Band to Bypass?

I've been banded for 1 1/2 yrs, and it clearly was not the right tool for me.  I'm not bitter, just ready to start considering a revision and/or just finding peace with where I am.

When/what is the timeframe where the band is considered a "failure", and revision can be pursued.  How does insurance work when you opt for revision.  To make things interesting, I have a different health insurance than when I had my band - does that make it more likely to be approved?

TIA

Hi Tia

Its never a set time to consider a band "Failure".  The fact that your thinking about a revision means its time.  I had my band placed in 2008 and now I'm  revising to DS on the 19th.  I gained all my weight back and the band cause more problems then solve them.  One advice I would give you is to really research ALL surgeries.  I am revising from band to DS and believe that is the best choice for maximum weight lost. 

The first thing to do is contact your new insurance and see if thney cover it, then have them send you written requirements for the surgery. I'd say 1 1/2 is plenty long enough to see that the band doesn't work. Wish you all the best with your new journey.

Don't suffer for any longer than you have to. Your doc can help you decide when enough is enough. I wanted to get this band out two years ago but he said I didn't "try hard enough." So, I followed all of his rules and now he agrees with me! I also had different insurance when I got the band than I do now. I am having trouble getting revision approval, alhtough I don't think it's because another company paid for the initial band. My insurance wants to see mechanical failure, and my band is not broken. I just puke all the time. I am in the final stage of appealing to the DMHC for a revision to a DS. Really check into the DS. Go to dsfacts.com and read on this board. Good luck!

I was banded in 9/06 and am having my revision to RNY on 9/19 . I'm sure you don't want to wait 5 years like I did, but in my case I didn't even have restriction from my band until 8 months post op. I'm not bitter about my band it taught me how to eat smaller portions, I'm no longer a diabetic and no longer have high blood pressure. I've given up caffeine, carbonated beverages, all things that will help with my RNY. 
  Please don't take this the wrong way  as I don't know your history but , from Feb. 2010 until now doesn't seem like a long enough time to make that judgement. Good luck to you in what ever you and your Dr. de****

Thanks everyone.  Saw my doctor today and had a chat.  If I were to consider a revision to bypass, my insurance would probably require 3-6 months of nutritional counseling (again)....so I'll start there and see how I feel in a few months.