Lost insurance and haven’t had a fill in 3 years.

Question:I have had my lapband for 4 yrs now and I haven’t had a fill in 3 years because I lost my job, therefore, lost my insurance. I am now eating like I’ve never had the surgery. What do I have to do get my band readjusted?

Charlotte, NC

Answer from Dr. Mark Watson, bariatric surgeon in Dallas, TX:

This is a very important question because 80% to 90% the band’s effect in weight loss is achieved in the way you and your band are cared for after surgery. The band requires coaching and adjustments. We do not know how well your band is adjusted right now, no one does. It is very important that you get into see an approved caregiver for the lap band system. Go to our surgeon locator and search for surgeons in your area or www.lapband.com and search centers in your area. There will almost certainly be a surgeon or group in your area who will help manage you lap band with you, It will not be free, but very much worth the cost. It will be only a modest fee relative to what has already been paid to originally place your band. You have already accepted the risks and costs of placing the band, now you must make it work. Remember that fee for care after surgery is worth 80% to 90% in your weight loss.

When we see a lap band patient who has come from out of town, we initially need to find out as much information about them and their band as possible.
Many patients know, or can find out,
1. What type of band they have and
2. How much fluid is currently in the band.

Sometimes it is wise to check a contrast x-ray to see the size of the stomach pouch and position of the band. Sometimes the surgeon will want to access the port and draw out all of the fluid in the band to measure the current fill level. We usually have this patient, who is new to us, meet with the dietition to help them get on tract with our program.

It is never too late to make it work, and it will all be worth it!!
Good luck!

Tagged as: Lap Band fills