Recent Posts
I had to have emergency lap band removal in February because of major slippage that was cutting off my small intestines (found that out when I had to have some xray test done and the radiologist saw that nothing was moving into my small intestine). My 11 year lap band had to come out straight away.
The dr told me the conversion approval shouldn't be a problem because the band failure was not my fault and I was very successful with it. I just got my denial today and I am so pissed! I have gained 20 pounds in the past 2 months after being stable for 11 years! I have all ready gone up 2 sizes... had to dig out old bras and need new panties etc. The only thing that hasn't changed in size is my socks! LOL
Now we have to go to peer to peer challenge. I called the dr to express my feelings and hope he helps me push for this. It was supposed to be an easy process according to him.
Wish me luck.
UPDATE: Peer to Peer challenge was done today and the insurance denied again. I continue to be depressed and struggle with trying to keep the weight gain at a minimum. The doctor will appeal when they get the denial letter.
Mary
If a band is being removed, yes it can take .some time before the stomach is in good enough shape to withstand the WLS. It can depend on how long the band was in and how it was set-up. Please be prepared for whatever the dr views as necessary. Most bands are eventually removed and it is frequently a 2-step procedure to have the band removed and get a 'real' WLS.
I did not get the revision, but the high probabilty that if I got the band, that I would, within 5 yrs, have it removed in favor of VSG or RNY indicated that I would get the RNY the first time.
But, as you know after seeing your DW go through the band procedure - you do whatever it takes and keep you eye on the longterm goal of health.
Sharon 
Glad to know this! I am definitely sticking to my surgeons direction. I am so lucky that I even found a surgeon to do it, I had such a hard time. Anymore progression of the esophagus issues and it would've been classified as Barrett's Esophagus. I had no issues getting approved once I found a surgeon.
Is Barrett's Esophagus a reason for insurance to get approved for revision from sleeve to bypass? I had the lapband years ago and had nothing but problem. They revised me to a sleeve and I got down to a healthy weight. I have developed severe reflux since the sleeve and last year was diagnosed with barrett's Esophagus ( by someone who had no clue about any bariatric surgery). I'm taking 4 pills a day for the reflux and I am still in a lot of pain due to reflux. I have an appointment next month for a follow-up egd... I was not planning on getting a revision but my pcp told me that I need to do something because the medications are not working. I have not spoken to the dr that completed my revision. I moved out of state and am nowhere near him....
I didnt have a VBG but travelled to Montreal to see Dr. Christou who seems to do primarily revisions these days. I know he has a lot of patients travel to him as well. if you don't mind going to Canada, you may want to contact his office, see if they can help.
Band-RNY revision age 50 5'4" HW 260 SW: 244 (bf healthy range 23-35%) bf 23.7% (at 137lbs) cw range 135-138.lbl with butt lift and mastoplexy March 23, 2018...2.5lbs removed.
Pre-op-16lbs (size 18/20...244) M1-16lbs (size 18...228) M2-15.6lbs (size 16/18...212.4) M3-10lbs (size 16..202.4) M4-11.4lbs (size 14...191) M5-10.8lbs (size 12...180.2) M6-8.4 (size 8/10...171.8) M7-6.4 (size 8...165.4 lbs) M8-11.6 (size 6...153.8) M9-5.6 (size 4/6...148.2) M10-5.8 (size 4....142.4) M11-4 (size 2/4...138.4) Surgiversary -1 (size 2/4...137.4) M13-2.6 (size 2/4...134.8) M14 (size 2/4...134.8) M15 (size 2...135) M16 (size 2...131.4) M17 (size 2...135) M18 (size 2...135) M19 (size 2...138) M20 (size 2...135) M21 (size 2...138)
I would call back and request an appointment with him to see what he has to say. Some front office personnel just aren't knowledgeable.
Dr. Sanchez Lapband 9/12/2003
hw305/revision w280/cw197/gw150
Revision from Lap Band to Bypass on 2/4/2015 by Dr. Pohl
I lost the 12 which brought me back down to goal. I wasn't looking to lose more than that. My goal weight was 100% excess weight lost.
Easily manageable is nice to hear. Right now my gerd, is out of control even with pills and tums. So are you saying in 6 months you lost the 12lbs? Or more then that?
I am almost in the same boat. Scared to no end. I had VBG done 14 years ago. I went from 465 to 200 lbs. Unfortunately, over the last two years (I want to blame quitting smoking, getting married, and perimenopause) I have gained a lot of weight back I'm almost back to 350lbs. My current pcp has referred me to a bariatric surgeon for a revision. But all I keep seeing is a lot of people not able to get the revision. I'm quickly becoming very scared of even trying.
