Complicated Revision...I'm really confused!!

Sooo, I had my original Lapband surgery June 2006.  In November 2009, I went into surgery to have my band replaced with another because it had slipped.  I woke up to having no band put in, but they removed my old band but still have a new band.  The doctor doesn't want to put another band and he is trying to convince me to do the RNY or VSG, but NOBODY can tell me what I need to do for my insurance.  Since he only did the job half way, I'm I still covered under my original revision approval??? So confused???  Do I need to do a 3/6 month diet AGAIN??  I don't see any of the listed on the insurance website.  BTW I have AETNA.

You should have a patient advocate call Aetna and ask them

I called my company to ask and they connected me to Aetna customer service who told me to call my company.

The doctor will likely need a new authorization.  Hopefully, you won't have to do the 6 month diet again. 

Have you considered seeing another surgeon.  Why is he trying to convince you to do an RNY or VSG? Why hasn't he mentioned duodenal switch? Why are the people in his office who work with insurance all day long not helping you?
Debbie M.

No one in my area offers the DS. I checked and the closest is in Northern VA and NC. I thought about seeing someone else but every doctor in the area does the same surgeries. Did you have the DS?

I checked the new Aetna policy and the VSG isn't offered as a revision, only a new surgery with the 6 mos diet.

If you're willing to travel for the DS, go to Dr. Greenbaum in South Jersey. People come from all over for his revisions since he is the most skilled on the east coast.