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I have been denied coverage from BCBS insurance company for requesting lapband to bypass revision. Because they can find nothing wrong with my band, they won’t do the surgery. Even though the band is okay, I’m not. It has caused esophageal dilation and dysmotility. I lost weight with the band but I was vomiting a lot at night. Id wake up from a dead sleep vomiting out of my nose and mouth at least three nights a week. Very scary due to possibly getting that into my lungs. Has anyone else filed an appeal that was accepted by insurance?

Wait a minute, I know who your surgeon is! Orris/Debarros? I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I have heard nothing but complaints about that practice lately. Berger in Flag is great! Don't be quick to jump to erosion, you'll need an upper endo to find out for sure. But you do have symptoms of band intolerance as well. Hopefully it isn't erosion so if you choose you can revise to something else at the time of band removal if it comes down to that.

Thanks Mis73 - Trust me, I'm not even entertaining the Sleeve comment, I was just horrified and couldn't believe he even said it. As I mentioned, he gave me a fill/adjustment yesterday, I called today because now I'm so tight that I can hardly swallow my own spit, but my stomach is growling and I'm still starving. Evidently, he is i surgery tomorrow and I as told not to force food, drink hot liquids and come in on Saturday. My husband is staring at me like I'm a space alien because every time I swallow anything at all loud ungodly noises come racing out of me. They did do a barium thing yesterday, he does one every time we do a fill or adjustment so I assume the placement is fine as he didn't say a word. It was after my barium thing that he made the Sleeve comment and said the revisions don't work. That is a really good idea about the informational seminar, I hadn't even thought of that, a great example of why the forum boards are helpful.

I had a port revision (mine had a hole and was leaking the saline) and I didn't have any issues whatsoever so please don't think that is how you are supposed to feel!

I also went to this site referenced above and read all the fine print. I noticed that under the section marked "Public Comments," this comment and rebuttal was printed: "Comment: Another commenter agrees with the changes as well but recommends that the list of obesity-associated co-morbidities be a complete, inclusive list to prevent inappropriate denial of service. The commenter goes on to state that covered procedures should include the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch procedures.Show citation box Response: We appreciate the suggestion that morbid obesity multiple co-morbidities be a complete, inclusive list and will consider it as one of many recommendations in revising the benefit policy. We disagree with the commenter's suggestion that vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) should be covered under the TRICARE Program. The evidence evaluating the safety and efficacy of BPD/DS and VSG do not meet the program specific standards of reliable evidence. Existing data does suggest the use of these procedures is a possible benefit to some patients but there is incomplete information to predict the effect of long-term outcomes. This lack of information relating to the long-term outcomes is a matter of concern to the Department. Medical literature indicates as well that well-controlled trials are needed to determine both short-term and long-term safety and efficacy of BPD/DS and long-term (> 5 years) weight loss and co-morbidity resolution data for VSG. The Agency will continue to monitor the development of the literature and the status of ongoing well-controlled clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of the laparoscopic VSG and BPD/DS procedures. At such time when the reliable evidence demonstrates that these bariatric surgical procedures have proven medical effectiveness, the Director, TMA will initiate action to cover these procedures." I have placed a call to Ms. Gail Jones, who is the contact person for this information. She was not in, but I left a message for her to call me back. When I get anything definitive regarding the possible coverage of VSG, I will post it here.

Today, I am 3 weeks out from band to sleeve revision. My 3 week stall started at two weeks out, and I haven't moved since. I am a lightweight (didn't wait to gain all my band weight back when that went down the crapper) and only have another 20-30 lbs to goal. How long did your 3 week stall last? I wonder if I'm done losing already? If I am, so be it, my most pressing need was to make sure that I didn't keep gaining. Also, for reference, I'm eating mostly mushy foods, just starting to work in some actual meat. Yesterday I had turkey lunchmeat for the first time, today I had shredded chicken for the first time. Otherwise I'm doing yogurts, cottage cheese, string cheese, tuna salad, that type of thing. I generally get in my 60-64 oz of Water, and am usually in the 55 -60 g of Protein a day, without using any Protein shakes. Thoughts? How did other lightweights fare?

Oh sorry and yes revision from band...

