Question:
HELP! Gastric Band Revision to Bypass. Denial and Doctor/Insurance meeting this week.

In 1999, I had the gastric band. Did great first year and then I started throwing up (acid reflux). My dr. died and after years of battling with trying to keep things down I have lost from 310 to 119. The problem has become worse and nothing at all stays down majority of the time. My new doctor sent paperwork in for approval to revise to Ryn back in Oct. 07' and now in January they state that the insurance changed this year they no longer do revisions or any weightloss surgery. They don't even want to remove band. The doctor is pretty sure he can get the removal done but I know myself and I would definetly gain back the 200 lbs I lost. Please let me know what you would say to the doctor before Tuesday to plea my case. I don't know if she just advicate the bypass or in the end bring up approval on just removal as the later is not what I want. Did I mention i use to be 310lbs. Thanks for any advice and prayers!! Kelly    — Tex Girl . (posted on January 13, 2008)

January 13, 2008
Have you had an egd to look at the area to see what is going on in there? Have the drs done any blood test looking for an ulcer? there is an antiboitic one can take to get ride of the ulcer. Have you considered seeing a different dr. all together? This is your body and you don't have to go to the hospital and have the band removed. Is the dr you are currently seeing a dr that specializes with Gastriac issues? Are there any other bariatric drs you can see? I am happy to see you want to keep the band, and congradulations on the weight loss. Keep me informed . barbara gabluecrab 3/2/2007 240/145/140
   — gabluecrab

January 13, 2008
Hi Kelly, this may sound like a silly questions but have you had all the liquid removed from your band? I know that if it is to tight, some of the issues that you described can happen.
   — MySonsMama

January 13, 2008
I have a very old band that is not filled or adjustable. I have acid reflux now and that is what the EGD shows as well. The insurance is trying to say that Bypass surgery would not cure acid reflux and they are trying to deny it based on that. All the research I have done including what my doctor says is that it would be cured the band is what is causing it. I didn't have it before.
   — Tex Girl .

January 14, 2008
Kelly, Having an EGD is a great way to see what is going on in there. Also I would not think that doc who says " I am pretty sure I can fix this" Find one who KNOWS they can fix it. Have you considered any of the DS docs ? They are great at revisions. Dr McGuire, Dr Rabkin, Dr Smith are the top three WLS revision docs in the US that I know. Dr Antelmo in Brazil does revisions also if insurance will not pay. Best of luck Ginger <><
   — gak

January 14, 2008
In your post, you said that the acid reflux is being caused by the band. If this is the case, removing the band will stop the reflux. Having a revision/bypass is a different issue. If you weigh 119, unless you are very tiny, I doubt that you will be able to find someone willing to do bypass surgery on you... Most insurance and surgeons require you to have a BMI of 35 with obesity related health problems, or a BMI over 40. Unfortunately, I have not read/met/heard about anyone with a normal or near normal BMI who has been able to get WLS to prevent weight gain or maintain weight loss. Your best bet may be to ask for another band... you have proof that it works for you and it carries less risk than a bypass and it probably costs less. Good luck to you!! I hope you are able to get rid of the acid reflux and find a way, surgical or not, to maintain your incredible weight loss. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

January 14, 2008
Hi Kelly. I, too, had the Band in 99. I did lose 100 pounds, but every time I got fluid in it, I would wake up in the middle of the night with reflux. Literally, throwing up and choking on it! I had to pay cash to remove it, pay cash for an UGI, to be sure my tummy was normal, and reflux was not due to my tummy, and then pay cash for the Bypass! I FEEL your pain! BUT.. its VERY important to remove the Band. Please dont let this problem go. Keep in touch and let me know how it goes. Good Luck! Ronda
   — Jasnsma

January 22, 2008
I think you definitely go to a different bariatric surgeon, maybe one who does all of the different WLS, RnY, lapband, and the DS and get the right answer what you should do. You will have to call around to see who does them all. Check on duodenalswitch.com and see who you can go to. You might have to travel, but you could commnicate by phone to start. Good luck.
   — KRWaters