Question:
Isn't gastric banding different from RNY?

Hi Everyone, I can't believe I am asking this question. I have had all my pre-op stuff done (psych, dietician, ultrasounds, initial consult) and I was waiting to hear from my surgeon regarding the next visit and possible surgery date. Right from the beginning, I have THOUGHT I was getting ready for the gastric bypass surgery. Which is also known as the RNY, right? I feel stupid but all my paperwork is at work! I came home to find in my mail a DENIAL from my insurance company (of which I WORK for) and it said "We have received a request from your provider for prior authorization for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (procedure code 43659)." Lemme just tell ya, I've been BRAGGING to everyone about how awesome my insurance company is in approving this surgery. I know at least 4 people at work who have had it done. But then I realized..."gastric banding"...huh??? Did my surgeon MAKE A MISTAKE? I know you all can't answer that, & believe me I'll be on the horn at 8am sharp, but until then, please just relieve me by saying..YES! gastric banding is different from the RNY! Or tell me if I've lost my brains somewhere....    — Louise D. (posted on August 27, 2003)

August 27, 2003
Yes they are different. He request an AGB or an adjustable gastric band that has a band around your stomach and a little resevoir that can be filled to tighten the band as needed for additional weight loss. The procedure code he submitted is not for an RNY. So if others have had this approved my guess is it just needs to be submitted right. However, if this person normally does the AGB and not the RNY then I would consider getting a different surgeon who specializes in the RNY.
   — zoedogcbr

August 27, 2003
Definitely two completely different surgeries but both are done for weight loss. I bet either the surgeon's office or the insurance person coded it incorrectly for you. Crossing my fingers that it is a quick fix on the paperwork and you'll be on your way.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 27, 2003
I really agree with Chris. Having someone who prefers and is comfortable with the type of surgery you want is important. Imagine if you'd been approved and woke up with a different WLS than you went in for. It happens! Let me just add my usual pitch for DS, in case you or another reader haven't considered it, and say that it is extremely important to have an established DS surgeon do it! duodenalswitch.com
   — Chris T.

August 28, 2003
I am sure that this is just a bump in the road. Many times you just have to make the change in the paperwork, and you are on the way. But I do have to say that the lapband is an awesome choice for people. The difference is that you have restriction only, no cutting and bypassing the intestines. The lapband has far fewer complications, and can be as successful as the bypass after a couple of years. You do lose weight more slowly compared to the bypass. I have lost 64 pounds in a less than 4 months and am still going strong. <p> If you can, research all your options before you get any procedure. Like Chris said, the DS is a great procedure also. Here is a website to learn more about the lapband: http://www.spotlighthealth.com/morbid_obesity/lap_band/procedure/main_procedure.html
   — Sheryl W.

August 28, 2003
vgb and rny are vastly differnt. in the libarary here they have super good explanations of both proceedures. fight for which surgery you think would be best for you.
   — janetc00

August 28, 2003
VGB and AGB are different procedures. I don't think many people get the VGB anymore. AGB is the lapband (here in the US).
   — Sheryl W.

August 28, 2003
Hi Everyone...this is Louise. Thanks for all your answers! It helped me sleep through the night! hahaha...I called my surgeon's office this morning and the woman who does the prior auth requests said that the insurance is playing games. (helllooo...this is the company I work for!) She said that she put in for a laparscopic RNY but she had to use a more general procedure code & my insurance company is interpreting it as the gastric banding (which has it's own different code). My surgeon comes HIGHLY recommended and I know he's equally comfortable w/ either surgery. But thanks for the warnings anyway. I'm just going to be patient....4 or 5 other people around here have been approved, so I am sure I will eventually. Thanks again Everyone!
   — Louise D.