I had my surgery June 2, 2010 - have lost a little over 60 pounds. I have had about five fills - don't know exact amount I am at, approx 10 cc. After my last fill, I had to have some taken out as I kept vomiting. I feel like he took too much out because I am now able to eat alot - so I have not found the right balance.

The issue is that in the new year, I had to start building up my dedictible again and it is costing me $200 out of pocket every time I go for a fill or unfill. I would like to get input from others who have had this surgery as to how their doctors handle the fees for fills during the first year, and after.

Thanks for your information,

Terri

My fills/unfills are covered, i just pay my co-pay. The doctor cannot predict what a fill will do. When I was overfilled, he took half what he had put in out. About a month later I was hungry again, I went back and he put all that he took out plus a little more in. When we get overfilled there is often swelling from vomiting, so they take some out, we feel better, the swelling goes down, then we need another fill.

It sucks, but fill amounts are a guessing game.

It is certainly a balancing act, and I am hundreds of dollars poorer from it. My co-pay is $150 and that is insane. I think I am at my stopping point for getting fills because what I needed stopped are what the band won't stop and that is slider food......

My band slipped and I had to have surgery and start completely totally newbie over because I was overfilled and didn't get an unfill so even though you are struggling now, you did a good thing. Even though your copay is so high, I think you should progress very slowly like 0.25ml per fill because you are so close and have demonstrated how sensitive your band is.

I wish you all the best,

Mimi

Denise and Mimi - thank you both for sharing - I am scheduled to go back for another fill in late June -i which I definitely want - but I will ask him to put a little in. The swelling issue does make sense. I think I will also confirm with my insurance co why this is being billed out of network vs. co-pay - it seems alot of people pay with co-pay and this under my ppo should only be $50. Thank you again - I wish you both much success in your journeys.

Terri

Do check your insurance. I am on an HMO. My surgeon is out of network or something like that, but now when I need a fill I get a pre-authorization for it. The surgeon's office submits it for me. When I get it it is valid for a fill and two more visits, in case I need an unfill.

I'd imagine if I didn't wait for that, I'd be paying $200.00 for a fill.

Ask your surgeon, your PCP, and your insurance company. If the band is covered, the aftercare should be (in my opinion!).