Guest guest Posted March 16, 1999 Report Share Posted March 16, 1999 Hello, nice to have you posting. I usually just lurk, too. I'm so embarrased. >>>- I read on the net that US Citizens have to go abroad to have a band. Is this still true ? Why is this ?>>> It is oh so true. I have to go to Mexico. The reason is that the band has not been approved by our FDA. >>>- I'd like to know more about the costs of having a band in other places around the world. Due to the social security system we have in Belgium pre op tests will not cost me very much, approx 50-75 U$. The operation itself is somewhat more expensive because the social security consider the band as luxury (they state that I should have an op that reduces the volume of the stomach permanently with staples). All costs included it will come up to about 2.000 U$>>> Consider yourself lucky. I am paying $10,000 (surgery only). Yep that's right. Only in the good ole USof A. >>>- And last but not least : are there any other Belgians on the list ?<<< I'm not Belgian but that's probably good. I could never stop with the yummy chocolate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 Hi everyone Kim, I have to disagree with your comments about pre-op testing being an unnecessary waste of money just because your GP thinks you are in excellent health. People can APPEAR to be in excellent health under normal circumstances but having a general anesthetic and an operation causes very different stresses on the body to everyday life!!! There really is no way of knowing certain predispositions to potential operative problems without doing some tests, eg 1) blood test to ascertain how much clotting factor u have in your blood, which gives an indication of whether you would be likely to have a potentially fatal thrombosis (blood clot) 2) endoscopy (camera down throat) to check on the state of your osophagus and stomach as certain problems which could cause complications with the band (eg erosion of the osophagus or hiatus hernia) may have no symptoms in the early stages 3) ecg and ultrasound to check that your heart is OK and strong enough to survive an anesthetic...again you can have arythmic heart beat and not even know! 4) lung function tests to check strength of lungs, which is important for ensuring blood is oxygenated enough and for clearing lungs of potentially damaging mucus post-op 5) post-op barium swallow to check that there are no stomach perforations.....if there are and this is spotted immediately then many further probs can be avoided...we all know what a terrible time went through, much of it because they didn't realise her stomach was perforated for several days by which time she had become very ill. These are just SOME of the tests i had...and personally I am extremely grateful that my surgeon was thorough enough to do them. I was very lucky that my health insurance paid ...but even if they hadn't i would not have had the op done without these tests even though i seemed to be in good general health and i was one of the lucky ones that has so far had no post-op probs. Of course if you have had other ops recently then some of this testing may have been done already and you wouldn't need it repeated.but personally i felt that i was taking a big risk by having an op in the first place and i was only to willing to minimise the risks as much as i could! (my gynecologist wouldn't even CONSIDER doing a hysterectomy for me... coz of my size and the increased risk for any op) I would advise anyone considering a band to only go to a surgeon who carries out extensive pre-op testing...minimise your risks!!! Helen Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 Hi , Welcome to the list. As far as I know you are the only person from Belgium on the list. But this is great we are getting more and more international by the day. Which band are you having? the Swedish or the Lapband? Our US friends unfortunately cannot yet have the band as it is not yet FDA approved. The ones who do have it already either were lucky to be accepted into a trial or then they fly to Mexico or Europe to have the operation. Cheers Barbara, Swiss but living in London Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 , You are sounding a lot better, sounds like your on your way to a full recovery!!! I'm really glad for you. As to your question about testing, I'm scheduled for my procedure in Mexico next Thursday. It has taken me months to get this whole thing going. I'm a cash patient and didn't have to fool around with any of the insurance companies, thank God!!! Anyway, I had a whole bunch of tests here before I even step foot in Mexico. In fact all of my tests were sent to the doctor down there for him to review several weeks ahead of time. I will meet him the day before the surgery and have any other tests that he might want to have. I don't know if this is going to make a difference or not but we'll see. Debi Boyd did her procedure the same way and she's having trouble, so I don't think that the testing will prevent anything from happening after the band is in place. I think or so I've been told that all of the tests are for clotting factors, respiration and heart health. So they are actually for the procedure itself, I guess I'll see first hand in a week. I am looking forward to this, but am quite astonished about all of the trouble I've been hearing about. Take care!!!! See ya on the other side!!!! T. pre-op 204lbs surgery date scheduled for 3/25/99 p.s. Hey, I was on the chat line for 30 minutes and was the only one there, did the time change???? I was on Saturday 2pm, western time zone. I must of goofed something up, oh well, I'll try for this weekend, see you all there!!! >I am just a bit curious as to why,,in other parts of the world that testing goes hand