having band troubles...had enough

I am having my Band removed Monday 23rd. Then 8 weeks wait for the sleeve.

My Surgeon is Bulk Billing both Surgeries, but unfortunately gas man wont come to the party and bulk bill. So my out of pocket is gas man only!!!!!!!!

Gotta be happy with that ......... Good luck

Suzy Blue

My surgeon (Brancatisano) removed my lapband free of charge....he just bulk billed it, fortunately the anaethetist waived his 'gap' payment too, it was lovely of them both. I'm getting sleeved in 3 weeks or so and paying full tote ($4,950) but considering I paid that amount having the band put in and this time for the sleeve, at least Roy didn't slug me for hoiking the band out. Lucky! LOL

Just ask your surgeon and with a tone that pretty much says "It'll be done no charge". Best of luck...

Hi

well I was in the exact same boat as yourself about 6 mths ago, my band was making me sick, always vomiting after eating, painful poos (sorry tmi) and not losing weight - gaining infact. I didnt have any phi because I was initially on my mums but after I turned 22 didnt think I needed it.

I went and saw my surgeon and he suggested renewing and going forward with removal and sleeve surgery. He wasnt going to charge me anything so all I was up for was the phi and $250 excess at the time of surgery.

I thought about my options and to me its worth it to wait the 12 mths. I could wait on the public list but even then who could say if that would be performed within 12mths? It could have been a longer wait especially since its not just the band removal.

I renewed on the 26th of august and time has literally flown! 7 mths - almost till surgery and 4 mths until I can actually book it in. Woo!

Good luck with whatever you decide the main thing is to be proactive and dont procrastinate. :)

Jess

i don't know about the public waiting list, but you could always go back on the phi until you know, that way you will only have to wait a year and either way you can get it fixed.

HI, is there any trouble in renewing phi? Maybe go see your Gp. Your situation might be covered under medicare as it is causing bad health issues.

I am sure someone on here will have more info Cheers

I was banded about 4 years ago and had nothing but trouble since...everything from stickage to vomiting,chronic anaemia bringing on a TIA,pain and now what seems to be diahorrea for about 4 weeks.I'm tired and fed up with it all. The only problem is that we had Private Health Cover for about 20 years and then 6 months ago deceided to "let it go"....now how do I go about getting this band removed.I can still see the Band Surgeon that put this in but will I now have to go on the Public waiting list? Does anyone know?????thanks