Please help...

 Hi there. My insurance says no revision because they require a mechanical failure of the band- and there is no failure. It works properly, just not for me. Lack of weight loss, in my policy, is not medical necessity for revision. I do not have dysphagia or vomiting when my band is unfilled- but I'm heavier than I was before... my health is 100% worse than when I started. I am getting less and less mobile with each passing day and my life is passing away... I don't know what to do... I'm partially filled now so I have some restriction but I can hardly move...

On top of that, my insurance company also determined I was non- compliant with diet- which is hilarious, because I COULD NOT eat chicken, fish, eggs, beef, pork....  For the last seven months, I've documented everything- all th puking, my diet and exercise and now I am re-submitting. BUT... I can eat now so I don't know what is going to happen...

I'm just at a loss- I was thinking Medi-fast just so I can get comfortable again...I know I'll regain it but I just can't handle this...

Maybe you need to see another Doctor to ensure it's not a mechanical failure. And truthfully, there may be a way to "get around it" LEGALLY.

Another person I know did not lose weight with the band (honestly, it was their fault, but I am not going into that here. You can't lose weight eating Reeses pieces) .. anywhooooo ... My Doctor was able to make the case the band wasn't an ideal operation for this person, and the insurance company agreed to pay for another procedure.

So again, I suggest seeing another Doctor.

Send this guy about 3-5 emails EVERYDAY until you are satisfied with your bands performance.

Michael T. Piela, RN, EMT
PS Specialist (HEALTH)
Allergan Medical Santa Barbara (LC2)
Phone: (805) 961-5021
Email: Piela_Michael@ allergan.com To report an adverse event/device problem or to request an explant return kit: Health Devices: Phone: 1-800-624-4261 option 3 Fax:  866-221-3206 Email: [email protected] 

 Hi Pumpkin- Who is this guy? And how will emails help? I tried to get an explant kit but they wouoldn't send me one... I've already reported my "adverse eventS" but have heard nothing...

You have to learn to become a giant, LOUD, outspoken thorn in their side. Keep bugging multiple people at Allergan, keep posting about your lap band problems daily all over the internet, get name recognition, and they will begin to notice you, and they just may end up helping you out.

Begin by requesting to speak with a patient advocate, ask them for some help with writing letters to your insurance company, so you can get the help that you are seeking. Have Allergan help you.

Lori I am so glad you have found some relief! Yay! You absolutely should not be vomiting and stuck all the time. That is not how the band works.

Now that you are able to eat, you need to get back on track. Kath gave you an excellent guideline to what her normal day looks like. Nina also posted an excellent guide. My day is pretty similar to Kath's... although I also do a protein shake in the AM. I am more snug in the AM, and rushed... so I usually drink the protein shake on my way to work. MY typical day looks like this:

Breakfast: Premier Protein Shake
Snack: Chobani Yogurt w/Kashi Go Lean Crunch (1/3 cup) sprinkled on top
Lunch: 1 cup of homemade chili OR 2 meatballs, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, & cucumbers slices
Snack: 7-10 raw almonds OR string cheese w/wheat thins OR Nature Valley protein granola bar
Dinner: 3-4oz salmon with 1/2 cup of asparagus OR "taco salad" (ground turkey on top of chopped spinach, chopped avocado, 1/4 cup cheese, mango salsa)
Snack: Skinny Cow ice cream bar (my sweet treat, only 100 calories)

It is essential that you eat dense protein to feel satiated. If you eat sliders like ice cream, chips, soft moist foods... they are going to pass quicker and you will feel hungrier sooner. Not to mention carbs are going to spike your insulin levels for a short time and make you hungrier sooner.

I have had a lot of struggles with my band as well. I recently recommitted about 2 1/2 months ago and have lost 17 pounds in that time. I am not perfect everyday... but I strive to keep cheating and treats to a minimum. I also exercise at least 3-4 times a week right now. I would like to increase it more, but I have been struggling with an injured foot and bad allergies. So I swim laps in my pool for exercise.

You can absolutely do this. Keep a positive attitude. Don't feel like you will never lose weight or you won't. Tell yourself you WILL. Anytime you feel like cheating, ask yourself why? Find an alternative activity to take your mind off the food. Go for a walk. Read a book. Clean the toilet! lol. Anything to reset your brain. After awhile it will get easier.

Good luck!! :)

 Thanks for the pep talk! You've been through A LOT! I'm working on it!
Lori