have had the lapband for 2 years, I have lost 20 pounds and found out a year after surgery that I have hypothyroidism...why this wasn't found in pre-op testing is beyond me. Anyway, the last few months I have been experiencing excruciating pressure and gas pains, the pressure is so bad that my stomach becomes extremely distended that I can't button my jeans. When I get like this I can't do anything, I just lay down and cry, it's that bad. I weigh 180 pounds and when I get distended it looks like I am 30 pounds heavier--or pregnant, it's horrible. I have had acid reflux, port pain and so many problems from day one. I want this band removed, I hate it and at this point I am freaked out about it being in my body. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they covered the surgery, now I need to know about removal. Can I just tell my surgeon I want it removed and will insurance cover it? I can't afford to pay for this on my own and I need this band OUT! What can I do so insurance covers removal? Does it need to be an "emergency" for insurance to cover it? HELP!
