Question:
I had a lapband and it slipped twice and it had to be removed. I am now down to 140

lbs. What is my chances of having my ins which is anthem approving me for the sleeve    — cajeal (posted on December 3, 2009)

December 2, 2009
Your best bet is to call your insurance and explain to them what happened and see what they say. Good luck!
   — Nina15137

December 2, 2009
Most insurances require for revision that you still be 100 lbs overweight, with 2 co-morbidities, have had your weight loss surgery more than 2 years ago, and a "mechanical defect" in the surgery you had. They may not require ALL of those, but those are generally the guidelines for revision. In your case, you have the mechanical defect, but your weight will definitely be an issue for approval. You don't need to lose weight any longer, so why would they approve a weight loss surgery? Unfortunately, you may have to wait and see how you do without the lapband. You could call the insurance company and ask what their policies on revision are, or look them up online. I know I have Cigna and that's what they wanted. I've also been through this with Aetna as well. Both have their policies posted online. Coverage is specific to the member, but in general their guidelines are posted on their websites.
   — Jennifer F.

December 3, 2009
i had the lapband ,and also had to have it removed 10 monthslater i had lost 107 pds ,but i gained all my weight pus more back.i'm now having the ds surgery ,but was not appoved until i was greatly over weight again .so good luck .if you can since you have your weight off really stick to a diet and exercise your ass off. linda
   — linda_1060

December 3, 2009
I had my band removed 2 years ago... was alergic to it... the first place I would go is to my surgeon (which I did), his office will know how to work with your insurance... with my insurance (Tricare) there is no requirement other than having problems with a type of WLS surgery. Usually, the revision is done right when they remove the band. With mine they couldn't do that as there was too much damage internally at that time. Now, I am pursuing RnY.
   — Kathleen O.