a spoon twice and really enjoyed the flavor as I swallowed it down very slowly today .

Happy Thanksgiving All! I had my first fill yesterday (NO PAIN AT ALL). We drove up to Detroit to meet with my surgeon who did the fill. He says he does them at 4cc's at a time. I said, "wow, isn't that a lot?" He says my band is 12cc's. Once I he easily gave me the 4cc's and a cup of water, I gaged and fluids came back up twice. He quickly removed all fluids and slowly inserted 4 (to see if it would fit - it did)... he released it down to leave 3.5 cc's total. I felt sooo much better! And I do feel restriction... even tho my greedy self put some of my sisters homemade stuffing / dressing on a spoon twice and really enjoyed the flavor as I swallowed it down very slowly today .

KarenK, Thank you!