Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?
Most people came to WLS because they were unsuccessful maintaining weight loss with diet alone.
I would never want to battle weight with a full size stomach ever again and I feel badly for those who find themselves in such a situation.
Lindsey
I would never want to battle weight with a full size stomach ever again and I feel badly for those who find themselves in such a situation.
It's funny that you said that, Lindsey, because just 3 minutes ago I finished trying to explain to a friend who's never struggled with weight why I just cannot consider removing my band and winging it alone for the rest of my life. So for me, the only sensible choice is to revise.
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
Sorry to hear of your recent band-related complications. I had my band removal and sleeve in the same procedure, but I didn't have any of those specific complications. I had my band in just about 3 years and my surgeon said my revision went very smoothly.
I do know several band to sleeve revision folks who had to have 2 procedures. 1 for the removal and then a few months down the road, the actual revision. 2 procedures doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but if there is a lot of scar tissue, it may be the safest option.
Best of luck to you. Keep us updated and come visit us on the VSG board. I hope you love your sleeve as much as I love mine. Do you have any more weight to lose?
Best,
Lindsey
My surgeon's insurance coordinator is checking into that. [It's virtually impossible for a subscriber to get to talk to a human being at Anthem BC/BS.]
I thought about a bigger band, but I don't think my surgeon will go for that, not because she's anti-band but because it would be asking for more trouble now considering the way my body has reacted to my 4 cc band....I may be more vulnerable to esophageal issues now.
I'm thinking that Anthem will probably cover the band removal, and if they won't cover the sleeve, I might be able to afford to pay for the sleeve part as long as it's all done in one surgery (so I'm only paying for the surgeon's fee and not the anesthesia, etc.). Worse comes to worse, and Anthem will only pay for a bypass, I suppose I'd go with that if my surgeon can make the intestional bypass part as minimal as possible.
Thanks,
Jean
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
I am so sorry to hear about your complications. I myself developed esophagal dilation,gastritis
and esophagitis. I saw a different dr and I had to remove over 1/2 of fluid from my band which
leaves me without any restriction, this dr suggested I get the bypass done and it was approved
by BCBS Texas. The dr plans on removing the band and doing the revision at the same time.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Sincerely,
Audrey
P.S. I just loved your book!!!
I'm so glad you liked Bandwagon!
I know how you feel having no restriction now. After my complete unfill on Feb. 20th, my physical hunger came back big time.
Good luck with your revision to the bypass.
Jean
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
