My fill issues

[NotSoFunny]

Well ever since I got my fill I have had no restriction. I was retaining water when i went in for the fill, and now with no water retention i am back to wide open. I know i should give it some time, but it is frustrating.

Also, my time at the fill appt was not good. The octor was rough, he pressed on my stomach so hard I now have a large bruise, and I have pain whenever I bend over or move around. It is really upsetting to me. The guy was rude, and rough, and I can't go back to him because of fear of going back through that. On top of it all my port is tilted, so I HAVE to go with a flouro. I am just so upset.

I spoke to my doc in Mexico. They are conversing and trying to decide what to do. I might have a port repositioning surgery, Or I might go there for a few days to just get adjusted enough to where I can get proper restriction. I have no idea.

I am also going to contact Fill Centers USA and complain. I am really upset with the whole ordeal.

[Kim G]

Sorry to hear that funny. Not sure when you had your fill but my doc will have us come back in 3 weeks to re-check to make sure the amount is working for us. You have the bigger band so I know I have read where it takes several fills before people start to notice a difference.

Good Luck sorry about the problems...wish I could do more then just listen for you.

[DrewsLou]

Sorry to hear your having troubles Amy. I have been having some fill issues myself.

Good to see ya!

[NotSoFunny]

I was filled on wednesday by flouroscopy. While it is not always spot on, it does eliminate the nee for multiple fills to get the right restriciton usually.

I guess I am more upset by how I was treated, and the pain that I am in now from all the pushing and kneading he did to my stomach. I told him while he was oing it that it hurt. He joked and said "what do you mean? It doesn't hurt me a bit". He was rude the whole time, telling me that I was an "idiot" for having gone to the doctor I had for my surgery, and spent 5 minutes talking outside my room about how ugly another of his patients were. It was really an awful exp. I took a few days to calm own from it before contacting fill centers usa, but in those few days the pain from where he tried to find my port has gotten more and more painful.

I am just so angry.

[paula]

I am also going to contact Fill Centers USA and complain. I am really upset with the whole ordeal.

I would be too!
A fill shouldnt be THIS painful. Although Im thinking that with a tilted port he had to manuver it so he could inject the needle in the right place. Im sure all of your muscles where the port is attached, were stretched - probably the reason for so much pain? hmmmm....

Could he tell that he was causing you this discomfort? If so, did he try to ease up?

On the no restriction thing.. crazy as it seems, restriction appears -in some of us- a few weeks AFTERward. My first pb was at 4 weeks post first fill... I didnt even know what I was supposed to be feeling as far as restriction goes. After that experience, I became much more intune to my tummy.

But since you're having port issues, makes me wonder if you even GOT any saline in there. Did you see it on the fluro?

[Kim G]

You have every right to be angry that is just wrong. Well I hope you get the fill you need and you get a different doc even if it means going back to your doc in MX. I will be thinking of you!!!!

[Txblue_eyedqt]

im sorry to hear about your experience Funny...I too would be ticked....My tilt is also titled, but my doctor always does the fills by fluro...but the last time i went in they have to dig for mine cause its titled downward...but it doesnt hurt me to get a fill, i guess cause the doctor is gentle and not an ass like you have experienced.....

[Telly]

Amy I have an appt this Friday at the Tampa Fill Centers office. I would like to know who performed your fill so that I can observe any hasty, brute-like behavior. Please PM me.

[Diane]

This sounds awful. I also have a tilted port & have never had pain when getting a fill. This man sounds very unprofessional. I can't believe you had to go through that!!

I agree with Paula on your fill. It may "kick in" a little later.

[Kathy]

Oooo, look out. Telly is up to bat for you, Funny. That jerk fill doc better watch out! I'm sorry Funny. Shame on that doc. I hope your fill kicks in and you avoid needing another for a good while! (((hugs)))

[NotSoFunny]

The pain i receved was from him poking and pushing on my stomach while i was laying down to see if he could do the fill without the flouro. He was not using a needle, it was purely all pain from the pressure he was using with his hand and fingers. I did say it hurt, and he did not let up. He said larger people were more sensitive. Bullshit. I also don't bruise easily, but i have a bruise about the size of a silver dollar that you can clearly make out is from 2 fingers.

