blondie1007

I had my band removed a little over a year ago due to erosion. The thing with me is I didnt have any pain symptoms. The only thing I noticed is I started gaining weight. I also went to a different bariatric surgeon. He did an endoscopy and immediately found it. He immediately took out the band and during the course of a little over a year, I have gained 65 pounds. The weight gain has affected my moods, well being, motivation and friendships and relationships. I am happy to say that I have taken the first step to getting my life back. My surgery date is October 8th. I am having to self pay but I feel like its a small price to pay for a healhier me and getting my life back on track. I hope you find your way and wish you luck.

My surgery date is October 8th. Anybody else going that week?

Mim - I think we will be fine too. My mom is going with me. I told her she didnt have to that I felt fine to go by myself but she insisted. I wish we were going to be traveling as close as you. The flight causes anxiety too along with everything else. I see that your band worked really well for you. You went from 241 to 135. That is very impressive. Did you have good restriction? Did you exercise? Mine was a lemon from day one. Tell me how you achieved your weight loss with the band.

Yay! I am so glad that somebody else on this site will be there the same week as me. It makes everything seem more realistic. About a year ago I would have never considered going to Mexico and having surgery, but after gaining all my weight back and then some, after having my band taken out a year ago, I said I had to do something cause my insurance company sure isnt. After alot of research I chose Dr. Aceves - he is the best for me. Are you guys flying into San Diego? POD - How did you hear about Dr. Aceves all the way in the UK? How long is your flight?

I am one year post op from having my lap band removed due to erosion. Now 49 pounds later I am looking ready for the sleeve. I was just curious if anyone else had an eroded band and now has the sleeve. If so, how is it working for you? Better than the band?

Not to scare you but I went through some pretty excruciating pain. But my band had eroded into my stomach. I didnt take to well after the surgery on day 1. My blood pressure shot up and I had nausea. I was supposed to do so much walking everyday but I was not able to because of the pain. My pain was my stomach, not the port area. I didnt have any pain in that area. Thank goodness. I hope it goes well for you. This is the first step to a longer, happier life.

I had my band removed a year ago. My surgeon would not do both at the same time particularly because mine was eroded. However, I just saw him last Friday and he said he will never again do both no matter who or what because with the ones he has done there were leaks because of the scar tissue.

It is so nice to know that other people are/have struggled with the same thing. It makes coping alot easier just knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for the well wishes. I will keep you posted.

Hey Donnie - Thank you for sharing. I started noticing weight gain. So I found another bariatric doctor (because mine conveniently left state) and he did an endoscopy and found it. The thing is it had been eroded for awhile so what I dont understand is why didnt my surgeon find it. I hated my band. It hasnt done half of what I was told it would. And I was a self pay for it so I feel like its money down the drain. However, I spoke with my insurance company this morning and they say with a medically necessary letter the surgery could be approved. My doctor is already working on it so hopefully I will know something soon.

That my friend is an erosion. I know because I had the same thing a year ago and my band had to come out. My doctor would not immediately do the sleeve so that my stomach would have time to heal (less complications and no leaks)

If so, where ya from?

Has anybody gotten approval with United Healthcare that did NOT have the bariatric rider to their policy?

Thanks

Does anybody know how I can check my surgeon's history/background with past surgeries, including any deaths?

Were you approved the first go round or did you have to appeal? I dont think VSG was an approved surgery for UHC back then but I know it is now.

Group policy....

Have you had any problems with your lapband? I ask because my band was eroded and I was not able to have the VSG because my stomach needed time to heal.

I havent been reading all your post so I am a little out of the loop but.....are you saying that you are employed and insurance is offered thru a group plan but since you were a self pay barriatric patient UHC wont insure you now even under the group plan???

Has anybody on an individual insurance plan gotten approval for the VSG? If so, what insurance company?

Has anybody gotten approved by COBRA for the VSG?

Anybody on a individual insurance plan that has gotten approval for the VSG? If so, what insurance company?

Has anybody on an individual insurance plan gotten approval for the VSG? If so, what company?

Has anybody on an individual insurance plan gotten approval for the VSG? If so, what company?

Great. How long did it take you to get approved?

Has anybody had the lapband removed because it was a medical necessity (erosion) and United Healthcare paid?