With just finding out today that I have the 10cc band. I could run into needing a lot of fills. My insurance only pays for 2 fills in a life time, not just a year. I was wondering about how much it cost to get one done??

I just need to add that into the budget for 2005. Also do the doctors charge you again if you are too full to take some out??

Dr. Billy my follow up surgeon charges $300 and that includes the consultation and two fills. He does not charge for an unfill if you are too tight. I know everyone is different and some are more expensive. I don't know where you are located. Dr. Billy is in Ventura, CA. He takes everyone whether you were banded in Mexico or not.

Do you currently have a fill dr.? You need to check directly with him/her about your costs. Each dr. is different.

I am in IL and my surgeon will be the one doing the fills. So I am hoping it will not be too bad.. 300.00 is a lot of money. I really hope that it will not be that much. Time will tell.

Did you know that your insurance would only cover 2 fills per life when you got your band? What is the sense of them approving your band, if they're not giving you the means (appropriate # of fills) to make it work?

No, I did not. I never thought to ask that. I just assumed that they would cover anything that needed to be done with the band. Hopefully by the time that I have my 3rd one they will change their policy.

2 in a lifetime? Yikes.. that's ludicrous.

My doctor was not allowed to charge me for follow up/including fills for the first 3 months after surgery. Thankfully, that covered my first 2 that really didn't get me anywhere. But, I have never heard the lifetime thing.. wow. Can you appeal that based on the fact that most bandsters need more than 2?

I think I would make it clear to my doc that my insurance had such a stipulation and if it is a Vanguard 10cc band, I'd ask for my first fill to be rather agressive. You DO NOT want to be overfilled, but I'm hearing others say that 3-4cc fills on the 10cc bands is not uncommon at all.

Do your research on why fills are necessary for your band to work. Then get to work right now on contacting (in writing) the proper person at your insurance company that has the authority to approve more fills for you. Send him/her this info. with your written request for coverage of an adequate # of fills. Insurance companies do have the power to make exceptions, but be prepared to fight for it.

Thanks for the info. I really was surprised when she told me that was all they would cover. I will have my doctor call them as well. I had to fight to get the surgery so I can fight for fills. I will keep you all posted.

Thanks again.

Many of us have to pay for our own fills and I think your lucky they'll cover the two fills. If you can fight it and get them to cover more than that will be a blessing for you but I would also find out how much they cost from you doctor so you can be prepared if need by. My follow up doctor here in Oregon costs $256 for the initial consultation and fill and then $150 for all fills later. That seemed cheap in Oregon from my research but I know the prices vary widely all over the country. Best of luck to you, Teresa

Teresa,

I am an Oregonian who is scheduled for surgery on 12/22. I am looking for a Dr here in Oregon for follow up and fills. I have not got information back from my Dr yet on who he recommends, but what I've seen so far is that Drs in the area are expensive. Can you give me the name of the Dr you are using for your fills? Thanks.

Theresa

Hello,

I am going to have my the lap band procedure in Monterrey Mexico, has anyone gone to Dr. Sanchez? Does anyone know of any doctors in Texas that will do the fills for me?

I had my surgery in Maine and at that time my insurance would cover any fills I needed. I since relocated to Florida and my insurance does not cover anything to do with obesity ( nice huh! ). I have kept my DR and when I fly home to see my family I get my fill ( a previous boyfriend is a pilot so I luckily fly home for free). My fills are now $300.00. I went 6 months between the last one. I rationoalize this by the huge decline in my grocery bill so it truly evens out cost wise. I also have a "Care Credit" card that I am able to charge my fills on- low interest rate and I keep for medical bills...Best of luck to you!

fills are free for the first year at my surgeons office

I'm considering getting the lap band in mexico due to the cheaper expenses but scared to go over there or have to pay allot of money for fills once back in MA. What is typicall for fills? How many do you get? I want this so bad! Has anyone been to mexico? can you help me out?

Hi Brandi,

I was banded by Dr.Ortiz in Mexico and although his fills are only $100, it was much much more here in the States. I live in Florida and I am paying $400 per fill w/out fluoro and $550 w/fluoro. That is on the higher end though--alot of places only charge $150-250. I could fly to TJ but with the plane ticket and travel expenses it would be more than $400 anyways. I am happy with my aftercare, but it definately was a struggle to get it set up. Make sure you research it and have all of that arranged BEFORE your surgery. I had a very hard time finding a good fill doc after being banded in Mexico. Another piece of advice~ I wouldn't go to FillCenterUsa locations. I had a horrible time with them and they aren't trained very well. Good luck to you!!

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/179/155-165?