Wanting Lap Band - New Here

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/4380042/Question-on-insurance-quot1-WLS-per-lifetimequot-Clause/




DianaCox
San Jose, CA
Robert Rabkin Duodenal Switch (08/05/03) Member Since: 12/22/02
[Latest Posts]Post Date: 4/30/11 9:27 am
One weight loss surgery per lifetime restrictions mean EXACTLY that - and it doesn't matter who paid for your first one - the insurance contract EXCLUDES paying for revisions.  You might get removal of the crap band covered, but not revision to a new surgery or replacement of the old band.

This is another reason why I and other DSers are so adamant about spreading information about the LONG TERM EFFICACY of the various surgeries, and to warn people to THINK TWICE, CUT ONCE!  BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT GET A SECOND CHANCE TO GET THE RIGHT SURGERY.

There are various studies showing long term results of the band. The numbers vary by study, but many have shown that 30-50% of banded patients require a second surgery within the first 5 years to remove or repair the band. I consider this to be a very high rate, not very low.

You must be compliant with lifestyle changes for any surgery; however, the band can fail even when you are compliant. Sometimes it can be difficult to be compliant with the band. My band would tighten up frequently on it's own and I would be unable to eat solid food sometimes for days until I was able to get unfilled.

Anyway, I will not be posting on your thread again because complication stories aren't always taken well on the band board it seems and I don't want to cause a ruckus. Just please do your own research and get all the facts before signing over your check.

Lindsey

I too sincerely ask you to look at other surgeries. There are more and more of us having problems with our bands getting tighter without having a fill. I finally had to get mine emptied because it kept getting tighter to the point I couldn't eat the right or healthy foods. The band is the slowest and most difficult of all the surgeries and can have many complications down the road. So please look at other types of surgery that are proven to be more effective. Good luck on your journey!

 Add me to the list of people who had to have his band removed.  Towards the end of my band experience it was nightmare-ish.