The answer would be no. Unless there is a mechanical failure of the current band insurances will not pay for a new model.

I want to be honest with you. One of the long term complications of the band is esophagus issues. I myself started having issues at around 10 years out. I ended up revising to the bypass.

Please be very careful and aware of issues once you get a fill again. Barrett's esophagus is very serious and leads to throat cancer.

had my LB for 8.5 years. had to have removed due to a slip on the 23rd. I had zero pain after and only took one pain pill because my BF insisted it would help me sleep that first night.

My problem is my area were my port was. It has a huge Knot under the skin. It looks like an alien baby. Anyone else have this issue?

I have had many surg and never has this happened before

if you are looking for a revision I strongly suggest revision to another surgery. it is the foreign appliance that is irritating your esophagus. mine stretched mine. I know others who developed Barretts esophagus and esophagus dis-motility from the band. my friend with dis-motility can't get a revision because the damage is permanent.

I'll be surprised if your body is having an immune response to the band that any insurance would pay to put in another appliance that is likely to do the same thing. Also there is no band that will last forever...so know that the average band lasts 2-10 years so odds of needing another revision down the road is pretty high. think of them like breast implants...people who get those know they will eventually need to replace them.

the newer models may be different sizes but the mechanics haven't changed significantly so not too sure why they wouldn't know what do do with it.

glad it is working for you and you are having success.

I know this is an old post but I will respond just in case. I was banded in 2003, went from 311 to 150ish but felt better at a weight of 170ish. My last fill was in 2009 and when I decided I wanted a fill and a check up about a year ago I was at 190 and was starting to feel like I really needed a fill.

I never had any complications with my band. The Dr. did find my esophagus was dilated even though I had no symptoms, but from what he could tell everything else was where it should be.

I may be having my band replaced after we determine the fate of my esophagus. I too am wondering about the newer options because after all the research I did when first deciding to be banded, I don't want the invasive procedures.

I think a lot of the complications come from not having a great surgeon in the first place and not being willing to change eating habits, but of course there are some exceptions because everything isn't for everybody.

Please give a follow-up and let us know what you decided because my time will be coming soon.