VSG vs Lap Band

My insurance doesn't cover any bariatric treatment so I was selfpay but I've seen many comments here about appealing their insurance to accept the VSG and there's some code you need to ask them to use (there are two codes: one indicates an "experimental" procedure and the other is a bariatric procedure for the purposes of weightloss). Put a call out and I'm sure a few successful appealers will come forward with a bevy of recommendations! Kristen

Many of us arrived at the VSG decision for the very reasons you mention.  For me it wasn't just the hassle of getting fills.  I have had many medical problems the past 1 1/2 years including 2 surgeries and several other intrusive procedures.  My therapist raised the concern that so much body intrusion might not be healthy for me psychologically and when I thought about it I realized that for me she was correct.  I also know a lot of people who lost and regained with lap Band, or had complications such as erosion, slippage, etc.  Since I have been so sick so often I decided I could not risk that complication.  Finally, I know people who have been successful with RNY and Lap, and those who cheat and either regain or cause themselves problems.  I am known as an excellent judge of character (personally and professionally) , yet I can neither predict who will or will not be successful with the traditional surgeries, nor which group I would fall into.  I feared I could end up in denial, fooling myself, sneaking the wrong foods etc. I decided that VSG minimized my ability to play head games with myself and my body as well as the post surgical risks of the other procedures.  Its a HUGE and scary decision to permanently alter a vital organ such as the stomach (someone I know who had lap band actually called it body mutilation which I found highly offensive); but one week out I am convinced it was the right decision for me.

you seem to be doing fantastic.  I was wondering about the chances of weight regain as well.  Most people that I know with the band have not gained anything back. I guess it's too early to tell with the VSG at this point.  I know my surgeon does the VSG because he discussed it at the seminar.  I just really really wish the insurance paid for it!!!!  My husband is a disable war veteran and I have six children... 5 still at home and on of those in college... so self pay is completely out of the question!!  Good luck in your journey!!!

Never give up! Some people have been successful with insuance, but its a long hard fight.  If your husband is a disabled veteran, I wonder if there may be a veteran's group or even a VA hospital associated with a civilian hospital which could be of help with this!  Meanwhile, try saving bits at a time.  There is a huge variability in the cost of surgery depending on where you have it.  Some people even finance it like you would another major purchase.  This is your life and health at stake, AND just think of all the money you will save on food. (Come to think of it, the food saving thing may not count considering you will need a new wardrobe. ) Anyway,  don't give up...keep hoping.... trying...and maybe look at creative options.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have Humana insurance through my employer and Champva through my husbands VA disability.  As far as I can tell neither of them will cover the VSG.  I may call them tomorrow though and talk to them directly.  I am up to 230 pounds now at 5'4" tall.  The most I ever weighed during pregnancy was 176!!  So I am very miserable. As far as the new wardobe... I have a closet full of clothes ranging from size 8 to 18... lol... but mostly 14s.  so I will be ok for a while on that.  I will probably buy a new outfit here and there to reward myself!!  I have to do a  6 month diet management program with my PCP that I started last month so I have a few months to work on some things.  Wonder if I could talk my surgeon into practicing on me for a discount!!??  lol Up until I was 30 I was small... around 128 pounds... since then I have gained more andmore every year and my body just isn't used to the extra weight.  So I have developed high blood pressuer, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, back pain, knee pain, urinary stress incontinence, and just over all fatigue.  Anyway, keep up the good work and let me know how you are doing!!  I have my first appointment with the nutritionist, therapist and nurse tomorrow. 

I have Kaiser, and they surprised me by saying they'll cover my sleeve if my surgeon agrees it's right for me.   I was originally told they'd only cover Lap band and bypass, but then one of the clinics they use brought in a new surgeon who does the sleeve, and suddenly the story changed.  So do your homework, see if there's a surgeon in your provider network who does the sleeve, and then try to see that surgeon and be prepared to make your case with your insurance.  Lisa

Keep doing your research.  The band works very well for some folks but it is impossible to tell if you will be one of them until after the surgery.  I have the band but it is not working for me.  I am either getting it fixed or having the sleeve on April 17. Only you can decide what is right for you.  But if I had it to do all over again, I would self pay for the sleeve even though my ins. covered the band.  I would have avoided two years of spinning my wheels. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Someone posted a study on here a bit ago...It stated that the long term success rates were better with the sleeve than with the band after 3 and 5 years out.  Wish I could remember who posted it, but I can't...Sorry.

Wow, I just read your story about weight gain and such....excuse me..I think you are living my life...LOL  I am 5'4", 230 lbs, was between 128 and 135 until I was 30...then the weight just started piling on.  Please don't tell me you are going to be 45 this year...that would be freaky!!!

I just turned 43 in February!!  I hope to be back around 130 by the time I turn 45.  I am going to the Bariatric center tomorrow so I am going to see what they say about the VSG..... the surgeon I am using does them.  If only I could get him to come up with a reason that I need that instead of the band!!! .  I will definitely have to work on that.!!  Keep me posted on how you are doing!!