Lapband reversal??

Thank you for sharing your experience.

 What was the reason for the removal? I am trying to get my insurance to cover removal of my band and revise to sleeve but they just sent back saying it was not medically necessary.. I have severe heart burn even with no fill. 

So sorry to hear that.  Please appeal. 

For me, my surgeon put in that my restriction is too inconsistent, making it very hard to monitor my weight.  Getting fills and unfills so often was just feasable, especially since my surgeon is 5 hours away. 

He was very surprised that my insurance company agreed to it, all I know, is I am very thankful that they did!

 I have an appointment Thursday wit the PA to see if I have a pouch dialation or any reason they can find to appeal. Did you say you have Cigna? 
They told me yesterday I could self pay,but that is 12,000 dollars I could go to Dr. Alveraz in Mexico and have it removed for 4,000 and if I do not have too much damage get it done totally for 9,000 dollars. US medical cost has gotten way out of control!
Is the sleeve 100% better than the band? I have read so many post and everyone always says they would do it again in a heart beat!!!

Thanks,
Peggy

My insurance is Presbyterian.  Every employer funded health insurance negotiates rates and different levels of coverage with the insurance company.  So, just because I have Presbyterian, someone getting coverage with Presbyterian through a different employer might not have the same benefits.

So far, I absolutely LOVE my sleeve!!   I have been on solid food for 2 weeks now.  I never have the tightening in my esophogas, I have the same, constant restriction (except during PMS, which was the same with the band and pre-WLS).  Once I am at goal, I know I will be able to eat things the band would never allow, such half a sandwhich or a small slice of pizza, etc.  I stay away from high carb foods for now, while I am in the losing stage. 

 I just had my band removed 9 days ago. My insurance will not under any cir****tance cover anything weightloss related, so I paid out of pocket. I chose not to revise. Yes the band is removable but I wouldn't say reversible... It causes a lot of problems that don't ever go away. 

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad to know about the problems w/ lapband.

I am also going to be a self-pay sleever. My insurance covers lap band and gastric bypass but not sleeve but i know in my heart that the sleeve is for me. May i ask what you paid. My surgeon is charging $18,000. Wow that is a lot of money but my health is worth it. Good luck

 Just removal was $9,000

I had the band for 3 yrs and am now 8 wks post of RNY.  From my personal experience I would not want to see anyone have the band.  I am so glad it is out and I am pain free.