Out of towner in need of advice!

The short version of my story is that I had my lap band surgery done in 2008 in NY.  Now I am living in Austin since August 2013 (and loving every single second of it) but am having alot of trouble with my band.  I get sick at just about every meal, atleast once and most times more.  I'm worried that I'm damaging my esophagus, teeth and all of the other issues that can come along with throwing up so often.  I have an appointment set with a GI to look into reflux issues and I'm waiting for a return call from my insurance company to give me the run down of options I do or don't have with them.  I called one surgeon who informed me he would charge a $500 patient transfer fee and that a removal/revision would not be covered by my insurance and therefore would cost $13000.  Is a patient transfer fee a common thing?  I haven't even seen a bariatric doctor yet and am trying not to think about worst case scenarios yet but I'm so tired of having to excuse myself to the bathroom every day and every meal. 

Any thought or advice or experiences to share would be very greatly appreciated!!!

~Kirsten

Hi,

I have never heard of a transfer fee but do know some have program fees but 500 seems a little high.  

I had VBG back in 96 and threw up daily and had a revision to RNY and my insurance covered it but I would have qualified cause I was 100 lbs overweight.   My sister revised for lap band to RNY and insurance covered due to the band slipped so it's possible your insurance may cover revision to fix problems with throwing up.

I would keep looking for surgeon that will help you get revision due to complication with lab band.

Good luck on your search and welcome to Texas!

Hi Kirsten,

I agree with Saundra.    To me it sounds like your band has slipped.   Your insurance will more and likely cover it since you definately have a complication.   PLEASE don't delay in getting to a surgeon and getting this band removed.   Vomiting constantly is only causing more damage.   Go to the Revision Forum and see if there is anyone there from the Austin area.   Here is a link of bariatric surgeons that OH recommends.  I would call all of them.   I can't see someone charging you $500 to transfer files.   That is CRAZY !!!!   You will be in my prayers and please keep us updated on what you find out.    Good luck.

Here is the link:       http://www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/?location=AUSTIN,%20TX

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian