We sure don't have much going on in Arkansas with bandsters do we? I am not a bandster yet but I am working towards that by the first week or two in Jan. I thought there would be more info comming out of Texarkana, that is where I attended my seminar. So sorry about Penni having to have her band removed because of erosion. Wonder what all causes that? I think I have the right Penni. I read the post but maybe it wasn't the same one on this thread? That is kinda disheartening and scary to someone who is trying to get up the nerve to do it. I am learning a lot on this site. Any more info would still be appreciated.

Penni, how are you?

Sugarbear, the Penni who lost her band lives in CA. Also, recent erosions and band losses include Francesca, La Madam, and DeLarla. Among others, but those are the more recent, I think.

Penni Here. LOL!! I am recuperating just fine. Thanks! It has been a struggle so far to eat healthier after the band was removed. I fight it every day.

Sugarbear, I will be banded in Texarkana on 1/4. I have been on the 2 week Slim Fast since the Wed. before Christmas in preparation for the procedure. I figured if I could make it through that during Christmas and New Year, I could do anything! I went by the physician's office on Thursday to pay them and sign consents, and discovered that I had already lost 14 pounds in 8 days with the fast! That was what I needed to get me through the next week. I am really excited about my new life and look forward to the day when I can shop in the "regular" size section. Good luck getting everything in order for your band, and please keep me in your prayers!

Hi Wannabealoser.

I will definitely keep you in my prayers. The doctors in Texarkana appeared to know what they were talking about. We mostly got to hear him, she was in surgery and only came in during our question and answer session. I want me and my husband to get banded at some time. We found out our insurance pays a very minimal amount towards the surgery. It is my understanding the hospital (Wadley) won't give any break to self or nearly self pay, also the doctors give a little break, if I understood correctly. I talked to someone in their office. Don't recall the name. I would have to come up with about $13,000. I know it is worth it but still have to come up with the cash. I hope you do well with your surgery. It is my understandin a lot of it has to do with following your doctors instructions to a "T." Take care of your band. Good luck. Please keep me posted on how everything went. We still want to do it, but it might be a while longer before we can swing it. (one at a time).

Penni Here. LOL!! I am recuperating just fine. Thanks! It has been a struggle so far to eat healthier after the band was removed. I fight it every day.

Hi Penni60

I am so glad you are doing good. hang in there with the healthy eating, you sure don't want to gain back what you lost. How much was that and how long did it take? Will you get rebanded when you heal? I think they say about 6 months. Where will you do it if you decide to do it again?

Sugarbear

Thanks, Sugerbear. I don't know if there has been a history of self-pays getting a break on the bill, but now that it is covered by Medicare, they have to charge the same as they charge Medicare (or run the risk of loosing all their Medicare payments). Medicare only started paying for bariatric procedures during the past year. Even though Medicare does not pay the full amount billed, providers are not allowed to discount the charges to self-pays (or other insurance companies). This really stinks, but it is the way of the world for all uninsured folks, who happen to be fortunate enough to not qualify as indigents. Good luck!