No insurance for fills

 
Most US docs don't use fluoro.  My doc did but he's in MX.  I don't believe I know of a doc in MX that doesn't use fluoro but most in the US do not.

Actually $139 is not a bad price. As far as fill packages, I've only heard of that in starting packages. Usually the first 6 months or year.

It's nice to see you!  I was thinking about you recently.

Why not ask the surgeon and/or his stafff if they would set up a special package on you?  It doesn't hurt to ask, the worst that can happen is the answer is no.  However, if you can appeal to their sense of empathy, I suspect they will try to work with you.

$139 is on the low side for a fill but I totally understand what you are saying.

Having no insurance for fills really hurts! That sucks. I would have to agree that you should talk to your surgeons staff. It doesn't hurt. Just don't give in to the temptation of getting too large a fill at a time. That would mean paying for an unfill if you get too tight.

The insurance thing is the reason I always suggest people think long and hard before getting the band. If they should lose their insurance, which is common these days, it just isn't worth it. It sucks when money drives our decisions but that is reality. If people are smart they will go another direction when that is a factor in choosing wls.

Good luck,
Sue

I'm in Georgia too, and I also feel your pain!  My insurance covered fills for the first year.  All I had to pay was a $20 co-pay.  Now, it's $200 every time.  Needless to say, I don't go in for fills unless I REALLY need it.   

 I lost my job last October and I've been paying $600+ a month for COBRA bc I fear the unknown and since I've had both an RNY and a Band I am suspectible to future possible issues.  Right now, I pay a $60 co-pay for my fills. I haven't had one since Feb and I will be a year out in June.  Mind you, I am in NYC, a fill is $200 here (CASH) and when I do use my insurance Aetna reimburses them for $160.  So, I am OK with the surcharge so to speak.  $200 ain't bad, plus, I can deduct it off my taxes.  However, I just got a new job and the insurance they are offering is ****  Its an EPO and I highly doubt has a baratric rider attached, so, do I use it and risk complications and pay the $200 per visit or do I stay with Cobra?  

Dunno.  If I only had a crystal ball!  

P.S. I also want to keep my COBRA bc I have a WLS related Plastic Surgery rider.  I am dieing to use it, up to $20K.

My co pay for docotro is $25 for visit thats with insurance but none of my insurance company covered fills which if $100 at his office...I rather leave my band with flexability so I can choose how much to eat without issues...If its too tight I waste money cause i then have to have some removed cause I've sensitive to fills...

Trust me.. band with no insurance SUCKS!!! I lost my insurance 4 months after banding. My surgeon who is part of a Center of Excellance... Cleveland Clinic Florida to be exact is stuck as far as what he has to charge for adjustments and ALL are done under Fluro. $850 each without a break PERIOD. Doesn't matter fill or unfill. And when you get a fill an unfill is only going to be done without charge within 24 hours, otherwise you get to pay again.

 
Oh my gosh, I know someone else that uses your surgeon.  She has horror stories to tell - as well.  You should meet her.  She's on the f/b failed band groups.  Need a link?