Theotherkels

My surgeon said that this was a similar fate for many of us banded patients....unfortunately!

My timeline is somewhat similar - banded in 2006, lost 100lbs and felt great. Looking back now I can see where I started having problems with my band...it was way too tight for too long. Hypothyroidism and a pregnancy later I've gained it all back and then some. Now that all the Fluid is gone the reflux isn't as bad but my band is now useless. I've been working with a surgeon for almost 9 months now towards a revision to an RNY and I'm currently scheduled and waiting for final approval, YAY! Good luck to you! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

That really depends on which surgeon you choose. Several surgeons in Mexico offer extensive follow-up care. I am over 2 years out and I could call up my nutritionist at OCC today and get answers to my questions. They still send me questionnaires and check in with me regularly. I'm certain you're right....this was 10+ years ago and the programs I see now for surgeons in Mexico are much more comprehensive than mine was. Mine looked comprehensive...but it turns out it wasn't and I was a WLS noob at that point, I didn't realize how important all that stuff is. There was also a lot of push-back from places that did fills to not fill patients banded in mexico, or even bands they didn't put in themselves, especially if you were self-pay....I think that's changed now. I think surgery in mexico is fine if that's what works best for your needs and if you do the research.

I did for my first surgery - a Lap-Band. At the time (10 years ago) my insurance wouldn't approve me despite a qualifying BMI because I didn't have at least two qualifying comorbidities to go along with it (because it would be safer to wait until after I developed hypertension and diabetes right?!) Anyways, I self-paid and went through a doctor in Mexico. I have no real complaints about my surgical experience, but what did make it especially hard was that the support system that you typically get with local surgical centers isn't there after surgery...so you're kind of on your own. If you're a super disciplined individual with zero food issues and you don't need that sort of thing, then no sweat. I definitely learned that the support component, at least for me, is essential.

We call this the 'fine china' in our house...reserved for highfalutin' guests that we get from time to time

Louis C.K. has a funny bit about his ankle at age 40, it's worth a listen if you want a bit of a chuckle....but he's got a foul mouth (for some) so keep that in mind if you decide to watch it with open speakers a quick google of "louis c.k. you're just broken now" should bring it up

Our journeys are similar, just different timelines....I got my band in 2006, I still have it but it's coming out in the near future. I've gained back everything I lost due to a combination of hypothyroidism and pregnancy and most importantly not following the rules like I should. It's hard for me to admit that...but I hadn't truly dealt with my emotional eating issues and that was a problem. I developed reflux this last year and that started the ball rolling towards revision..and I've realized that I'm not the person I was 10 years ago. The stakes are higher.... I have a little boy who needs me, taking care of him means I need to take care of me and that is the most important thing. It's made all the difference in my commitment to my goal of being healthier...this time I'm making sure all the supports are in place (therapy, support groups, the works). Try to not focus on the horror stories...they'll just freak you out(I totally looked at them when I was first making my decision to revise and realized they weren't doing me ANY good at all because I'm a worrywart) Good luck with your decision

Ouch, while I haven't had issues with my rotator-cuff I've watched my mother deal with it, and the several surgeries she had to repair the problems. One thing she does is sleeps with a small neck pillow (like the travel ones...C shaped, that people use on planes and whatnot) under the arm to prop it away from her body a bit. This helps alleviate the neck pain and headaches she would get otherwise. I have no idea if that will help you but perhaps so....I hope you get some relief soon!

*wonky thyroid solidarity fistbump* - I was diagnosed as hypothyroid about 6 years ago, levels have finally been steady for about a year...I feel best if my TSH hovers around 1.8-2.5...if I go higher than that I feel like dirt Self pay is SO expensive...I was self-pay for my first procedure because even though my BMI qualified, I didn't have at least two comorbidities that my insurance required for me to be approved. Being self-pay definitely made it more challenging because all my fills were out-of-pocket...any support services. Hindsight being what it is, I'd have chosen a different route....but you live and you learn right? Do you know of any WLS support groups in the area? I know the Duke program has them in Durham and Raleigh but I'd love to also find something closer to where I am (holly springs area). Over the years my TSH levels have been checked, they were normal to slightly elevated at time, nothing that concerned anyone until July of 2016 my TSH was 27!! Self pay was terrible! I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. But you definitely live and learn, it taught me how valuable insurance is and I'm so happy to have it! I have not checked into any information other than the facility and insurance info. I'm in Sanford. Apex and Cary aren't too far, I'm going to try to see if I can find any in that area Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Holy cats 27! Mine was only 6.8 when they caught it and that was already absolutely awful....I'm not sure I'd be functional at 27!

