Lap Band Problems

Hello, I am new to this forum and would like to know if anyone has had problems with their lapband. Everything was going great until I went for my adjustment and the Dr screwed up and punctured either the port or the band itself. nothing was wrong until I had the adjustment. I have been banded for 4 years and never a problem until now. I can eat normal again. it is soooo frustrating. He has even admitted to this being "partley" his fault and that he would not charge me for his services to go in and fix it but I would have to pay for the hospital charge, anesthesiology and port replacement so basically, I am paying for the surgery again. I do not have the insurance, I saved and paid cash last time. They WONT give me my records. Should I get a lawyer or what? thanks for any advice. I am from meridian by the way, anyone else? Leigh

I sure hate to hear this....will you tell me what doc you used? Just curious... I believe I'd definitely cause a stink and see what they would at least discount you for...this is ridiculous....did they use fluro for fills?? Please email me privately at [email protected] or post...whichever..thanks. and best of luck.

One thing is for sure, the con not NOT give you your records. You have a right to your records (well, a copy of them)... period. This is a fact and a law. As far as him, it depends on the consent forms, I assume this is a risk of a fill being done. If it is, he will probably not be held liable for anything you mentioned. Be glad he offered his service for nothing... I would check the consent forms you signed... Good luck!!

I'm almost afraid to ask - who is the Dr?

Dr. Michael Thomas in Mandeville Louisianna and New Orleans.

Leigh, Exactly what was his admission? Did he rupture your port? Did he perform X-Ray's and upper GI's to confirm his diagnosis? My initial thoughts would be to immediately go to another local lapband surgeon for a second opinion. If it is a port replacement, surely it is not as expensive as the lapband surgery itself. However, I agree with you, he should pay for ALL expenses since he is the one who caused the damage. You are definitely entitled to your own medical records. If he doesn't agree, I certainly wouldn't continue to be his patient no matter how convenient his office may be to your locality. I am from Jackson. I have had major problems but I was banded in Mexico initially. I have had no problems since my second surgery with my surgeon from Jackson. If you'd like to email me privately, please do so. Vivian