TMClem62530

I've asked my Dr. if it is possible to fix a flipped port in the office. He replied, 'it's possible, but I won't do it.'

I get on here and there are least 2 other bandsters that have had this procedure done in their doctor's office. WOW, where can I possibly find one that will do it for me? My port sits at a 90 degree angle and is painfull being bounced on a hard matress going down the road (I driver team truck cross country) jabbing me and I've stopped wearing jeans.

X-rays actually show the port in it's proper position when I turn sideways. That is a cool picture, but not when I try to get a fill. Thank God the doctor numbs me first. Of course, I can't find anyone that wants to attempt a fill/unfill with it positioned like that. Yes, I'm also looking for a local dr. here in GA that will take over my aftercare so I won't have a 7 hour drive one-way. This is the biggest hassel cause I had surgery done in TJ, Mexico, MIDband and the port issue. Anyone got suggestions?

Thanks for listening to my ranting and raving.

Tacy

Hey all, I just went to a Barrix Clinic in Groveport Ohio for a fill. Groveport is right south of Columbus. I am a Tijuana bandster and have had trouble finding someone to take me. These guys were great. very friendly, the fill was 150$, and for that price i could also go see the nutritionist., it was a blind fill, but they seemed very experienced, and I can go back in 3 weeks to get more. They want to be aggressive, which is good, I want that. The main Doc even came in to meet me and was very nice. When I called the 1800 barrix number that lady was like oh we don't usually do that. Then the receptionist at groveport was like oh sure and it's 150, I thought oh there's going to be a catch, nope, all true. friendly and easy and experienced. and no judgment for me being a Mexico patient.

Love it.

LisaA,

That wouldn't happen to be Dr. Curry (He is banded as well as Erin the dietian) would it? I know he has an office in Cincinnatti,OH and KY. If so, he's GREAT!! I've been going to him for some time now and his entire staff is wonderful!!

I also had my surgery in TJ by dr. verboonen (he got a lapband, too). I'm now trying to find a dr. that will do a revision on my port as it sits at a 90 degree angle and is bothersome plus extremely difficult to get a fill (though Dr. C and the other staff don't have much of a problem). Mostly it's bothersome and aggervaiting and when I can't get up to see Dr. C (Ice storm in GA) no one and I mean no one would touch me the way the port sits. Thank God I haven't had a true emergency!!

I know what you mean about judgement. I was self pay for the initial surgery and I'll be self pay for the revision, too. Can't seem to get a break when you don't follow the flow like others.

Just thought I'd add my $.02. Glad you found someone!

Tacy

Hi there! You should definately call your doctor w/ your concerns.

My port was flipped upside down. When my dr attempted to give me a fill, we just heard the sound of metal. She said it sounded like it was upside down, which was confirmed w/ a cat scan. I also have a port infection. They scheduled an appt for me to have surgery at the hospital. She was going to go in, turn the port over, and attempt cleaning out the infected area.

However, I lost my job (due to my complications), and my insurance! The hospital canceled my appt because I was in the self pay boat, and unable to pay the whole amount for the surgery.

My dr went ahead and did the procedure in her office. She went in and flipped it over and sewed me back up - only charging me for the fill itself which was $100!

So.... it all depends on your dr. Obviously I would be in a rough spot if my dr weren't so understanding and caring.

Keep us updated!

NataliesMommy;

Your Dr. actually did the procedure in her office? She only charged you for a fill? I didn't know a procedure like that could be done in an office setting. This isn't a Dr.; she's an ANGEL!! That is one woman that cares and takes the Hypocratic oathe to heart and what a BIG heart she has, too!! Next time you see her give her a handshake from me and thank her.

Also, ask her where I can find someone like that? I had my surgery done in MX and I'm finding it impossible to find anyone that will do a port revision so access can be accomplished more easily. It actually sits sideways and I've got pictures to prove it. I'd pay more than a fill price, but some drs. are down right GREEDY and exorbatant with their prices!!

Tacy M.

Babs in TX,

Hopefully, you are still coming around from time to time to see how things are on this site.

I am much in the same situation you described above. I'm too tight and I knew it, but I got a barium swallow ($175 self pay) to confirm and I'm now trying to get a Gastroendologist (sp) to take a look at me. Please note that I was banded in '04, in Mx, my port floats as it was not attached and I have a MIDband that no one wants to touch with a ten foot pole and gloves because it's not US FDA approved. I've phoned numerous Drs. in several states and even the Fill Center who informed me there are actually 6 US FDA unapproved bands and they could only reccommend this site to me as an aftermath.

