failed lap band need revision to RNY

Hi.  Had band in 2007 and lost 130 pounds.  Unfortunately weight loss stopped after two years and despite my best efforts I started eating again and no restriction.  So I had fill, had unfills, had fills, paid a personal trainer and I have gained back 70 pounds.  I am waiting for BCBS to cover the revision.  I am trying to get Dr. Matt Fitzer to do the surgery.  He is with Virginia Bariatric.  Anyone have any experience with BCBS covering revisions if you are a non-functional band with a hernia and dilation of the espohagus?  I haven't been back to Obesity Help in a long time.  This time I want to make sure I get total support. 

Hi there,

Sorry you are having so much trouble with your band.  I know many people do and getting a revision is probably a good choice.  Coming back to OH was also a good choice on your part.  Having support is so important.  Do you go to a support group?  This is another support that you may want to invest your time in.

Keep us posted and know that we are hear to support you.

Thank you.  No, I have not gone to a support group yet.  When I first got the band I went to the group that my Nut had but that kinda petered out.  I tried to get one together in Manassas but I would often be alone waiting at the Panera.  So...I pretty much lost weight without support.  I got 70 pounds from my goal when the weight loss stopped and have fought for 3 years to get it going again.  Now I am hoping to get to goal since this surgery I would be starting at a lower weight.  I am just waiting on insurance.

Hi,

I hear there is a great group in Warrenton that meets.  I myself may go there if it coinsides with my work schedule since I work in Warrenton anyway.  I have to reconnect with her again.  Hopefully she will read this and respond back.

HI Jacquie1 ,

Don't feel bad. I had LapBand in 2008 and had it removed in 2010 due to complications and had only lost 25lbs! Worst part is that I paid for it myself, ugh.

I struggled for years and now my husband has great insurance, we found it would cover RYN, so this past August I had RYN surgery at INOVA Fair Oaks. I'm 10 weeks post op. It's been a challenge from time to time, but I'm so happy I had it done. I've lost 46lbs so far.

I too need a support group. Fairfax is a ways for me,  and I already go up there weekly to bi-weekly for my therapist and dr. apt. I've heard Blue Point has a great support system. I've spoken with them a few times. They have support groups in Fairfax and Woodbridge 1x a month and will start in Stafford in December. I'm so excited about that. They also have a small group that meets every Tuesday evening in Woodbridge. I plan on going this Tuesday. I'm a strong believer of support groups. We need each other.  My surgeon was awesome too. He too has a support group 1x a week but he's in Herndon which is 1 hour each way for me and it's hard to get up that way at 6pm!

Hi, I am sorry I didn't check back here sooner.  I have been totally busy with work.  I got my surgery date for Fair Oaks it will be December 12th, although there is a potential for it to be moved to the 14th but within that week.  It took a long time for BCBS Fed to approve it.  I would love to get a support group together somewhere in Manassas.  There has to be bunches of folks who have had the band, RNY revisions etc., and I think we should get together and support each other.  Once I have my revision surgery and get into recovery I plan on making sure my weight loss is my singular focus so support will help. I have been getting ready by getting what I need like protein stuff and I got some bari-bowls so I can make my meals in those and eat from them exclusively while I am in weight loss mode.  I am a very successful lap bander until it stopped be successful...this time I want to get to goal.  So I am ready.  I am also frightened....you know like bad things happening, it not working, complications...gotta keep positive.

Let me know if anyone else is interested in a support group.  thanks, Jacquie

Well I am back, doing well with the weight loss but it's slow.  I am working my bums off exercising then I collapse because eating 500 calories a day makes a person tired.  So not sure if anyone is still interested, first of the year stuff and all but if we want to get a group together I am game.  My best days are Tuesdays and Thursdays and maybe we can meet at a Panera, or Starbucks or something.