My insurance company based my revision on my pre-band weight. As much as I HATE insurance companies, mine was extremely helpful in the revision process (revision to bypass for me). Good luck!!!!

I met with my surgeon yesterday to discuss band removal/revision. He recommended a sleeve because there are fewer complications and it is a simpler surgery. He also said that if it is done correctly, the weight loss is close to the bypass. Because I have worked hard the last 3 years to lose 80 lbs and get down to 230, he said I can reasonably expect to get to 175, more if I exercise and work hard. Next I have to go for an EGD test to assess the condition of my stomach and esophagus. I'll be swallowing a tiny camera! Luckily, there will be some sedation. They don't submit paperwork to insurance until after the test. My band can be unfilled at that point. I really like this surgeon. He removed my daughter's gall bladder 2 years ago and I researched him thoroughly. I'm starting to get excited, even though he expects surgery to be 6 weeks away. This week I need to ask my GP and therapist for letters saying I'm a good candidate for surgery and can be expected to follow my post-op diet and be successful. I'll keep you all posted! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I'm almost 3 weeks post op from band revision. Absolutely no complications, however, it was a more painful recovery than lapband 4 yrs ago. It might have something to do with the fact that it took my dr 30 mins to dig my band out of my stomach. Moving onto soft foods in a week (still on full liquids). You'll do fine. Some people say that it doesn't hurt as much as the band. Mine definitely did. Good luck!

Hello and welcome I too had the band lost some weight had issues eating anything healthy. 3 years ago I had the sleeve lost more weight but am having troubles keeping it off. I am now going to revise to the gastric bypass; I guess I should have had this surgery in the first place!! You are doing the right thing in tackling your weight issues and revise to another one. I think the band was a bad idea for most and you will read here that many revise. Best wishes to you

I just got my revision from a band to sleeve a week ago. Clearly, I did a lot of research on it. The largest five year study is coming out in a few weeks. So far things look fantastic for sleeves.

Okay, I did misunderstand. Sorry, I see what you are saying now. Six month diet, start it now and if you need it you'll almost be done by the time Oct rolls around. I agree, it's a stupid requirement. Something to consider... just throwing out prices here. I don't know band prices in the US for specific doctors, so just throwing out Mexican prices to make a point. Band: $7000 Sleeve: $9500 Revision from band to sleeve $12,500 (plus $7000 band surgery) Revision from band to band $12,500 (plus $7000 band surgery) Correction of a slip: $3500 - $5000 (plus $7000 band surgery)

I'm looking at a revision from sleeve to DS loop too. How are things going now? Also, you mentioned you were self pay - do you mind sharing the cost? I'm looking into insurance but might end up being self pay too. Thanks and I hope you are doing great!

That seems like a very long time. The barium swallow does give them information though and from that they can tell if it slipped or not. Did they unfill you completely? That's what they did to me, and they said to come back in 3 months. The unfill takes most of the pressure off your stomach so it can heal again. I recently had a revision but I had the band from 2009-2016.

I had a lapband revision - to sleeve - done two weeks ago. I can tell you EVERYTHING about sliming, and copious amounts of saliva . . . . I lived with it daily for 5 YEARS! The sliming is actually your bodies way of trying to "wash down" something (food) which is stuck, The longer it's stuck, the more saliva your body produces (it thinks you may choke on the food). The reason your getting is stuck is a bit trickier. For me, it was almost always due to me not chewing my food until it was liquified. Also, if/when you over eat, your food will begin backing up your esophagus, Just slow down. I know it seems hard, but you're not doing your sleeve any good with regurgitating. Don't force yourself to eat more. Like "Spatters3" said, take a bite, put down your fork/spoon, chew, chew, chew, swallow, look around, chat a bit, or read a page of a book or magazine, then take another bite. Most importantly - DON'T GET TOO DISCOURAGED -- you'll get there.

