Introducing myself and seeking advice

Hey everyone. I'm new here, and I really enjoy looking through all these posts! I'm so happy to learn that I'm not the only one who has had trouble with the crap band!! I'm looking to revise, and I was originally considering gastric bypass, but after being here and reading more about DS, I've decided to go with that. I have met too many people who struggle keeping weight off years after bypass surgery, and if I have to go under the knife again, I want it to be the last time!! I'm 27, 5'8" and 285lbs, which makes my BMI 40-41ish. I live in NC, and love my job as an ultrasound tech.

My problem is this- my insurance, med cost, will not cover a revision surgery unless there is a problem with my lap band, and there never has been (besides ineffectiveness). I've never even had anything get stuck or come back up, even when it was filled to capacity! My crap band journey as been the most frustrating thing ever!!!! But anyway, my questions are these:

Does anyone know of any insurance company that will cover revision surgery if you're having no problems with your band? If so, who?

If you had revision to DS, were they able to do it laparoscopically? How have you liked your DS?

Has anyone gone to Mexico for your surgery? If so, what was your experience, good or bad. I'm considering going for this through beliteweight, and if anyone has personal experience with them, I would love to know about it.

Do you think I should repost this in the revision board too?

My insurance covered revision with no band problems but I did have serious GERD and the surgeon had to call the insurance company and fight for me. He told them I was never a candidate for the band. My BMI is 56. I have BCBSNC. I had to fight for two months to get this surgery approved. My surgery date is April 17th. 

BCBS companies may cover depending on your policy. 

Welcome aboard!  Go Heels!  Sorry...raised in Chapel Hill and couldn't help myself.  

--gina

I will send you more info in a pm, but wanted to say without delay that if you do decide to go to Mexico - which is definitely an option - you do NOT need to waste your money with any of those companies that supposedly help you through the process. You can arrange everything with the help of the surgeon's staff. Not only will this save you money, you will also be able to make sure you are with the right surgeon, as there are only 2 in Mexico that are recommended for the DS. They are Dr. Ungson and Dr. Aceves. Yes, there are other names out there, but we have seen people have terrible experiences with some, so you really need to be careful. There are many more available for lap band or gastric bypass in Mexico, but not for the DS.

Larra

I had my revision from a band to DS Nov 14 and although I have had some adjusting to do I would not ever consider any other surgery. LI had considered RNY at one point, but have seen so many friends stretch out their pouch and have additional issues that I opted for the DS. I love that my food restrictions are minimal and the loss is going smoothly and am feeling great! Best of luck on whatever you decide and feel free to add me if you like...

If you haven't done so already, you should speak to the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office.  They've dealt with all the insurance cos, know what they are looking for in terms of revision requirements, etc. Let the surgeon know that this is the issue, because they might be able to find issues/problems with your band that you didn't think to mention or might have thought unrelated.