Question for NE Ohio Lapband patients

Did you have lap band surgery in NE Ohio? I am curious how other Akron-Cleveland surgeons handle patient fills. How often can you get them? Can you ask for one? How accessible is your surgeon for fills? Do you feel your surgeon is skilled in working with lap band patients?

I just started my journey at the Cleveland Clinic was banded on last Friday.  Great, Skilled doctors!!!

Good luck on your journey. A friend of mine is about a month into the surgery approval process. He is having  his surgery at the Clinic. It is an amazing place.  Keep in touch!  -- Tom

I had Lap band at the Cleveland Clinic in May of 2007.  They schedule your fills every 6 weeks or so - depending on if you need one.  The doctor did my first fill - but my 2nd was done by the tech.  My problem with them was the fact that they charged almost $ 2000,00 for the 2nd fill and I am now self pay.  I am fighting that one - because I was told a fill would never be more then about $300.00 - so who knows.  I felt I was in capable hands - but I think most of the Clinic's patients are RNY - and their directions are geared for the RNY patient.  But - hey- I am successful - have lost 80lbs -and feel great.  Yes, I can ask for a fill. - and I get in pretty quickly when I want one.  Anne

Anne, $2,000... ouch!  I see on my explanation of benefits that my fills are about $450 with the insurance negotiated charge being about $220. My insurance pays it as a hospital charge and not an office visit. So, right now I am at max out of pocket and am paying nothing.

I just had my 4th fill and what a difference. I am feeling so much better about my choice. My surgeon or his partner do the fills with the assistance of a nurse. I believe that she is going to take over some of these responsibilities in the future. He actually had no appointment after mine and spent a good bit of time talking to me about my progress and his thoughts.

-- Tom