I called fill centers usa and spoke with them and am very happy with the level of attention they are giving this, as well as for the apologies that I have had to go through this. Sad fact is that I am not the first person to complain about him being like this, saying the things he sai, and being rough. It is his manner, and they have a hard time with him being invovled. But he is deeply involve in the company so they can't just get rid of him. I respect that, and respect the person that spoke with me. She is doing what she can, and that is all I expect. I o not in any way blame fill centers for this, and will glaly go back to them once my port is repositioned.

Telly, I will pm you the info.

[Maryb]

How dare they treat you so bad! You deserve better, so demand it!

[DebbieChoos]

Amy - Did you go to the Fill Center or did you go to Z-hills and see Dr. Grossbard? I thought you posted earlier that you were going directly to Dr. G because of your first experience with the fill center. I have three friends that were banded by him and they all say he's a great doc, but they all say he's an arrogant asshole. (That's actually being nice...) BTY - none of them had EVER heard of fluro until I started talking about it and asking questions, Dr. G doesn't believe in it!

We use Dr. Jesse over here in Largo, yes she's expensive, but she comes highly recommended by ready4achange. The first fill (with fluro) was performed next door at the hospital ($750), all other fills are done in her office ($400) without fluro. You can always get fluro, but it is more expensive. No complaints whatsoever. With the only other option being the fillcenter, she can set her own rates so to speak.

We are lucky that we have the ability to afford her services, since we spent $10k plus in Mexico $400 here and there is a drop in the bucket so to speak. I know that that fee is outlandish and alot of people can't afford that, but we did know that prior to selecting Mexico as an option. (I hope that doesn't sound snobbish). We really don't have a choice, though it probably would be cheaper to hop a southwest flight and see Dr. Stephanie in Dallas!!

No one should ever be treated like that for any medical reason or by any medical professional. You are our resident freak, I can't imagine you putting up with this!! Let us know if it was Dr.G or if you actually went to the fillcenter. I am deeply disturbed by this story, it just pisses me off - hang in there.

Deb

[NotSoFunny]

I went to dr. grossbard THROUGH fill centers usa, because he is the only one in florida that they have ties to that uses flouro. he believes in it big time. Talked the whole time about how much it has helped him and how much he spent on it.

and he is very arrogant LOL

I might go to dr. jessee because she is closer, and i just don't trust dr. grossbard. pm me hon cause i want to chat with you about dr. jessee and get some info.

[Diva]

I think I smell a brand new B2G project. A list of band friendly lawyers. One for Funny and one for P'nut. Sheesh! This fill guy sounds like a total tool. Get him Telly-wish I was there with you, the man wouldn't know which way to turn.
Seriously Funny-report him in writing not only the phone call.

[NotSoFunny]

oh i have already begun drafting a letter to the local medical board.

[Iulizbug]

I had a HORRIBLE experience with Fill Centers in St.Pete and go to Dr.Jessee now and think she is great. She is very expensive but compared to the awful way I was mistreated by Fillcenters I think it is worth the extra $$ for great care. Dr.Jessee told me a horror story last week when I was with her in the ER getting my unfill about the Tampa FillCenter. I am not telling you guys this to scare Telly away but just pls be careful when you go. Dr.Jessee told me that a patient went to the Tampa center to get filled and the NP couldn't find this woman's port but kept poking and kneading her stomach trying to anyways. I guess it got real painful and she kept asking the NP to stop but he/she refused. The NP eventually did fill her but it was her first fill and she was filled to a full 4cc in a 4cc/10cm band. The patient was in awful pain when she left the Tampa office and ended up in the ER for severe dehydration and damaged tubing. This patient now sees Dr.Jessee as well. I was lied to at Fillcenters in St.pete about them having fluro when they didn't and had to pay for a fill even though they wouldn't give me one. IMO Fillcenters are awful and a scam and I would stay far far away from them. I love Dr.Jessee and her staff--she is very caring and best of all she knows what she is doing unlike the NP's at Fillcenters who just took a 2 day course on adminstering fills. Dr.Jessee saw me last thursday when I needed her in between surgeries and unfiled me no questions asked. She was there when I needed her and it didn't cost me any $$. Hopefully Telly will have a better experience at the Tampa center~

~Liz~
03/10/06
241/168/160
5'7''

[Iulizbug]

