Introduction

Hi all, 

I'm back to the OH boards after 5 yrs.  I had lapband surgery in Sept 2008.  Lost about 60 lbs.  Had some female health issues/scares.  Fell off the band wagon.  Gained back almost ALL of my weight lost :(  tried to get back on track with lapband fills and would have to fill / unfill / fill / unfill.  Ridiculous.  I would have too much restriction or no restriction.  Never had a "sweet spot".  Would get stuck and puke, or could eat a horse!!  Developed reflux, on more meds now than I was 5 yrs ago.  Serious depression now.  So after much soul searching, I'm not ready at 57 years old to throw in the towel just yet.  I have decided to seek revision surgery.  I thought I was all set.  My previous surgeon was willing to do the revision.  Got the approval from psych and nut.  Wasn't sure what if any other approvals or tests I might need since this was a revision, so his coordinator submitted the paperwork to UHC.  Well...... it seems MY particular healthcare plan doesn't just require a bariatric COE in order to get approval, it requires a UHC approved COE.  Guess what?  My surgeon doesn't qualify so now I go back to square one.

Anyway as a light weight with about 110 lbs to lose, BMI 44 I thought maybe I'd hang out here amongst several other rooms. 

Thanks for the support!

- Vicky

Welcome Vicky.  Please be sure to consider the Duodenal Switch in your quest for a revision.  There's lots more info on http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds and http://www.dsfacts.com/

Hi and thank you for the welcome Hunnipie.  I did research the DS before I had my first WLS in 2008, but my insurance wouldn't cover it and my surgeon said he didn't recommend it for "my particular case".  It was what I told the surgeon I wanted when I went into his office in 2008 and he said that he didn't think I fit the requirements for DS... BMI over 50, etc. Also, there are no surgeons in MA that do the DS.  I'd have to travel and self pay and .... I don't have the money to self pay so I'm going to have to go with whatever UHC will cover.  Thank you again :) and have a great day!! ~ VIcky

It's kind of slow here on weekends but folks will come around soon. Welcome aboard!

--gina

Thank you Gina!! :)

Welcome, Vicky!   Sorry to hear about all the problems you're having with your band.  Hope you're able to find another surgeon quickly.   

Hi Tracy and thank you for responding.  I know of the surgeon I want to do the surgery... by default his office is the only one in RI or MA that is COE certified through UHC, so thankfully I don't have to go with someone I know nothing about.  I can't make an appointment with him until after I have attended his informational seminar and he only does that once a month, next meeting is 11/6.  The next day... I will probably be on hold with everyone else who attended, lol... but I will call to make the consultation appointment. 

~ Vicky

Thank you!

Welcome!!!  That's exactly why I didn't have the band.  To many horror stories of not being to find that "sweet spot"  This time around I would find out what types of surgery your insurance company covers and find out which one best fits your needs.