WELCOME to LBT! If you go to the home page you can do a search for opinions on LB vs RNY as there have been lots of threads asking this. You can also start a thread there if you want. Here's a copy of a post I answered awhile back with my reasons. Good luck on your decision! LB vs RNY I think it's all about doing research and seeing what fits you best, and there's no right or wrong answer...I think I could find success with several of them. My youngest sister is bigger than me, and with her food/diet pattern I'd suggest RNY or the Sleeve for her. This was my list vs. RNY. My reasons for the LB: - Safer surgery (no cutting other than the Laproscopic incisions, and fat tissue around where the band will go) - Unfill at any point needed and Reversible if needed for other health reasons - Less complications (dumping, hair loss, etc.) - Slower weight loss (easy to explain when you're not 'telling' everyone. I’m a lower BMI without severe comorbidities, so I don’t need to get healthy FAST. I have another sister who has diabetes and has had 2 strokes...I'd recommend RNY to her as she has life threatening obesity issues and would benefit from getting heathy as fast as possible.) - Easy to get proper nutrition- I don't EVER have to drink a protein shake and don’t have to take a ton of supplements. - Continued interaction/accountability to the surgeon (ie. I had to sign that I would continue seeing my surgeon for 5 yrs. post-op, he covers 6 fills as part of the package so it's not for more $, he really wants you to be successful long-term) - Continued adjustments to stoma for life (RNY/some others- can stretch the stoma, some need revision surgery) - I'm more interested in a slow significant weight loss and keeping it off than a huge weight loss...in other words, if I don't lose all 100 pounds as long as I get to healthy and stay there that's OK with me. It's the keeping it off I'm most interested in. - I need portion control, not reactions to bad foods. I already know I can diet pretty successfully (I'm a professional dieter, just can't keep it off and I feel like I'm starving) so I'm not worried about counting calories etc. (I don't think I need the malabsorption, my sister who can’t stick to a diet would need the help of malabsorption and the feedback of dumping). Talk this over with your doc and I'm sure you'll find the right fit for you...weight loss is weight loss...it's all good!

I really have not posted on VST for a while and have been meaning to start again; particularly in the Band Revision forum. You can read many more stories of people's experiences there, but I just wanted to throw in a few more points for consideration based on my own experience having a LapBand for six years: Fills - They never hurt but I am so glad that I have never had to have them again. There was so much trial and error and second guessing involved. My Lapband surgeon was very conservative with fills so it took something like 6 or 8 of them to even begin feeling restriction and that in itself took a few months. It's a great money-maker for doctors and most insurances cover only some or none of them. Once my insurance stopped paying I ended up negotiating with the Dr. for him to accept $75 per fill vs. the $150 I would have had to pay. Still - that adds up. I also could not tell for days whether it was effective; with the exception of when it was too tight which would take a day or so. So I walked out of the office feeling fine and happy that I thought I had finally found my 'sweet spot' only to wake up the next day to find I couldn't even keep Water down and to make an emergency appointment to get some of the fill taken out. Not fun. Insurance - Most will only cover one WLS procedure so you want to make sure it's the right one for you. I had to appeal 3 times to have get my Sleeve approved. That in itself took 6 months. On the 2nd appeal the insurance Dr.'s expert opinion stated something to the effect of - 'she failed with the Lapband so she will fail with VSG"; Gee, thanks for that vote of confidence Dr., by the way have you ever met me, have you ever examined me? On what basis are you expressing your 'expert' opinion of me?" The only positive in that was that it was so absurd I used it as an argument in my 3rd appeal letter and finally won. As I already mentioned when I had the Lapband in 2006 (I think I wrote 2007 before which was incorrect, the only two options were Lapband and RNY. Be glad you have the Sleeve choice now - it has come a long way in the last few years and they predict it will be the #1 recommended surgery over RNY soon. In fact my own surgeon had RNY some 12 years ago and he states that if he were to do it again he would do the Sleeve (of course, not sure if he tells his RNY or Lapband patients that so I'll take it with a grain of salt Of course, many people don't even have insurance and had to self-pay for the Lapband and now a revision and VSG. No small chunk of change; I was fortunate that insurance paid for all of my surgeries. Pre-Op Diet - I did not have to do any pre-op diet to get the Lapband so it was scheduled pretty quickly. Of course, at the time, I thought that was just great. As I mentioned since I had to do all these appeals I also started visiting my PCP monthly so that the insurance couldn't hang the 6 month requirement over my head if they denied me again. My VSG surgeon required a 2 week pre-op diet which was very regimented but relatively easy and I lost 10 lbs in that time. It really did help me get ready for the surgery mentally and I'm grateful that my surgeon required it. This is a personal decision that only you can make and you should weigh your options carefully of course. I just thought it may be helpful to hear some more 'real world' experience from someone who has had both surgeries now. All the best,