Oh BTW I did get a refund for $225 from Fillcenters b/c I was so uspet about my experience but I had to work my way up and speak directly to the corp. manager to do it. The manager at Fillcenters St.Pete wouldn't help me so I kept calling and complaining until someone would. I stil had to pay $75 for nothing though....:mad:


~Liz~

[DebbieChoos]

I am speechless, these stories are unbelievable. I just found out today that another one of Dr Zapata's patients (ready4achange) basically had Funnys and Iulizbug's experience all rolled up in one. Went though all the same b.s. at the fillcenter that Iulizbug went through then demanded to go to see Dr. Grossbard. Once there he treated her like he did Funny. The worst part of this for me is that Dr Grossbard has a band (Dr Ortiz)! You would think that that would make him a better lapband doctor.

I don't know if legally anything can be done, or if this borders on being medically unethical - but by you guys telling your stories here maybe you can hit them where it will really hurt, in their pocketbook. If people don't use the fillcenter or Dr G, then maybe that will get their attention.

[Diva]

What are or is Fillcenters? Do you have to use them? I am kind of ignorant on the subject. But one thing I do know, that jerk should be glad I'm not in Tampa.

[NotSoFunny]

fill centers usa is a network set up for band patients that have moved and can't see their surgeon, or are out of country patients that most surgeons won't see. their fees are low compared to most (350 for the first visit and 200 for subsequent visits i believe) they are all over the country, and it was sarte by Dr. Ortiz and some other surgeons.

[mysherrijo]

Hey Amy,
I would be upset too. I have the low profile port and mine is tilted but Dr. Curry uses fluro and hits it first time with the fluro. I would have gave that Doctor a piece of my mind. I hope you find someone as wonderful as Dr. Curry, he's just a sweetie pie. Good luck and hope things go better next time.

[NotSoFunny]

well right now the verdict is to wait another 5 weeks and see where i am at. the pain is subsiding, although it is still sharp when i bend over or lay on it. pretty sure my muscle is bruised or a stitch got pulled.

if all seems fine and i need aother fill i might see dr. jessee here, or go back to mexico to give my wonderful doc a hug. we shall see. i also hope to be down another 20 pounds by then so we will see what happens.

[NotSoFunny]

*hugs sherri and runs off to see what else she can post in on the board*

[DonnaB]

Hey Amy,

I "pulled" my port a couple of weeks ago and I know exactly how you're feeling right now. It was pretty scary for me until I spoke with the PA at my fill doc's office and she reassured me that it will heal up and stop hurting.

I hate that that guy - whoever he was - put your through all that pain. You don't say it directly but it sounds like it was the doctor himself. My second fill was done by "the doctor" (not my surgeon - I was done in Mexico too!) and he SUCKED at it. He really hurt me and was an arrogant ass. I'm still using his office for fills, but only because his PA is FANTABULOUS!!!! If I ever go there and he's doing the fills that day . . . I'm OUTA THERE. He will never touch me again.

I'm sorry you're going through this.

["Just" Paul]

Funny...

Want me to take him out back, and beat the crap out of him?

I would.

I'm an Italian from Pittsburgh, I fight dirty.

[NotSoFunny]

jp, you come over. we'll do coffee, and i'll give you directions. LOL

Donna, yeah it was the doctor himself. and I woke up this morning from laying on my port all night an my stomach HUUUUUUUURTS! I just wish it would stop so i could get over it and the anger and the whole day. its like a nagging little reminder.

i called dr. jessee's office yesterday just to introduce myself and i got my information sent in. just in case i want to use them for another fill.

["Just" Paul]

ON my way. I'll bring a brick, and a roll of quarters.

[mysherrijo]

I have not and will not use fill centers. There are so many that will do Mexican patients in my area and I live in Kentucky. In fact out of the 5 I called, all 5 do Mexican patients but once I met Dr. C, I knew that was who I wanted to do mine from here on out. I wouldn't even mess with fill centers.

[foodstampchamp]

I have not and will not use fill centers. There are so many that will do Mexican patients in my area and I live in Kentucky. In fact out of the 5 I called, all 5 do Mexican patients but once I met Dr. C, I knew that was who I wanted to do mine from here on out. I wouldn't even mess with fill centers.

Okay, I'm positive I misunderstood. Are you saying you won't use fill centers BECAUSE they do mexican patients? I don't get it. Like I said, I'm positive I misunderstood.

