tkee99516

I had my first fill today (10-07-09) - 6 weeks from my surgery date. The MD had mentioned previously at my 2 week post-op appt that he starts with 2 cc's for fills. So at today's first fill appt, I told him to "GO AGGRESSIVE". He kinda laughed & said "Aggressive, huh?"... so he loaded the needle up and started at 5 cc's & backed it down to 4.5 cc's... able to prove to him that I had no problem drinking from a bottle while he was filling up the band.....

.... and just rec'd another bill.... This is the MD's bill: $8,060.00

Yes, I have Triwest Insurance which is expected to pay for the entire visit (minus my copay if I owe one). The total charges for the Hosp bill is $36,547.48 with a contractual adjustment (write off) of $29,434.58 leaving a balance of $7,112.90 due from Triwest. Yep, I had the surgery done at AK Regional (though I wanted it at Providence since I work in their building, but Dr. Searles office put it at AK Regional on the auth). Good luck on the fill & would love to know how it went.

Banded on 8-25-09 with no difficulties (I have the Discharge Note & Op Report). Just rec'd the Hospital bill yesterday & had to pick myself up off the floor.... yes, Alaska might be a little higher that other states, but my goodness! Here is what the Hospital is charging me (have yet to receive the MD's bill & the anesthesiologist's bill): Inpatient Svcs (had to stay for one day): * IV Solutions - $230 * Med-Surg Supplies - $921 * Supply/Implants - $13,394 * Lab/Chemistry - $433.68 * Lab/Hematology - $300.56 * OR Services - $5,344.64 * Drugs requiring DET code - $233.25 * Pharmacy - $1147.57 * Drgs/Other - $68.58 * Sterile Supplies - $6909.00 * Laboratory - $44.72 * Lab/Immunology - $321.36 * DX Xrays - $762.48 *Anesthesia - $1856.96 * Recovery Room - $2751.84 * Room Charges - $2751.84 GRAND TOTAL - $36,547.48 Now I'm curious - so how much was your facility bill?

This is the Protein shake I drink - Slim Fast Low Carb Diet. It has 20 grams of Protein, 190 Calories, with a Total Fat of 9grams. Total Carbs - 6 grams. I drink Creamy chocolate - and it's real good chilled.....

I had surgery on Tuesday, 8-25-09 & was back to work by 8-28-09 (Friday) - desk job. Mowed a good sized lawn on 8-29-09 (Saturday) - not a riding lawn mower. Walked dogs for 4 miles on Saturday - 4 days after surgery. I guess it all depends on how active you are before the surgery as to how fast you can recuperate.... the only twinge I felt was if I had to bend over or drive over a pothole. One other thing to mention - you can't drive while on pain meds (risk a DUI), so try not to take them when you come out of the hospital the next day. That way they will be out of your system when you do drive..... Good Luck!

Hey Guys - I was also banded on 8-25-09. As of today, lost 7 pounds since 8-24-09 (yeah, water weight, but it's a start!). Had no problems. Still have all the energy that I had pre-op. Was on clear liquids for 3 days. Now I'm on full liquids. This means I can eat Grits (yes, I'm a southern girl at heart) with melted cheese, chili (homemade - pureed really well in the blender by adding in chicken broth), yogurts, ice cream (watching the calories & serving size), and drinking a Low Carb Slimfast Protein Drink for breakfast (20 grams of protein). I will stay on this full liquid diet until 2-3 weeks from surgery date. Then it's on to mushies:biggrin:

I was initially denied due to no co-morb. But I met the 200% per Met Life Table for height (5' 3") and weight (226lbs) for a SMALL frame person. Unfortunately, the surgeon sent in the paperwork stating I was a MEDIUM frame (you know, the same standard authorization for everyone). So Triwest denied it. So I wrote an appeal letter & had my Primary Care MD sign it stating I was a small frame (yes, the nurse measured my elbow per the Met Life Table). And Triwest took ALL 60 days of waiting & approved it on the 60th day (go figure). So I had it done on 8-25-09. Tammy

Well! It's done! I just got out of the hospital today (was banded on Tuesday 25th) and it wasn't that bad. Didn't get to sleep much, as the CNA's & RN's kept coming in my room to do the temps, etc. The only negative thing I had was the referred gas pain in the shoulder, but it went away early this morning. I have 5 holes (thought I'd only have 4 - I was wrong) with my port hole in the middle above my belly button. My MD has an interesting post op plan - I am on 2-3 days of clear liquid (see thru), then I go to full liquids/mush foods for 2-3 weeks, then I go to regular food. What are you on?

I was only told to go on a Low Carb Diet 2 weeks before my banding (which was this past Tuesday 8-25-09 & got out of the hospital today Wednesday). The MD didn't say how low, so I figured anything below 100 carbs a day was ok....

I have Tricare Prime & was initially denied. Went through the appeal process & won. Just got banded on 8-25-09 (Tuesday) & came home today (Wednesday). I have a copay of $12 for the surgeon's office consult. Paid $0 for the off base sleep study. Paid $12 for the off base Psych visit. Nut visit was at the military hospital, so that was free. We will see what the hospital bill will be. I don't expect much....

Hi Bill! I just had my Lapband done on 8-25-09 (Tuesday) & got out of the Hospital today. It wasn't bad at all! I did have some gas (referred) pain in my shoulder, but it went away. That's the only "bad" thing that happened, but it was doable. Good Luck to you & keep in touch.... Tammy

Greetings! Just had my surgery yesterday (8-25-09) & stayed over for a day. All went well. Good luck to you & welcome back! P.S. Dr. Searles did my surgery....

Hi! I'm also being banded on 8-25-09 (Tomorrow!).... The only pre-op diet I was given was a "Low Carb" one - didn't have to do a liquid only diet. Good Luck to you & let's stay in touch! Tammy from Alaska....

Good luck to you! Tammy