in hand with the band?????? >If there is some one out there who has a Dr app soon ( from a nother country ), please tell them of the lack >of testing here in Australia,, ( I would truly love to know what's there opinion on that.) >use me as an example>>>Dr appointment on thursday ,,booked in for operation on Monday >5 days NO TESTING ( I know testing would not have helped me in any way,,but it may help some one else ).......................... >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ -------------------- > >kimmy@... wrote: > >> >> >> Hi All, >> >> asked about experiences with pre and post op testing and as I have said before I had none.Not a blood test not a barrium meal not a xray NOTHING.........Now right or wrong I think I need to say that here in NSW Australia we cannot go to a specialist without a referal from a GP.The Gp is the guy who gives the specialist your history(or was in my case)Now coming from a society that complains about the money we pay for all these test I personally am pleased I didnt have any.My Gp knew I was in excellent health and reported this to the specialist and therefore there was no point in me having any tests.If I had of had them they would have cost me a fortune and the same result would have been found which luckily for me was GOOD HEALTH.This is so easy for me to say as I have had nothing but success with the band and I may have a different attitude if I had of had problems but like with everything else I guess it boils down to your confidence in your Dr and the surgery you are about to undertake.From what I have seen on this list any problems experienced have had nothing to do with testing or lack of.I'm sure if I was experiencing any problems available tests would be performed.As always just my opinion........................ >> >> KIM >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend. >> http://www.onelist.com >> Onelist: The leading provider of free email list services > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Ideas on how we can improve ONElist? >http://www.onelist.com >Check out the Suggestion Box feature on our new web site Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 Hello, this is my second mail to all bandsters. I never got any reply on the first one, it has probably gotten lost in cyberspace. Firstly, I want to excuse for any errors in my English writing, I don't speak or write English that much ... I've been reading all messages for the last two weeks and I'd like to give some info about pre op tests I'm undergoing now (op is due April 19, if all goes well). There quite A LOT of pre op tests. I had a full exam of blood, I was scanned for diabetes, cholesterol, etc. Then to the cardiologist : blood pressure, tests before and after heavy physical tests (running etc) Then to radiology : X ray of the chest. Afterwards gastroscopy : a tube with a camera on down the throat into my stomach. The doctor then discovered that I have rupture of the inner stomach-lining (about 5 inches, never knew I had it). I also had a scan of my intestines (no results so far, this test took place yesterday). I will also be seeing a dietician soon (pre op). The surgeon also suggested psychologic treatment (behavioral treatment) but he told me I'm free to do it or not. Because I have a rupture a laparascopic operation is impossible (fear of complications), but I will have a band with a " normal " operation. Recovery will take longer ... but I'll have to cope with it. Personally, I'm very happy with all this pre op testing. It makes me feel confident and safe. Of course, complications are always possible but having been checked very thoroughly I'm not running any unnecessary risks. I'm also reading everything I can find about the band (thats how I discovered this list). A few questions to all of you out there : - I read on the net that US Citizens have to go abroad to have a band. Is this still true ? Why is this ? - I'd like to know more about the costs of having a band in other places around the world. Due to the social security system we have in Belgium pre op tests will not cost me very much, approx 50-75 U$. The operation itself is somewhat more expensive because the social security consider the band as luxury (they state that I should have an op that reduces the volume of the stomach permanently with staples). All costs included it will come up to about 2.000 U$ - And last but not least : are there any other Belgians on the list ? Greetings to all of you , Antwerp, Belgium. -----Oorspronkelijk bericht----- Van: kimmy@... kimmy@...> Aan: bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com> Datum: woensdag 17 maart 1999 6:56 Onderwerp: testing > > >Hi All, > > asked about experiences with pre and post op testing and as I have said before I had none.Not a blood test not a barrium meal not a xray NOTHING.........Now right or wrong I think I need to say that here in NSW Australia we cannot go to a specialist without a referal from a GP.The Gp is the guy who gives the specialist your history(or was in my case)Now coming from a society that complains about the money we pay for all these test I personally am pleased I didnt have any.My Gp knew I was in excellent health and reported this to the specialist and therefore there was no point in me having any tests.If I had of had them they would have cost me a fortune and the same result would have been found which luckily for me was GOOD HEALTH.This is so easy for me to say as I have had nothing but success with the band and I may have a different attitude if I had of had problems but like with everything else I guess it boils down to your confidence in your Dr and the surgery you are about to undertake.From what I have seen on this list any problems experienced have had nothing to do with testing or lack of.I'm sure if I was experiencing any problems available tests would be performed.As always just my opinion........................ > >KIM > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend. >http://www.onelist.com >Onelist: The leading provider of free email list services > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 it's that wise girl again .... I couldn't agree more. Love Janet snip >I would advise anyone considering a band to only go to a surgeon who >carries out extensive pre-op testing...minimise your risks!!! > >Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 hi Good to hear from you and by the way your English is fantastic. It is interesting to hear about all the tests that you have been through and that you were not aware of the rupture in your stomach. Did you truly have no symptoms? I suffer with indigestion and sometimes wonder if this is due to something other than a reaction to the food I have eaten. I hope that when I have my pre op tests that it does not show anything too bad. I wish you all the very best of luck for your surgery in April. Do keep us up to date with how you get on. Love Janet At 20:40 17/03/99 +0100, you wrote: > > >Hello, > >this is my second mail to all bandsters. I never got any reply on the first >one, it has probably gotten lost in cyberspace. > >Firstly, I want to excuse for any errors in my English writing, I don't >speak or write English that much ... > >I've been reading all messages for the last two weeks and I'd like to give >some info about pre op tests I'm undergoing now (op is due April 19, if all >goes well). > >There quite A LOT of pre op tests. I had a full exam of blood, I was scanned >for diabetes, cholesterol, etc. Then to the cardiologist : blood pressure, >tests before and after heavy physical tests (running etc) >Then to radiology : X ray of the chest. Afterwards gastroscopy : a tube with >a camera on down the throat into my stomach. The doctor then discovered that >I have rupture of the inner stomach-lining (about 5 inches, never knew I had >it). I also had a scan of my intestines (no results so far, this test took >place yesterday). I will also be seeing a dietician soon (pre op). The >surgeon also suggested psychologic treatment (behavioral treatment) but he >told me I'm free to do it or not. > >Because I have a rupture a laparascopic operation is impossible (fear of >complications), but I will have a band with a " normal " operation. Recovery >will take longer ... but I'll have to cope with it. > >Personally, I'm very happy with all this pre op testing. It makes me feel >confident and safe. Of course, complications are always possible but having >been checked very thoroughly I'm not running any unnecessary risks. I'm also >reading everything I can find about the band (thats how I discovered this >list). > >A few questions to all of you out there : >- I read on the net that US Citizens have to go abroad to have a band. Is >this still true ? Why is this ? >- I'd like to know more about the costs of having a band in other places >around the world. Due to the social security system we have in Belgium pre >op tests will not cost me very much, approx 50-75 U$. The operation itself >is somewhat more expensive because the social security consider the band as >luxury (they state that I should have an op that reduces the volume of the >stomach permanently with staples). All costs included it will come up to >about 2.000 U$ >- And last but not least : are there any other Belgians on the list ? > >Greetings to all of you > > >, >Antwerp, Belgium. >-----Oorspronkelijk bericht----- >Van: kimmy@... kimmy@...> >Aan: bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com> >Datum: woensdag 17 maart 1999 6:56 >Onderwerp: testing > > >> >> >>Hi All, >> >> asked about experiences with pre and post op testing and as I have >said before I had none.Not a blood test not a barrium meal not a xray >NOTHING.........Now right or wrong I think I need to say that here in NSW >Australia we cannot go to a specialist without a referal from a GP.The Gp is >the guy who gives the specialist your history(or was in my case)Now coming >from a society that complains about the money we pay for all these test I >personally am pleased I didnt have any.My Gp knew I was in excellent health >and reported this to the specialist and therefore there was no point in me >having any tests.If I had of had them they would have cost me a fortune and >the same result would have been found which luckily for me was GOOD >HEALTH.This is so easy for me to say as I have had nothing but success with >the band and I may have a different attitude if I had of had problems but >like with everything else I guess it boils down to your confidence in your >Dr and the surgery you are about to undertake.From what I have seen on this >list any problems experienced have had nothing to do with testing or lack >of.I'm sure if I was experiencing any problems available tests would be >performed.As always just my opinion........................ >> >>KIM >> >> >> >> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend. >>http://www.onelist.com >>Onelist: The leading provider of free email list services >> > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >We are proud as punch of our new web site! >http://www.onelist.com >Onelist: The leading provider of free email community services > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 1999 Report Share Posted March 17, 1999 Did the rupture occur at the time of the endoscopy. Did the tube with the camera on it rupture of stomach at the time or had this occurred before the procedure. Regards At 09:24 PM 17/03/1999 +0000, you wrote: > > >hi >Good to hear from you and by the way your English is fantastic. > >It is interesting to hear about all the tests that you have been through >and that you were not aware of the rupture in your stomach. Did you truly >have no symptoms? I suffer with indigestion and sometimes wonder if this >is due to something other than a reaction to the food I have eaten. I hope >that when I have my pre op tests that it does not show anything too bad. > >I wish you all the very best of luck for your surgery in April. Do keep us >up to date with how you get on. > >Love >Janet > > > >At 20:40 17/03/99 +0100, you wrote: >> >> >>Hello, >> >>this is my second mail to all bandsters. I never got any reply on the first >>one, it has probably gotten lost in cyberspace. >> >>Firstly, I want to excuse for any errors in my English writing, I don't >>speak or write English that much ... >> >>I've been reading all messages for the last two weeks and I'd like to give >>some info about pre op tests I'm undergoing now (op is due April 19, if all >>goes well). >> >>There quite A LOT of pre op tests. I had a full exam of blood, I was scanned >>for diabetes, cholesterol, etc. Then to the cardiologist : blood pressure, >>tests before and after heavy physical tests (running etc) >>Then to radiology : X ray of the chest. Afterwards gastroscopy : a tube with >>a camera on down the throat into my stomach. The doctor then discovered that >>I have rupture of the inner stomach-lining (about 5 inches, never knew I had >>it). I also had a scan of my intestines (no results so far, this test took >>place yesterday). I will also be seeing a dietician soon (pre op). The >>surgeon also suggested psychologic treatment (behavioral treatment) but he >>told me I'm free to do it or not. >> >>Because I have a rupture a laparascopic operation is impossible (fear of >>complications), but I will have a band with a " normal " operation. Recovery >>will take longer ... but I'll have to cope with it. >> >>Personally, I'm very happy with all this pre op testing. It makes me feel >>confident and safe. Of course, complications are always possible but having >>been checked very thoroughly I'm not running any unnecessary risks. I'm also >>reading everything I can find about the band (thats how I discovered this >>list). >> >>A few questions to all of you out there : >>- I read on the net that US Citizens have to go abroad to have a band. Is >>this still true ? Why is this ? >>- I'd like to know more about the costs of having a band in other places >>around the world. Due to the social security system we have in Belgium pre >>op tests will not cost me very much, approx 50-75 U$. The operation itself >>is somewhat more expensive because the social security consider the band as >>luxury (they state that I should have an op that reduces the volume of the >>stomach permanently with staples). All costs included it will come up to >>about 2.000 U$ >>- And last but not least : are there any other Belgians on the list ? >> >>Greetings to all of you >> >> >>, >>Antwerp, Belgium. >>-----Oorspronkelijk bericht----- >>Van: kimmy@... kimmy@...> >>Aan: bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com> >>Datum: woensdag 17 maart 1999 6:56 >>Onderwerp: testing >> >> >>> >>> >>>Hi All, >>> >>> asked about experiences with pre and post op testing and as I have >>said before I had none.Not a blood test not a barrium meal not a xray >>NOTHING.........Now right or wrong I think I need to say that here in NSW >>Australia we cannot go to a specialist without a referal from a GP.The Gp is >>the guy who gives the specialist your history(or was in my case)Now coming >>from a society that complains about the money we pay for all these test I >>personally am pleased I didnt have any.My Gp knew I was in excellent health >>and reported this to the specialist and therefore there was no point in me >>having any tests.If I had of had them they would have cost me a fortune and >>the same result would have been found which luckily for me was GOOD >>HEALTH.This is so easy for me to say as I have had nothing but success with >>the band and I may have a different attitude if I had of had problems but >>like with everything else I guess it boils down to your confidence in your >>Dr and the surgery you are about to undertake.From what I have seen on this >>list any problems experienced have had nothing to do with testing or lack >>of.I'm sure if I was experiencing any problems available tests would be >>performed.As always just my opinion........................ >>> >>>KIM >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend. >>>http://www.onelist.com >>>Onelist: The leading provider of free email list services >>> >> >> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>We are proud as punch of our new web site! >>http://www.onelist.com >>Onelist: The leading provider of free email community services >> >> > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >We have a new web site! >http://www.onelist.com >Onelist: The leading provider of free email community services > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 1999 Report Share Posted March 18, 1999 dear barbara and new bandsters, it is not true that we in the usa have to travel to mexico or europe for the lapband. i think the majority of us are receiving the lapband rite here in the usa. i did, right in new york the word on the street is it will be approved by the fda by 2000, so it wont be long before the public will be standing on line for it..lol we are tested and tested and tested, thnk god:} every test has a reason. any on looking to get into the research group here in the usa should contact dr martin in new orleans to see if he was approved for 50 more subjects OOXXOO ibselle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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