[NotSoFunny]

yeah she meant that she would never use them because of all the problems that they have had in the past. and that there are plenty of alternatives for her to see in her area.

[mysherrijo]

NO, I haven't used them. What I meant was, if I can find 5 in Kentucky that will do Mexican patients then everyone else who lives in places better than Kentucky, lol shouldn't have any problem finding someone. Sorry.

[NotSoFunny]

You know sherri you would think that. Not that many places are better than Kentucky. :D It is frustrating how some docs do not allow mexico patients. But I have seen the list grow thankfully.

I am going to see Dr. Jessee on Oct. 3rd and I am so excited about it. I spoke to a nurse in her office today for about 20 minutes, and i felt so at peace by the end of the conversation. It really was cathartic for me to chat with someone about what I had been through. I will be having my next fill done under flouro again, but I am actually looking forward to it! I was afraid to do it before because of the pain and such I had exp. But this is different. I can feel it. And I am so excited!!

[DebbieChoos]

That's awesome that you have an appointment with Dr Jessee, hopefully she will be able to offer you some restriction. Cathy thought that her staff was great over the phone too and even better in person. Are you now thinking of joining her support group?

[NotSoFunny]

I think so. I have to check the schedule. When is the next meeting?

[Iulizbug]

Tell Dr.Jessee that Liz said hi!! She is the best--I am sure you will love her Funny!! :happy: I am getting re-filled on Monday and am so excited. They really make you feel comfortable when you get your fill. They have soft, fluffy pillows laid out on the table and it is very warm and inviting in her fill room. I am sure you will not be disappointed. I have only had to have a fluro my first fill and when i had my unfill. Normally after your first fill with her you just go right over to her office and are in and out in 10 minutes.

~Liz~
03/10/06
241/167/160
5'7''

[NotSoFunny]

I am really excited about it. I think it will be interesting to see how a nice doc does it. LOL I also discussed going to a support group meeting with my husband. he is all for it. so I need to find out about them and go.

[Iulizbug]

Yeah I have thought about going to the support groups too. Dr.Jessee asks me everytime I see her for a fill about coming but it is in Largo and is a good drive from Citrus Park where I live in Tampa so I always come up with an excuse not to make it...But I hear they are great and a big group always turns out.

~Liz~
03/10/06
241/167/160
5'7''

[NotSoFunny]

I am going to the next one. have it all planned out. so no excuses. i want all tampa bandsters to be there hehehe lets give each other hugs.

[mysherrijo]

Amy I really hope she is good and I am proud you found a caring and nice filler upper. I have the fluro now each time and I don't think I would ever get a fill without it. I called to cancel my fill and they said I really need to see him next week because it will be 6 weeks and they don't want me to go to long for a fill so we'll see. I pb'd for the first time today on a piece of toast with peanut butter and I told them that and they said that doesn't mean I'm too full that I could have ate too fast or too big a bite. I really like how they are on you for fills and are not the type to tell you no, you don't need one when you really do.

Hope your fill goes great and you really get restriction. good luck.

[DebbieChoos]

I am going to the next one. have it all planned out. so no excuses. i want all tampa bandsters to be there hehehe lets give each other hugs.

Did you get the schedule, when/where is the next one? I asked Cathy if she would go, I think she's getting alittle discouraged and could use some extra support from fellow bandsters. I can only understand so much. She didn't say no, I think she's thinking about it. She is calling tomorrow to schedule her next fill, she's still waiting to find that "sweet spot".

[NotSoFunny]

it is going to be on October 5th at Anona Methodist Church at 6:30. I hope to see you guys there!!! I am going to invite them to the bbq too so we can meet a few other local bandsters. you should ask your other band friends that you know (and I know you know a few :) ) to the bbq too.

[Goannabanda]

it is going to be on October 5th at Anona Methodist Church at 6:30. I hope to see you guys there!!! I am going to invite them to the bbq too so we can meet a few other local bandsters. you should ask your other band friends that you know (and I know you know a few :) ) to the bbq too.

Hey, that's my durgery date! You can all fall on your knees and pray for me. hehehe!

That first fill experience was terrible! Poor you! Great to hear that you found a better doc and a new support network Funny. Hope the next fill goes much better!