Wish I could be more helpful. The "Duodenal Switch Surgery" forum on this site has been my go-to. It's a mixture of full DS and Sadi\Sips\mini DS'ers and doesn't get that much traffic, but the vets who regularly post here are informative and not Judgemental ( More than once I've gotten unloaded on at other sites by old school Full DS'er who seem genuinely pissed or threatened by Sips\Sadi\mini-DS'ers. Not pleasant.) I'd say something like 40% of the people on this forum are revisions from band or sleeve. I had both; Sips was my "third time is the charm" solution. Coming up on 1 year anniversary, and so far, so good. Regardless, I encourage you to post your questions, even if you're not sure this is "the right place." We'll do our best to get you the answers you need.

User name.....................# of minutes...................# of days per week 4jin....................................30............................ .......5............. patticNJ..............................20.............................. .....5............. becca.................................20.............................. .....3............. abeaher..............................15............................... ....4.............. aliwatt................................30............................. ......4............. Rhapsody............................30................................ ....6............. Angie4b1g...........................30................................ .....5............. Marathinner.......................45-60....................................4............. DancingBelly.......................15................................. ......5............ mhazelrigg...........................30............................... jaunderwood 20 5 joyaddison...........................45-60.................................4.............. jlobyxmas............................30............................... .......4+ StLouisGal............................30.............................. .........6 OK . . . I needed to revise my exercise plan, my weight loss seemed to slow down and stop . . . so I'm now doing 30 mins of "fat burn" walking on my treadmill . . . I really feel great doing it! I lost another pound today, so it seems to be working! Keep up with the great job all! :thumbdown:

A very humble believer here. God, through Christ has been very merciful to me. I am currently revised from lapband to sleeve. I know, beyond a shadow of any doubt that God has intervened in my life several times giving me the opportunity and blessing to enjoy life and family here on earth. Before the lapband I was a very big guy with many medical issues and was given a second chance with lapband by helping me lose 120 pounds and begin to enjoy life and my family. 4 years after the lapband, God intervened again, when by accident I discovered that my esophagus was with issues due to lapband complications and was revised to sleeve. I am very grateful for this tool(s) he has made possible for me. God is good all the time!

Greetings Mae7365, I certainly don’t feel like a “virgin” RYGB individual. As you said in your post, “We’ve been there, done that”. We’ve gone from our VSG into a RYGB revision to tackle difficult health issues. Ever since the RYGB and hiatal hernia surgeries, I haven’t had any amount of GERD. My lower belly abdominal pains are gone. My erosive esophagitis is now healing. This amazing RYGB surgery has done wonders for tackling any medical conditions I had going into the RYGB revision surgery. I just figured out that I will be on full liquid diet for another 10 days. I bought on Amazon a good book on getting the most from the full liquid diet BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FULL LIQUID DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS: BEGINNERS FRIENDLY GUIDE TO FULL LIQUID DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE . It’s a very good guide.

