cafecre8vity

Did you have insurance that covered the port replacement, or were you self-pay? I need a port replacement for the same reason. I have read on other sites that either the connection came apart, the dr. punctured the tube, or there was a defect (which Allergen reimburses if that is the case). The dr. had given me too tight a fill at one point and took some out. I went back when I started regaining weight and he wouldn't give me a fill - he said that it was my eating habits and sent me to the dietician instead (even though I told him that I didn't feel like I had any restriction). At that point, he was charging 350.00 a visit, so I didn't go back right away. After I regained all the weight I had originally lost, I went back (totally embarrassed and ashamed). The dr. put the needle in about 4 times with no result, so he switched needles and tried again (he even asked me if I tried to fill it myself). So, after all those tries, he filled it all the way and had me drink a glass of water that should have stopped me, but I didn't have a problem. So he scheduled a flouroscopy and found the leak. The office called my new insurance and bariatrics were not covered. They offered me a payment plan for the port replacement. The dr. said it would take approximately 15 - 20 minutes under a local. The total cost would be approximately $7,000.00+ and I am furious/frustrated. I have been considering Mexico just because of the cost. Does anybody have any helpful news? I have contacted other hospitals within driving distance. One hospital wanted 6200., another said that they don't do surgeries unless I was their patient or would become their patient (they were the farthest drive at 5 hours), and another office told me they would give me a price, then emailed back and wanted to schedule an office consultation before they quoted a price. Thanks....