I went for my fill today -- the first under flouro. My band has slipped. Most of my stomach is sitting on top of the band.

This explains why I don't have restriction, why I've gained weight, and why I have reflux.

The techs who read the flouroscopy said that they think the band my doctor used was too small to begin with, and that I may need a new (VG) band, as opposed to fixing the placement of the one I have.

Surgery will be $4500 + doctor's fees. A new band will be $4000 on top of that. I can't afford this. I couldn't afford the $16,000 I paid for surgery the first time. I can't believe it's 10 months later, I've only lost 40 lbs, and I have to go through this all again, at this cost.

The really frustrating thing is that it's possible that my insurance company now will pay for "diagnostic surgery" which would cover the costs of the surgery to fix the placement. (Nobody can tell me what would happen in that circumstance if they found I need a new band.) However, this seems to be a moot point, as no doctor I can find will accept my insurance company. For some reason, everyone is swearing off BC/BS. Even doctors that take BC/BS aren't taking new BC/BS patients.

In the mean time, I have to go the next 7 days on liquids only, even though they said that the band is too small for the stomach to fix itself. 7 days of liquids, with no restriction, over Thanksgiving.

I want to crawl into a hole.

I know that my doctor takes BCBS I'm on it! I live in the Dallas area. His name is Dr. Robert Powell 972.331.8105 ask to talk to Myra (nurse) or Melissa (patient rep & Banded)

Best wishes!

Johnathon,

Do not give up. It is true that occasionally a band will right itself if unfilled and allowed to rest awhile. As for yours being too small. I'm not sure I buy that either. I would ask for a longer period. Say 30 days to see if the band will fix itself. All this means is the pouch above the band slips back down into place. It's happened for numerous people before. (Not me, but mine did move down some, just not enough.). A week on liquids seems rather silly, actually, but it may help your reflux (so will unfilling the band). Take a deep breath, focus on what you have done so far. DO NOT go back into previous naughty eating behaviors, let the band have time to show what it will do and begin again.

I don't see in your first post where you say the band has been unfilled??? This needs to take place if there is hope to have it resolve itself.

I know that my doctor takes BCBS I'm on it! I live in the Dallas area. His name is Dr. Robert Powell 972.331.8105 ask to talk to Myra (nurse) or Melissa (patient rep & Banded)

Best wishes!

Funny you should say that...

Dr. Powell is the doctor I've mentioned a few times who takes BC/BS but won't take new BC/BS patients. However, a few minutes before reading this post, I did call again and speak with Myra. I explained the situation again, and mentioned that the Surgery Center of Richardson had spoken with Dr. Powell directly and that he told them to have me call the office. So she's going to try to get in touch with him, though it will probably be Monday before I hear anything now.

At least there's hope...

Jonathan

I don't see in your first post where you say the band has been unfilled??? This needs to take place if there is hope to have it resolve itself.

It was. I went in for a fill, and they emptied me. *weep* But, for even a chance of this fixing itself, I'll do whatever they recommend.

Interesting... please keep us posted!

Did you tell them you are MY boyfriend, and they still treated you this way? Jonathan, this sucks. I'm so sorry. But I keep hearing that liquids for a week might allow the slippage to correct itself, so how can they be sure that won't happen? I don't care what they say, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping the band will slip back in place after a week on turkey broth. I'm sending good vibes your way. I suck at saying the right thing, but maybe you can spend the holiday writing all the other stuff you have to be thankful for. Easier said than done, I know. I love you & wish you the best.

Did you call Dr Veninga?

Did you call Dr Veninga?

No... where is (s)he at?

Another one you might try is Dr. Wade Barker ask to speak to Earline.

I know you are going through your own private hell right now, and I feel for you. I'm not yet banded, but am going to be soon I hope. I'm going to ask lots of questions. It seems to me the biggest bands are usually best even though they may require more fills to get to where they belong.

Jonathan, can you contact a lawyer who might take this pro bono. This isn't right. I think the surgeon is responsible and knows it. That is why he is avoiding you. Hit him where it hurts. Sometimes all it takes is a letter from a lawyer to let him know you aren't taking this sitting down.

I would start calling attorneys who do this for a fee at the end. I think you have an excellent case.

Best of luck to you, and YES the doctors need to take the responsibility for fitting you with the wrong band.

North Texas Bariatric & General Surgery

4333 N. Josey Lane

Plaza II - Suite 207

Carrollton, Texas 75010

PH 972.939.8218

FX 972.395.1789

Dr Frank Veninga - he replaced my slipped band.

He also takes BC/BS although it was not my insurance.

Best of luck to you, and YES the doctors need to take the responsibility for fitting you with the wrong band.

At this point, I don't even know if it *was* the wrong band -- I just wish my doctor would avail himself enough to discuss it with me. Thanks for the support, though.

really sorry to hear your news Jonathan, hope everything work's out for you

I'm sorry, but I'm sticking with Leatha. You should get a couple different opinions. I've had 5 band surgeons all agree on the same thing, but then I had 3 different opinions on another issue. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best - keep positive.

I'm sorry, but I'm sticking with Leatha. You should get a couple different opinions. I've had 5 band surgeons all agree on the same thing, but then I had 3 different opinions on another issue. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best - keep positive.

You lost me, love =) Which post of Leatha's are you referring to? Tell me what to do, and I'll do it, like a good boyfriend.

Seriously, it's a slipped band. What's the 2nd opinion for? Right now, I can't even get a doctor to call me BACK, much less offer an opinion on anything.