Need to gain 12 lbs to qualify for revision!

I'm new to this site, but I have already learned a lot from your post.  I initially lost 50 lbs with my lap band, but quickly put it back on.  I've had all the usual problems with the band and I'm ready to get it OUT. My doctor has agreed to take out the band and do the sleeve with one surgery, but to qualify, I have to gain weight to have a high enough BMI.  I have plenty of comorbidities so one would think the doc would take that into consideration.  However, he says the hospital requires that a WLS patient have a certain min. BMI.    Has any one  ever dealth with this?   I'm personal pay so I'm a little irritated that they would EVER ask a patient to GAIN weight.   Your thoughts??????  PS   I want to gain the weight, have surgery, and be on the way to recovery by the first of the year. 

What is your BMI?  If you are self pay I would find another surgeon.
As for gaining 12 lbs, before my revision I could have done that with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back in less then a month, just eating the way I was eating.  I wouldn't have to do anything special, just my regular diet would have done the trick.

I've heard of a hospital in Chicago requiring a 50BMI specifically for DS WLS. What a crock! Anyway, I agree with Tazz that you might seek another surgeon and hospital that doesn't override the medical necessity issue if you need a revision and are having mechanical issues with the band causing you to be sick all the time.

--gina

 I agree with the others who have said you might want to seek a second opinion.  You might have to travel but it will be worth it in the long run.

I totally agree. Get another opinion or just go elsewhere. It'll be easier since you don't have to jump through insurance hoops.

Thanks for your replys.   I guess in full disclosure I should tell you that I have a lower BMI for WLS, but overweight is overweight and a band that doesn't work is the same no matter what your BMI.  My doc has been wonderful and I guess I have some loyalty there.  I have friends who have gone to Mexico and have been very pleased with their care (and results from the sleeve).  Maybe I should start looking in that direction.   Thanks All.

 Honnestly knowing what i know now and certainly what you know about post surgery weight loss ...I would just go ahead and gain 12 pounds....once sleeved you will lose12 pounds in a one or two weeks particularly if it's just gained weight...ie mostly water ....and bloat....the sleeve will make your appetite go away ....I mean AWAY and you will lose tons of weight....just saying...if it was like 20 or 30 pounds I'd say no but 12 you can gain over the holiday season...if you like your doctor and he is being bound by hospital guidelines....SEAVIEW

Before you go to Mexico, please insure that your doctor here in the US will take care of you if you need follow up.  My doctor stated in his lecture at a WLS seminar that if you have WLS in Mexico his insurance will not allow him to see you in follow up unless it is a life threatening emergency and you came in through the ER.  I think having good follow up is vital to long term success, but I'm pretty new at this whole subject.

As for gaining 12 pounds, I don't know how I would feel about that.  I have just started my journey towards RNY and just reading this board everyday has helped me eat better.  I will probably wait until March to have my surgery since I am scheduled to go to Nicaragua in February.  I'm afraid I'll lose to much to be eligible for surgery by then.  I might be in your shoes come March so I'm reading your replies to see how I would deal with it.

I understand about loyalty. If you are positive he will do the surgery if you gain 12 pounds then I'd go for it.  It will come off in no time after surgery.

I say gain the weight like sea view said it will come off quick and easy. I know I went on a binge before I had wls saying bye to all my favorites kind of silly now that I think about it but 12 pounds isn't much at all.