I do have a WONDERFUL Dr. in OH that, but with this weather being what it is (winter and GA is gonna get slamed with ice and snow), a 7 hr. drive one way and any emergency that might arise, I'm trying to find something more local. He and the NP have commented when I told them of this that a port is a port and it shouldn't make any difference (he and his NP access the port w/o any problems or floro)...I know they are right, but it's not reality. My daughter is an RN, but she lives about as far away as the Dr. and the weather there is just as bad if not worse because of the mountains.

I must say I did find one Dr. in AL that would take me for a fee + adjustment + floroscopy (if needed at a tune of $400.00) = $$$$$$. I've even been quoted an amount of $2,000.00. The amount some doctors want to soak you for is OUTRAGEOUS!! It makes me wonder if they remember the Hypocratic Oath.

I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to contact me so we could discuss the options, life changes and any advise you might have? I would really appreciate it!!

Tacy

HI Paige,

My band is placed properly and is confirmed by endoscopy, flouroscopy and every other test known to man. I was too tight but I did not have reflux or any other problems asssociated with a too tight band, so the docs kept filling it. Yeah, I would like more restriction, but it seems that my ability to pouch pack means I need to keep the band a little looser than I would like, but it is helping me by taking the edge off the hunger and the overeating. The rest I will do for myself with diet and exercise.

The band is not rocket science. IT is either too tight, too loose or just right. I had my band accidentally unfilled when I had plastic surgery last year and gained significant weight while they tried to adjust it back to the same level of restriction that I had before. I am back on track and I have lost 20 lbs of the 38 pounds I gained over a year and a half.

It is true that I did not notice that I was slowly eating more and more, but I knew I was eating too much and didnt listen to the signals since they were not as strong as they were when I was originally banded. I lost most of my weight in the first 18 months and noticed the diminishing restriction. I kept pushing the bar just a little more everyday and pretty soon, I was eating normal portions and not getting full.

FYI: You can also pouch pack with a RNY causing the pouch to enlarge and no longer be effective in creating satiety. You can sabotage any WLS if you really put your mind to it.

You keep saying that you dont mean to be negative, but you are and I find it disturbing.

Babs in TX

334/190 ish

Debbie,

I don't have any problem with a ARNP, MSN, FNP-C doing my fills, but since I was banded in MX, it is a MIDband (not USDA approved) and don't have the port tacked down I have to go to OH to see Dr. Curry and his staff. They are all GREAT!

I do wish I could find a doctor a bit closer that doesn't want you to take out a small personal loan for fills (Really, some of the prices are ridiculous.) I drive truck for a living so the distance doesn't bother me, but I was hoping for a more regular visit to have fills, nutritionist consults, floro if needed and an easier time of things...What was I thinking, wait I wasn't thinking.

I should also add that I've called any and everyone mentioned in GA for fills and aftercare to no avail. The risk factor seems to be the issue along with the above mentioned items. Are there no compassionate doctors in this area or that aren't out to charge an exorbitant amount for their services?

Yes - let's be specific -

Darlene Zebley, ARNP, MSN, FNP-C

These are her certifications as she does all the fills, aftercare but does not do surgery or lap-band surgery specifically.

ARNP: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

MSN: Master's of Science in Nursing

FNP-C: Family Nurse Practitioner - Certified

Debbie,

I don't have any problem with a ARNP, MSN, FNP-C doing my fills, but since I was banded in MX, it is a MIDband (not USDA approved) and don't have the port tacked down I have to go to OH to see Dr. Curry and his staff. They are all GREAT!

I do wish I could find a doctor a bit closer that doesn't want you to take out a small personal loan for fills (Really, some of the prices are ridiculous.) I drive truck for a living so the distance doesn't bother me, but I was hoping for a more regular visit to have fills, nutritionist consults, floro if needed and an easier time of things...What was I thinking, wait I wasn't thinking.

To Whomever,

Dr. Curry from Cincinnati accepts bandsters that were banded in Mexico. His entire office staff is helpful, polite and down-to-earth!

Initial consultation is $300 then fills are $150. Floro is another $195 charged by the hospital. His office is right across from the hospital.

He frequents ObesityHelp for questions, will be a speaker at the Lexington event, has a website and his number is 877-442-2263.

:clap2: This is an option you may want to check into.

Hope this helps in your search.

Tacy

Started 204 @5'4"

Lowest 108

Goal 120