I posted this in other forums hoping to be able to get as many people as possible to read and hopefully help....

So, about 2 months ago, I had a tummy tuck and hernia removal (which still seems to be causing problems, but that's a whole other issue).

Since then, over the past month, I've noticed that my band/port sticks out more than ever AND IT HURTS! I mean hurts all the time!

My insurance referral time has run out and my PCM is getting another referral for further visits, but that could probably take at least a week. This pain is making me crazy. I've been told I may need to have the band replaced with a smaller one OR that the pain could be caused by it having slipped. I cannot afford to go see the doctor until my referral comes through and my PCM can't really do anything.

Can anyone possibly steer me in the right direction? I have no idea what to do and this pain is really really, well, painful! Is a trip to the ER warranted?

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Andrea

Hi:

I know that with my old insurance they could get referrals after the fact. Did you call your band doctor for a visit yet? I would do that and tell him/her that you're in alot of pain and you need to be checked.

Or, go to the ER, but don't you usually have $100 or more for a copay for emergency room?

Hope everything turns out okay. Please let us know how you're doing.

Sue

Thanks, Sue - I'm going to call them....I talked to them earlier in the week and they said "make an appointment to see us once you get your insurance straightened out".

Thank God my ER copay is only $25.