Hi there!

Well you already know how the scope goes but I thought I'd chime in about ulcers. I have had a bleeding ulcer (two actually) for the last six months. I originally had to have surgery but mine was an extreme case. Other than that the treatment is pretty much taking medication such as Prilosec and avoiding certain foods like things that are spicy, caffeine and various other things as advised by your doctor. Good luck with your second scope.

Hi Diamond Girl!  I meet all the requirements for surgery with my BMI, dietician visits, etc.  now.  I can have two appeals and then a final external review.  I had my band placed by Dr. Ikraumuddin at U of M Fairview Hospital and I have continued to see him over the past 9 .5 years.  I do not know if I could have the band removed at their costs- that is a great question.  Otherwise, my complications are really that I have untreatable GERD when my band is filled.  This is documented in my file, but when I received the denial letter, it said that "reflux from overeating" is not enough to warrant a revision surgery, or something along those lines.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

Megan 

Megan - can you give us a couple more stats? Like, what is your CW, what was the terms of the clinical trial (ie - once the trial stopped, could they remove it at no cost to you? etc.), how many appeals can you go with Medica (usually it's two plus a final, but call the company and verify for your specific plan), did you have your band placed by a local surgeon, have you continued following up with that surgeon so they have a documented list of your complications from the band?

Morning! You're definitely in the right place, glad to see you post and welcome to the MN OH board.

I chose my surgeon, not the hospital. I chose him based on the fact that he performs the DS surgery which is the one I knew I could live with for the rest of my life. I also loved his stats. I fought insurance for coverage and on my 3rd appeal, won!

So, I'd recommend going to both of the WLS info sessions at Unity and at Methodist (I went to almost all of the hospitals info session and I know both of your two choices have them - definitely go to both, you will be glad you did!). Both locations have great surgeons. Is one closer to your home than another? That may also be a factor in your decision for transportation purposes especially. The car ride home isn't always the most comfortable, so the less of a ride you have may be better.

What surgery are you hoping to have?

As a newer OH member, you are a rockstar! Keep on - the best is yet to come for you!