Violetflame

As a flight attendant, my experience with the band has not been a good one. I wrote a letter to my surgeon regarding aviation and the band for his case studies. I have a complete unfill and still feel chest pain. However, i must tell you that upon banding three years and four months ago had a 5cm hiatal hernia. Last year my crew encountered severe turbulence that required months of PT. Since I had pain all over I did not contribute it to the band. Upper GI's and endoscopies reveal it has herniated above the diaphragm. My port site has always been sore, very touchy, I yelp when my husband brushes his hand over it. So, if you are considering the band and are an aviator, be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Keep in mind while making your WLS decision, this industry has a higher injury rate than construction workers. Case studies would be useful (occupational/WLS stats) in making a decision. I should have known better. It is common sense that anything filled with fluid or is sealed on an airplane at a certain altitude may not remain intact.

Wasa! There you are. I was hoping you would respond. Have you ever seen this before? herniated lap band above the diaphram? This freakin hurts!! And yet I'm still FAT. All the fluid was removed from my band and even tho it hurts i can eat grapes, citrus, broccoli, all kinds of fiberous foods i haven't eaten in 3 years. I just think patients who have a hiatal hernia to begin with aren't the best candidates for successful banding. Poor choice on my part. Expensive lesson. So i saw it (and can feel it) pop above the muscle of the diaphram on the flouroscopy monitor. The radiologist pointed it out. Now i know why i have constant chest pain and my voice is often raspy.

Anyone had to deal w/a herniated lap band? I did have a 5cm hiatal hernia repaired at the time my band was placed three years ago. I wish I'd never done it. Now I have to have it removed and am revising to rny most likely. Just fighting w/the ins. co. anyone have a story to share?

I am not 'eroded' but have been diagnosed with 'herniated lap band above the diaphram' according to my last upper GI. I can tell you that I'm having chest pain, some other symptoms too. WHAT THE HELL!! Ins is still denying my appeal, I've consulted legal council. Whomever the policy administrator is-whenever they respond to the inquiries will be named in the lawsuit blah fkn blah. HATE litigation. Oh well, they'll have to pay all legal fees and court costs eventually plus the surgery. Still trying to deal in the meantime. So, any suggestions? I started a thread "peer consult" and not much has happened since but more tests and trying to keep up with work and home. Has anyone had or have a herniated lap band? It would seem logical remove/revise to another procedure. All of these sypmtoms are the same as my hiatal hernia only more chest pain. HELP!! My surgeon wants me to go w/the rny revision, right now I just need the band out but don't want two surgeries.

Well, Adagray and Sue in ne, my status report is I am still waiting for this peer conference to happen while swilling maalox on ice and sleeping in a chair :crying: (how long can one do this and remain sane?) The position Anthem is taking is "there is nothing wrong w/the band" so, too bad for you.....i think this band may cause more serious problems before they decide there may be something wrong with it, thus medically necessary. :cursing:

OK, for anyone following this, my pathetic saga continues. ANTHEM BCBS, (the bs part fits) put my surgeon on hold for fifteen minutes today during their "peer conference"!!! I am livid! irate! My Dr is proceding with a level one appeal while the conference is rescheduled......Has this happened to anyone else? I seem to attract difficult scenarios.

I am very happy to hear someone has been taken care of by their ins co 100% Sue, and they should! I just spoke w/my Dr.'s office and she said he was steamed that there was a request for a peer consult. Good!! He is an excellent surgeon and probably does not appreciate bean counters questioning his diagnosis and treatment. It is all set up tho, I should know within a couple of days. Wish I could be a fly on the wall........

Thank you sooo much Adagray. I've never heard of this before. Just another eye opening experience with the insurance industry. :bored: We must remember we represent losses as this is a very much for profit business to the shareholders that own the stock in our insurance companies. I have been denied covered benefits before when medically necessity was met, because of my "habitus". FORGIVE my thinking that medical necessity was the basis for ANY covered procedure!! FYI if you want to reduce your 38FF breasts, you must be at your ideal weight according to Anthem bcbs. The Schnur sliding scale is GOD here people!! Just keep making your insurance payments and shut up!!! YES I'M PISSED OFF!!!!!!!!!!! No icons to express myself.......

Mac, Elisabethsew, Oregondaisey, Wasa!!! WHERE is everyone??!! I need my group!!:bored::thumbup:

Please forgive new thread-but i have been all over this place for hours. WHA THE??? Just spoke w/ins and the rep said it wasn't flatly denied. A conference call w/my dr is requested within ten days. Also there are appeal options. Has this happened to anyone else? :thumbup::mad:One would think that the CEO's enjoy large enough bonus's that the ensured could use a covered benefit when medically necessary and not have to have your surgeon plead your case during a conference call-how demeaning for them. No small wonder dr's are abrupt, our insurance companies are telling them how, when and on whom to practice!!! Infuriating!! I pay for insurance!! Legal theft! Should be in jail!! GAME OVER.

me too, everything was submitted May 21. Three weeks waiting.......... my dr submitted gerd, esophagitis, gastritis, band intolerence. praying for relief:crying: i am so sick of sleeping in a chair and swilling maalox on the rox. i want to rip it out myself!!

hi my name is violet and i have a fatass bc i am addicted to sugar