lap band removal

has anyone had their lapband removed?  if so, how would i go about getting insurance to pay for it and what is the procedure?  thank you.

 
Tons of ppl have had their bands removed. Most Drs. are now doing more band removals than band placements. In fact many Drs. now refuse to place bands.

The procedure would be up to you. Some just have removal. Most revise to VSG. Others revise to RNY or DS.

How long have u had your band?

Good luck

I had a lap band in 2007...Then a year & half I was having pain in my stomach, come to find out it had wrapped around my bowels. I had to have surgery (which I thought was going to be a repair) to find out it was now not working properly due to the cutting of the long cord. My doctor left it in and I am gaining all my weight back...He told me afterwards that he did not do lap bands anymore because they quit working after a few years. Now I am going to have to go through another surgery, whatever you do DO NOT get a lap band!

Sandy,

I'm sorry you went through this. I hope everything will go well with whatever surgery you choose next.

I've heard several doctors say that they wouldn't recommend the lapband because they need to be removed more often than not. And one doctor told me that he thought they were a "bear" to remove... and it was downright dangerous. It's not like unfastening a belt. They have to cut through layers of scar tissue and stomach tissue and there's just no way that it isn't damaging. The manufacturers make it sound like it can be just slipped right off. They should rectify that because a lot of people are being adversely affected.

I really wish you the best and feel for you that you're going through this. It's VERY familiar to me!
 

Mine was removed out of medical necessity. It was removal or kick the bucket. I chose removal.

My insurance had no problem whatsoever with paying for it. The doctor wrote, "It has to come out." And they paid the bill. That's all she wrote!

Are you having problems? I mean, yeah, it sounds like a Captain Obvious question, I realize! But some people experience more dire complications than others. I just wondered if there was anything you might need help with.

Good luck to you. I hope everything goes well.

~Nicci

Thank you so much for your reply.  My band was placed 2 yrs ago this month. I lost almost 100# (25-30# from goal) within the first year, due to a lot of hard work.  I credit very little of my success, if any, to the band.  I have gained back most of the weight from consuming thousands of calories a day in junk food, sweets and carbs. I have given this a lot of thought and would like to have the band removed as losing weight all boils down to willpower, which I have very little of.  I would rather be able to eat normal meals i.e. a sandwich!  I am back to square one.  This surgery was not "the answer" but rather another tool to help in weight loss if overeating bulky foods were your problem.  Sweets and carbs were always my problem, which go down smoother than water!  I am a carb/sugar addict, for sure. 

 Hi, I am a little bit confused, why can't you just get a small unfill? Do you have saline in your band? If your band is totally empty and you still can't eat solid food -- you either have a slip or your surgeon placed the wrong size band on you, and if this is your situation, I agree you should get the band removed immediately, it could cause you to have vitamin deficiencies long term if you can't eat lean proteins and veggies and weight gain.

How are you doing now, Louie? I hope you're feeling better?

Thank you for the info.  I have a lot of trouble eating most anything that is not of yogurt consistency.  Most meats are impossible. Even mashed potatoes clog up.  I have been for several adjustments in 2 yrs and am relatively open but still throw up a lot.  I feel this adds in my problem w/craving sugar/carbs by not being able to eat and be satisfied with chewable proteins and veges.  I'm very frustrated, disappointed and feel I was not told the truth pre-surgery.
Thank you again.

 My band, like N.M.s, was removed as a medical neccessity so my insurance had no problem covering the removal and my revision. If it is impacting your health, you should be able to find a surgeon willing to work with you on getting your insurance to approve it.