I feel like I should clarify, self-pay was terrible only because it made aftercare and support very difficult because everything was out of pocket and that presented more challenges than I expected @@KWeilbrenner09 congrats on your surgery! I hope recovery is going smoothly for you Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

*wonky thyroid solidarity fistbump* - I was diagnosed as hypothyroid about 6 years ago, levels have finally been steady for about a year...I feel best if my TSH hovers around 1.8-2.5...if I go higher than that I feel like dirt Self pay is SO expensive...I was self-pay for my first procedure because even though my BMI qualified, I didn't have at least two comorbidities that my insurance required for me to be approved. Being self-pay definitely made it more challenging because all my fills were out-of-pocket...any support services. Hindsight being what it is, I'd have chosen a different route....but you live and you learn right? Do you know of any WLS support groups in the area? I know the Duke program has them in Durham and Raleigh but I'd love to also find something closer to where I am (holly springs area).

I'm sorry you're struggling, I wish I had some advice for you but I'm still pre-op....I hope things improve soon!

So I'm actually working towards a revision which is a bit different than just starting a fresh journey. I started seeing my surgeon in April 2016 and putting together all the records of my compliance while banded, as well as test results of an endoscopy, an upper GI, a sleep study etc. Essentially we have to make a really good case as to why they should pay to have the band removed (because I've developed health related problems with it) and why they should pay to revise to the RNY (because I have a history of compliance and success....at least prior to my wonky thyroid and pregnancy). We just now go all of the records and tests and everything together, I got my psych clearance right before Christmas and I emailed my surgeon's nurse to see if things have been submitted. Both duke and bariatric specialists of NC are marked as bariatric centers of excellence - I looked at them when I was doing initial research and ultimately chose duke because my primary is in the duke system and so I wanted my doctors to easily be able to share information and be on the same page when it comes to my health. My surgeon did mention that BCBS was changing their bariatric policy after the new year, the requirements on how long we are required to be enrolled in a surgical center's program. I believe it used to be 6 months, and they are moving to 12. In my case I don't know if it will apply because I'm a revision...but if it does it means I'll have to wait until after April for my procedure. It will suck if I have to wait but it's worth it and in the meantime I can continue to focus on making the lifestyle changes I'll need. I would definitely check with BCBS to find out what the new (if any) changes to the requirements may be so you've got a game plan for the coming months

I haven't had my procedure yet so I'm not sure....I'm waiting to hear back on my approval. You can give BCBSNC a call to ask more detailed questions if you like but I'll warn you that the hold times right after the new year were pretty bad last year....I'm talking like 5 hours + just to get a human on the phone. I'm also in NC...can I ask where you're looking to make your appointment? I'm going through Duke health.

I was thinking about picking that up - I'm currently reading WLS for dummies which is also chock full of good info

also often Anesthesiology and Radiology are billed separately so keep that in mind as well when calculating total costs. Still definitely worth it...just have to prepare for the financial aspect!

I also have BCBSNC - definitely depends on which type of BCBSNC policy you have. When my son was born we were on an 80/20 plan, we ended up being responsible for 20% of the cost, we'd already met our deductible at that point so this went towards our out of pocket (I believe). The nice thing about most hospitals is they let you do a payment plan without charging interest....I joked that we had to pay off my son like you'd pay off a car. Have you gone on the BCBSNC website (blue connect) and put in your plan and looked up an estimated cost for a procedure based on your plan. Once you've chosen your surgeon/hospital you should be able to do that too and that might help give you a better idea

The waiting is soooooo tedious, but it will be worth it. I'm trying to use the time to read/research and prepare as much as possible. It's keeping me busy and from fretting too much while I wait to hear back from the insurance company

bahaha, I'm going to have to share this with a couple wls friends

One of the nice things about the fitbit (and there are several nice things really) is that you can set it to bug you to move. If you get focused on whatever you are doing and haven't moved for the last 50 minutes it will bug you to get up and take some steps. I found that very helpful...I've since moved to an apple watch but it also employs the same technique and tells me that it's time to stand up and move around if I've been sedentary for too long

Hello from another newbie! I'm pre-op for a revision to an RNY....nervous and excited and trying to learn as much as possible so that I'm more prepared than I was during my banding Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are you able to change to a different surgeon in the group? Personally I want to be comfortable with my surgeon, both with their skill level and with my ability to talk to them about any concerns etc. that I have. This is someone who is going to be part of my support-team not just before/during surgery, but afterwards as well.