I was banded on Nov. 26th 2007. I was very excited and so looking forward to this operation. My insurance didn't cover so I had to take out 2 loans just ot get it.

Every since I have had the surgery I have had major problems. My doctor doesn't really listen to me. I have tried many different kinds of medicines. I puke anytime I try to eat solid foods and I have been completely swollen shut and that was when I was in the hospital. I couldn't eat or drink anything and got very dehydrated...twice. I've had two infections. Its a very long story that goes on and on.

Now they want to go in and look around but its gonna cost me 10,000 just for them to do that. Of course the surgeon will absorb his cost but I think something went wrong during my surgery and he won't confess to anything. I was in the er two weeks after surgery. I have been unfilled twice and I am currently completley unfilled. I cannot eat anything solid still. Can get down liquids at this point. He has tried me on Reglan which is for esphogus problems but that didn't work either. I can't go on like this, but I cannot afford the surgery to fix it either. If it will even fix it. They are going to remove the band or look for a hernia, etc.... I am not happy with my surgeon or his bedside manner either. I have kept track of all the dates and appointments I have had to go to.

My family and friends have told me to get a lawyer. But I know nothing about malpractice suites and I don't know if I have one on him or not. If someone out there could please advise me on what to do in this situation I'd really appreciate it. Any lawyers out there or someone who knows one, if you could tell me what I should do???? I'm sooo depressed and I would of never done this had I known. I hope someone can help me. And if anyone else has gone thru this puking up your food, of any kind...please help.

I never had this problem before so if it is in my esophagus what can I do? And what are some symtoms you may of had?

Thank you and I hope to hear from someone soon!!!!

crazy8

SOmeone else might have better advice but at this point i think its a little too early for a lawyer, You might want to consider a second opinion ?

If your not comfortable with your doc , and it does not sound like you are are you going to be able to trust anything they say ? If you are then go to him and see what's going on ?

Im not up to speed on what happens cost wise if something goes wrong , meaning if the doc pays for everythign ect ?

So at the very least get a second opinion ?

Mindy

You should definitely find another doctor. Have they looked at the band under flouro to see if everything is in place? Maybe the band slipped. I would stick to liquids for a few days and then try soft foods and then work up to solid food.

I'm so sorry you are having these problems. Let us know what happens.

I think you should seek a second opinion. They should at least be able to do a flouro, and/or an endoscope to check things out. They should be able to get some idea of what is going on from that.

I think it's a little too early for a lawyer, because you probably need another doctor to tell you that the 1st doctor did something wrong. But many lawyers do free consultations, at which point they'll tell you whether they think you have a case.

I hope you get some kind of resolution soon one way or the other!

The thing is that it is really difficult to find a surgeon that will look at someone else's band. Besides that, there are going to be a lot of additional costs in starting out with someone new. Practically speaking, I would suggest trying to work it out with your doctor. If you have any kind of insurance, it should cover the costs of complications once you have the band. You may want to call you carrier and see what they suggest you do.

I don't think that it is a bad idea to talk to a lawyer so that you know what your legal options are. Just because you talk to someone doesn't mean that you are going to sue the doctor. Many lawyers will do a free consultation and give basic advice. The fees start when and if you decide to initiate action. Talking to the lawyer is just a way of educating yourself.

Wow, I'd look somewhere else. I ended up having to go in for a 2nd surgery (self-pay).. they thought either my port detached, or the tube had a hole, etc.

It was $2,000. The doctor absorbed his cost, so I had to pay $2,000 to the hospital & anisthesia.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO TELL ME THE NAME OF YOUR DOCTOR AND WHAT STATE HE IS IN? JJJKKK890@YAHOO.COM

I understand you are self pay, but do you have medical insurance? If so go see your PCP and have them order some test like an upper GI or an endo. Because you now have medical complications your insurance should kick in to cover.

In my case my insurance switched right after I had my Lap Band done. My new insurance is not contracted and does not pay for any LB surgery or my f/u visits, but because of complications they will cover the testing/procedures as long as I go through my PCP and my PCP does the ordering and referals.

Hope it works for you.