Then came my first fill and YEP my port had flipped. I was lucky that it had done it in such a way that it is on its side and can easily be manipulated. Again, I was told not to worry about it and I listened 'cause there was plenty o' padding on top of it. In hindsight, I shouldn't have.
I was a self-pay lap band person. My insurance doesn't cover weight loss surgery without appealing and jumping through a lot of hoops. I was severely depressed, taking a bunch of meds for the depression, and was getting desperate. So, I decided to just pay for it. (Keep in mind it was three years ago and it was even more expensive than it is now. Double what it costs today in DFW.) Since I was self-pay, I decided to pay the extra to get a low-profile port. I thought it would be the extra investment. (In hindsight, I still think that was a smart move.)
Well, now that I have nearly lost 100 lbs, my port sticks out. You can see it and it kinda looks like a tumor. But what is the worst is it feels disgusting and sometimes kinda gets 'stuck' - it's hard to describe - when I am lying down. So, I called the surgeon's office - guess what - $2400 bucks. Nope, that is not a typo. After all I have spent for this thing, the last thing I want to pay is $2400 more. Especially considering when this happened.
I only talked to someone in the office, so am going to pay the 65 bucks to go ahead and meet with the surgeon in person. It's not until mid-December. I'd like to get to 134 by then in the hopes that a 100 lbs lost might sway him to 'make me a deal'. Plus I am convinced I can maintain that weight where a year ago I didn't think I could. (Self-doubt and let me tell you - losing is hard, but I think maintaining is the hardest and has always been a struggle for me.)
Exercise so far this week:
- Mon - 120 mins
- Tues - 80 mins
10 comments:
Wouldn't you be able to go down a legal channel? Or at least go to the surgeon armed with some legal advice? Things that are sewn in by surgeons shouldn't move. Mel
Well, I think they are pretty well covered. Here in the states they provide you with a list of risks (of which this was one) prior to surgery and you sign off accepting them. At that time, unlike now - there was not as much competition so surgeons didn't 'guarantee' their work. I am hoping that I will be able to work it out with the surgeon. But I know I am not paying $2400 and will keep it the way it is before doing so.
Enjoyed reading your blog and found it really, really interesting! I go for my first fill tomorrow....good thing because I am getting hungry:) anyhow, keep up the good work!!
I am sorry your port flipped. Unfortably its a "common" issue.
you might want to see if you can have it replaced with a low profile port. My surgeon will replace a low profile port for $1000.
So Im w/ you talk to the surgeon see what he can do . Good luck keep us updated. Congrts on the weight loss im 143 and have 18 more pds to goal So we are close to the same weight i think ?
Mindy
Seems i cant spell tonight , LOL Sorry about that .
Mindy
Nola - Thank you for stopping by! Good luck with your first fill. I wasn't able to figure out if you have a blog that I have already. If not, please let me know. I'd love to stop by and see how you're doing now and then!
Mindy - I'm at 139.5 as of this past Monday, so definitely very close. 18lbs more??? If you don't mind me asking - How tall are you? You look fab - 18 more seems like a lot from looking at your pic. I'm 5'8" and people that I trust are saying I am looking a bit 'sticky' so I don't plan to go lower than 134. I wasn't even sure I wanted to do that until I stabilized at the 140's and saw how I felt. Anyway, about the port - I went ahead and got low profile at the start. So, don't need a replacement - just a 'tack-down' - lol. I'll look around your blog and see if I can find your surgeon's name. I'll meet with mine first, but interested in finding out about other options as well. Thanks for the scoop!
Hi Fluffy....yes, I have a blog. http://abbfab.wordpress.com it is called...From Here to Anxiety...my lapband journey:)
I will be adding you to my blogroll for sure!!
Hi Fluffy
Thanks for adding me, Have you got any pics of yourself? or have I missed them on your blog.
It is very reassuring to be able to read your blog and you having your band for several years, we can all gain from your experiences.
Got you added Nola thanks!
Zena - I don't have any pics on my blog. I actually only told 5 people. Therefore pics could be a problem, BUT I am trying to work out getting a pic with my head cut off. Hopefully I'll get that figured out. Also, saw on your blog that you lost a lb! That's great. My theory is any loss is a good loss. Keep up the good work. :-)
Hey, given I think my port flipped yesterday during exercise class - I'll be having a similar conversation with my surgeon this week!! Mel
Post a Comment