Does anybody know...?

Does anybody know how quickly and often Dr. Gornichec does fills?? And also are any included in the price of the surgery??  I know I should have asked him this but didn't think of it.  I'm scheduled to be realized on Nov 6th.  Thanks for your help!!

Hi, Lisa.
I'm having VSG surgery, but I did quite a bit of research on the lap band. It is my understanding that you will get your first fill 1-2 months after surgery. The cost is between $100-300 (thereabouts) per fill. After that, fills (or unfills) happen based on your needs and progress. Hope this helps.
Blessings,
Mary

Dr. G and his staff are fantastic.

I had my first fill on 9/23, about 5 weeks after surgery.  My second fill was Monday. 

I was originally scheduled for another fill on Dec 1 but called today and moved it up to Nov 17.
He only does fills on Monday (sometimes Tuesday) because of the possibility of needing an unfill and he wants you to have the week to see if you are too tight.

If not covered by insurance, fills in the office are $200. 

If you haven't already attended, I think the support group meetings are so informative and really recommend them.  The one's I've attended are the first Saturday of the month.

Congrats on the band!
Lori

I've heard Gornichec is conservative on fills-which in my opinion and experience is a good thing.  People get into trouble by getting too tight too quickly.  Once you start getting restriction, each fill is going to require a bit of re-learning about what will work and what won't work.

With the band, you will find that "full" is a different feeling than before, and it's better to be able to identify that feeling...LOL.  The horror stories you hear about puking all the time are (in my opinion only) most likely a lot due to people 1. Not chewing properly/proper sized bites for their level of restriction and 2. Not learning what "full" feels like, and eating beyond that.  (yep, eat beyond Full and you will puke every time. because it's got no where else to go).

It sounds really simple, but in my case I ate a certain way for 46 years so learning to eat a different way does take a little time.  I will still get into trouble with the too big bite thing, but I pretty much know full means full and I stop now.  The best tip I can give you is "if you think you might be full you probably are"...some people have "stop signs" too-a hiccup, a belch (hopefully a soft one).

Also, there is some wisdom in the time limit for meals thing.  If I didn't put the plate up, I could nibble and eat the plate the entire day if I wanted to.  If you start getting "bored", then consider yourself "done" for the meal and put the plate up.  Finishing a serving is not the goal any longer-stopping when you are satisfied is the new goal. 

He is conservatieve but he has never told me once that he would not give me a fill , he has explained to me the reasons for and against and i made my own choice ,,,,i have never once been too tight or vomited ,,,,,,i aghree with Deb , i believe the horror stories are due to people not listening to their body and to their doctor !!!!!!  Trust me it is a learning experience and we have all been known to overeat , old habits die hard !!!

You mean he treats you like a grown woman with a BRAIN?  Dang, AND he's good lookin too (and has a nice wife).....aggggggggggh.

he sure does AND he sure is 

after the initial fill he will do them as needed , he will schedule appts.   I think i have had 3 or 4 in the past year but i have been left the same for the past several months .  As Lori said he does them on mondays , it is not a big deal , and mine are included in insurance but you can ask about yours .  I hope you will come to our group on Saturday , Betty , his nurse runs it and these are questions you can ask her if you think about it , you are going to do great !!!!