I also march 26 am having my band removed due to relux and gurd.. I have had nothing but problems for the last 3 years with the band. Nothing like actually getting sick while you are sleeping and waking up doing it. If I knew this and had to chose all over again I would have done the by-pass. It was the worse 3 years I ever had. I spent more on doctor co-pays for as much as I was there and getting swallow test done several times finally I got sick of it all told them I want it out. Your doctor will will know what to say to the insurance company for them to pay for it.