Question:
REVISION FROM BAND TO RNY

MY QUESTION IS IT A LONG PROCESS TO BE APPROVED FOR A REVISION, HAVING BAND ISSUES AND CONSIDERING RNY    — topaz11 (posted on July 27, 2010)

July 27, 2010
It all depends on your insurance company and your doctor. Some docs will give you a discount if the band didn't work. How long have you had the band? What problems are you having? If you are having severe problems, insurance will often pay. If your surgeon feels that you need the revision, his office can file for you and let you know when you are approved. Revisions often get approved faster than first surgeries. Go with RNY over the sleeve, you will be glad you did. Very best of luck to you!
   — Bonnie H.

July 28, 2010
If you have learn to cheat and not follow your surgeon's, the band manufacture and support suggestions. And are not losing due to this. Then having the revision to the RNY Bypass is just a waste of money & time. As after your grace period, you'll be cheating and going back to your old habits then too.
   — Michael Eak

July 28, 2010
It took me 3 days to get approved....I had the revision on June 8. I tried everything to avoid the surgery being overfilled and underfilled. I did lose 50 pounds with the band but needed to lose more than that. Finally able to lose weight and able to have a small meal. The band gave me horrible heart burn and barely ate anything. My doctor thinks the band is a waste of money but the RNY was the best choice for me.
   — Christy Sanchez

July 28, 2010
I am in the process right now and the doc office has taken care of everthing...I have a 3 month waiting period and the only stress I've had is making sure that all the pre-op tests get to my doc office for final approval. I HATE the band and feel that it's also a waste of time(due to 2 years of heartburn, overfills, underfilled, and lack of weight loss and I did not cheat.)Good luck..and if they try and talk you into a sleeve...Tell them you will research it but you really want the malabsorbtion. best of luck to you
   — SWESTMOR1

July 29, 2010
I would check 1st with my insurance to find out what the criteria is for a revision. 2nd (actually concurrantly) I would chat with my surgeon's office. With my insurance, Tricare Prime West, they have to have an answer back in 3 business days. You have to have had a "failed experience" with the band... but the surgeon is who writes up the failure. Do your research... I had a revision and am so glad I did.
   — Kathleen O.