HELP Band after Fundoplication

Does anyone know of a Surgeon who can do a Lap Band after I have had a Nissen Fundoplication three years ago? The only one I have found who says they can is not in my Network, BCBS POS. From other posts on other forums I have seen that it can be done but I am striking out. Please help.......... -Scott

Check with Dr. Smith http://www.advancedobesitysurgery.com/default.asp There are some restrictions on what can be done when you have a Fundoplication. I have one so I understand your frustration. I am not sure about the lap band and the fundiplication but I would have my doubts about it.

Thanks....I checked and not in my network of course. Did you have a different procedure? even though you had the fundop?

I am a bariatric/general surgeon in Augusta. I would be hesitant to band after a fundoplication because the fundoplication needs to come down. That requires a complete retroesophageal dissection which exposes the band to a posterior slip. This is alot more likely to happen after dissecting behind the esophagus then with the way we place bands now. However, I have converted a nissen to a bypass without any difficulties. This was done laparoscopically and the nissen was done open. If you had the nissen lap, then it is more likely that the RNY can be done lap as well, but still no guarantee of course. Is sure there are plenty of good surgeons near you and can do this. Good luck. Michael W. Blaney, MD FACS

Thank You very much....That is exactly the info I was looking for. -Scott

I am not sure if Dr. Maynard is in your network. Donald Maynard, MD E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Donna Edwards Phone: 770-602-1292 Surgical Associates of Metro Atlanta, LLC 1309 Milstead Ave. Conyers, Ga 30013 http://www.samabariatrics.com They do the duodenal switch, RNY, lapband procedures. I am having the Duodenal Switch done with my fundoplication remaining in place

Thanks...I'll Check!

Well, prelimanary good news.......I faxed my surgical notes from my Fundoplication to Dr. Robert Richard, who seems by all acccounts to be a very well respected excellent surgeon. He said he WILL consider doing the Lap Band on me!! Of course I know I have a bagillion more hoops to go through but from what I can tell it looks pretty good but of course, I don't want to be too optimistic. I have read all of my insurance requirements and with a BMI of 39-40 (depending on scales, Dr.'s seem to always be heavier) and Comorbidities of severe Hypertension that I have been on meds for going on five years, High Choles that I have been on meds for about the same amount of time and mild depression treated with Zoloft. It seems like it might happen.......You guys know a lot more than me and I guess it varies from surgeon to surgeon and Insurance to insurance... I am BCBS blue choice POS. When I called they seemed a bit surprised it was covered, their assumption is that my employer (BellSouth) has a rider that covers WLS. Send a good vibe and or Prayer for me. First step is the informational seminar tomorrow night where I can get my application packet. I think it was very kind of Dr. Richard to review my surgical notes first so that I didn't have to go through the seminar and all that if there was no hope. I know how busy these guys are and that speaks very well of him. -Scott

Scott, I really hope that everything works out for you. Sounds like you might have an answer to your situation. Amy