Bobbe Schu

Yes, I understand completely. However, encouragement is NOT enabling. We must be careful not to be so critical that it would cause someone to give up altogether. It's my understanding that these forums are meant to be supportive. Just sayin'!

We have to be supportive and remember we are all human. We tend to slip up. Be encouraging--not critical.

I'm truly happy for all successful banders, but even though some of us have issues not caused by slippage or erosion, does not mean we have "behavioral" issues with our bands. We are all different and there is NO "one size fits all" bariatric procedure!

Keep taking those pix sweetie! I, like you, see more in a pix than by any other means. In fact, i don't see fat at all when I look in my home mirrors. It's like someone who is anorexic only sees fat when he/she looks in a mirror--only reverse. I truly see myself as thin, until I'm forced to face the reality of it in a picture. It appears you are having wonderful success and you look amazing!

Oh I can certainly understand your worries. Wishing you so much luck!!! AND peace!

Congrats jerri mac!!! You will be so happy!!!! Congrats Susan!!! All the best!!! I know you'll do great!

@maraki--that's why I'm fighting with an advocate. You have no guarantee you'll be approved even AFTER the 6 months. Then where will you be?! You will have lost 6 months and your health will have deteriorated even more!

I just found out last week that insurance said 6 months for revision--which is why i was denied for that procedure--because i dont have it. Thats when i hired Walter & Kelley Lindstrom! If I have the band removed (which, btw, they'll pay for) I'll continue to gain weight! I've already gained 11 lbs just since the fluid was completely removed a month ago! My BMI is under 40 but over 35. This 6-month thing is ludicrous for revision surgery!!!! AND obviously, genetics plays a major role in our situations! I'm amazed at the number of posts I see where people are required to follow 6 month documented plans when they're having health issues with a prior procedure!!! 6 months could mean the difference between life and death in some people and insurance companies should NOT be given the power to make that determination!!!!

I've chosen the bypass revision from the band as opposed to the sleeve after consulting with my surgeon. Actually, after she explained it, the sleeve sounds much more drastic since a large portion of your stomach is completely removed. With bypass, that's not the case. AND if you've had issues with GERD with the band, having the sleeve wont solve that issue--could become much worse forcing another type of revision surgery down the road.

You just drink it? Don't mix it?

Their prices are a fraction of what it costs to self-pay--A FRACTION!!!! I hired them last week and am now able to sleep better just knowing I have a chance at this! They consult with you over the phone initially for free--that alone is comforting! I'm very optimistic after 2 denials.

I too have UHC and they're most difficult! I was denied for a band to bypass revision; had a peer to peer -- band removal approved; bypass denied; so I've hired Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy. It's worth the money to have them handle this on my behalf because they KNOW what they're doing! 90 percent success rate. Been in business since 1996 and A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.

First I was told it wasn't medically necessary. That the reason the band failed was "behavioral" -- not a malfunction. Then the surgeons office called me back a 2nd time and said it was really because I didn't have 6 months physician-documented weight loss. I immediately contacted Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy and they jumped at the chance to assist me! I feel very confident!

Watch those larger doses of omeprezole -- anything over 40mg/day. That can cause major bone loss!

I was banded in 2011 and much the same as others, am having issues. I've chosen bypass as my surgeon explained to me that the sleeve is another restrictive procedure and if you had issues with the band, you will more than likely develop issues with the sleeve. My insurance company approved the removal but not the revision, so I've hired an advocate to fight for me and am MORE than confident that I will be approved for both procedures.

Sugar is why I'm in the shape I'm in--hence, I chose band to bypass revision!!!! I'm an addict, and knowing the consequences of sugar consumption after surgery is just what I believe I need!

If this is coming from the insurance company you need to contact Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy. You can google them for their contact information. They have helped many people work thru these types of ridiculous issues with insurance companies. In fact, they are handling my appeal. I have all of the confidence in the world in them!!!! Having to go thru another 6 month documentation doesn't seem quite right especially since you've had procedures previously. My surgeon's office got all of my information screwed up when they sent in for predetermination so I was denied TWICE!!! One reason: need 6 month documented weight-loss plan. NOT!!!! Employee turnover in surgeon's offices is crazy so 1/2 the time they don't get things right. You really need to contact Lindstrom before you do anything else. Initial call is free.

Is this the chart?

Nothing!!!! You just may not be able to tolerate chicken. Chix tends to be rather dry and sticks easily. Try another source of protein. If that sticks as well you may need to have your restriction loosened.

Oh Heather--I feel like I've made a new friend!!!! AND that I have an excellent chance of getting my revision paid for now that I have a knowledgable advocate! I'm so glad this forum was available so I could locate this help! I will keep you informed.

I wonder about these dietitians in these bariatric offices!

I contacted Lindstrom Obesity Advocates and we're good to go!!! I feel like I have a chance after speaking with Kelly!!!! So much I didn't know!! When I email my info in the morning, I will definitely mention your name!!!!

OMG OMG OMG -- I'VE JUST BEEN RESEARCHING THEM ON THE INTERNET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are wonderful -- your advice is just what I needed to help me make my decision. Thank you armywife79 for the advice. You're an angel in diguise.

Did you UHC folks find it difficult to get approved?

I have the band --waiting for approval for revision to bypass. What I've experienced is food getting stuck and what is referred to as "sliming". That can also cause headache and chest pain with the sweats. It lasts as long as it takes to open the plug caused by the stuck food -- usually a few minutes. Not the same as dumping. Dumping is caused from eating fatty or sugary foods and lasts about an hour -- major diarrhea, sweats, nausea.