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Bariatric Surgery/LapBand Removal

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Expert: - 9/18/2008


Question
I had a LapBand installed in June 2007 and have lost 50 pounds.  I have been miserable since December 2007 with consistent stomach issues.  I can only eat limited foods, have attempted fills only to have them taken out shortly there after, gone to the Dr 3 times to have fluid removed due to excruciating pain and now have had a metallic taste in my mouth for 3 weeks.  

I paid for the surgery out of my pocket, $16,500.00 and my Dr has said that in order to remove the band, it will cost me another $16,500.00.  Is it to be expected that I will pay for the removal when I am experiencing such pain?

Answer
Nicole,
I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation.

There is no set pattern for how a surgeon handles the financial side of subsequent surgery when a patient paid out of pocket at the beginning.  There is some cost (facility, anesthesiologist) that your surgeon has no control over.  Even so, if it is straight Band removal then it seems a bit much to pay the same rate.

Best of luck,
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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