My surgery was on 8/21/2013 with Dr Rodriguez in Tijuana, MX. I arrived bright and early in San Diego where my coordinator picked me up (she did not have to do this but was worried because I was getting there so early). We went into MX across the border.....it was nothing like I'd been warned by all my naysayer friends, by the way. The Hospital (Hospital Angeles) was beautiful with marble floors (literally) my room seemed more like a resort. TV was sketch only because there were few channels, but I never even watched it at all...it was only background noise. There was even a TGIF's across the street for those who come along for the ride. I have to say they (belightweight) took care of everything from start to finish. I never even had to stand there to sign all the paperwork, it was done and brought to me to sign. It all began with the best looking and smelling Dr. (Dr Raynes) greeting me and telling me what all was going to happen. I was nervous because I'd never been under general anesthesia. First it was to imaging where they took x-rays of my lungs. Then right up to my room....very nice too. Very quickly a gal came and did an EKG. I settled in and a little bit later they came in to take the blood and start my IV....(I knew it would be difficult because I am a hard one to get for IV's) Five sticks later and a bleed out on my bed... they finally had an IV in place. I did not find this as a negative for the staff because it's happened to me everywhere I've ever been. Dr. Rod came in with Dr. Elmo about 15 mins later and told me once the blood work came back I would be his 2nd surgery right after my neighbor. This came about all too soon..... I was still reeling from the stress of all the IV sticks. I did NOT want to go into surgery!!!! waaaahhh. But in I went....a couple of the staff introduced themselves and pretty soon a pretty gal came at me with a mask saying what I thought was "Dees ees some Oxygen....breath" next thing I knew, I was trying to take off that mask she was giving me....but I suddenly realized my midsection did not feel right at all! That's when it hit me the surgery was OVER!!! Goodness what had happened??? Well apparently I don't come out too swift from General because I felt awful.....really awful. It probably took a couple hours for me to even think I'd live. But I did live....and got better and better moment by moment literally. I pretty much just internalized everything...I'm not one for crying and complaining.... I just get quiet and lock and load. I rested the rest of the evening and slept when I could. Lots of people checking on me and doing this and that. The next morning my daughter had visited with the neighbor. She was already showered, up and walking!!! AND she was a revision from plication to sleeve! My daughter at this point decided for herself I was being a wussie. So this 16 year old marched me into the shower.....helped me into fresh hospital garb....and MADE me walk!!! How dare her!!! But it worked!! before too long I could do a couple of laps with no problem (not saying you won't be sore) later on that evening a few more gals showed up and before you knew it, we were all congregated in the hall yapping like women do. lol We even ticked off another gal trying to sleep, so we went back to our rooms. I had some pain meds every so often in my IV but never felt woozy) I had a tiny.... dry heavy thingy almost like little stomach spasms but it went away quickly. Saw my neighbor again and saw she had broth and jello.....WHAT!!!!???!!! I was starving! Took about 3 hours for me to get up the proper sign language for "Where's my FOOD" lol but I did get my stuff....disappointing....I couldn't eat anything but a tiny sip and bit of jello. Next thing you know The sweet smelling Dr. Raynes came by to grab me for the leak test....(uh, yuk is the right word, but you'll live) I passed with flying colors....and I'm not eating anything out of order I do NOT want to develop a leak. They brought by all my test results (full film and all.... for me to take back with me to the states...even the little tag from the serial number on my staples!) Everything else from here on out was resting, joking, and getting up the gumption to leave the next day. Friday came too soon. Alberto came to the room to let me know he'd be by around 2:30 to get us to the airport. We got packed and waited... Dr. Rodrigues came by with Dr. Elmo again....Dr Raynes was with us the most as he is a sort of liason, I think. My Coordinator had been with me on and off all along. 2:30 came and it was time to go we went downstairs to meet Alberto with the van... nice van!!! Now we got to see the Tijuana I'd heard of. He drove like a banshee and was funny as heck! Even stopped at the border to buy an ice cream for himself and my daughter. Almost had an altercation with another person crossing the border....Alberto was NOT giving up his spot...but the wife got out of their car and put herself between us and them... so they got ahead....wow!!! after that everything was uneventful....we got to the airport and I asked for a wheelchair because I could'nt imagine hurrying between gates even though I felt ok for slow stuff. Now....fast forward to today....I'm home, safe and sound. My husband is treating me like a queen and I can get a bit more down....I'll put more posts at 10 days etc... because I know I loved reading this stuff when I was pre-op. Thanks everyone for your stories....

I had 120lbs to lose to be at my first goal. I'm a mere 18lbs away, so Jenn and Thinoneday, it can be done. I never thought I'd get here so quickly. I definitely didn't expect to even lose half of it the first 6 months. But, here I am 5.5 months out, down 95 post band to sleeve revision. I only technically lost 7 lbs with the band that I had placed October 2008. Just trust in yourself, enjoy the honeymoon phase because I know mine is almost over, I am down to losing just 1-2lbs were week. And, remember that you can and will make it to goal.

I was a band to sleeve revision on May 8th weight pre surgery 231. Day of surgery 216. Current weight 183. Lost 32 since surgery and 48 all together. A size 20 tight to a 16. Best thing I ever did. :-)