Slipped Band

[andi0123 0]

In Feb 2009 I had my band placed. Long story short, I had lost 58 lbs, but I ended up not being able to follow up with doctor due to changes in my insurance plan (divorce happens) with no bariatric coverage and I could not afford to just pay it all out of pocket. I had some complications prior to that and had all the Fluid taken out of the band. Since 2011 I had gained around 30 lbs back, but got myself in gear and lost 10 lbs pretty quickly. August 2012 I had a stomach x-ray which showed my band tilted. The doctor thought if I continued to lose weight the band would untilt itself and be fine. Now about 2 weeks ago I started having severe burning in stomach and a lot of pressure in the band area. I had another stomach x-ray which showed a rather large difference.....my band had slipped and it looked like a mushroom on top of the band! I had an EGD which confirmed that but NO erosion.....thank goodness!! So now it looks as though I have no insurance to cover a band removal, but it MUST come out due to the severity of the band slippage. I am wondering how in the world the band is just now slipping??? In my own mind I think if I could have had PROPER follow up with my surgeon that this wouldn't have happened. I am angry because I cannot afford to just pay out of pocket AND having this surgery to remove the band could break me financially. The doctor is going to try to find a loophole and get it covered.....possibly pre-existing condition exclusion, but not sure. I am stressed, scared, and just plain ole hurting physically over this. I would LOVE to be able to continue my journey the right way......I want to continue losing weight and am now wondering what to do to prevent a gain! Honestly if I lose another 20 lbs I will be completely happy with myself even though it's not exactly where I wanted to be originally, but I was feeling and looking great! Any input and help with these issues would be greatly appreciated!!!

[elcee 3,341]

I can't offer any useful suggestions as I am in Aus so do not know the in's and outs of the US medical/insurance system.

But I would like to say that I hope you find a way to get this sorted and not endanger your health.

All the best

[Domika03 309]

Bariatric insurance coverage varies from one company to another. But, usually the Dr's office has a billing specialist that's used to working with insurance companies on these types of issues. So, hopefully they'll be able to figure something out for you.

The only other option you would have is to ask the Dr's office if they will work with you on payments. I believe as long as you're paying something per month, they can't turn you into collections.

Try not to worry to much. Wishing you the best!

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

When I was worried about insurance coverage for my revision, my surgeon told me that her insurance specialist would find a way, and she did. I'm hoping the same for you.

Also, some hospitals have a charitable fund that can help pay for hospitalization for uninsured, underinsured, and other needy patients. That kind of fund might not pay for the surgeon's fees, but for the hospital services (which are often far more costly than the surgeon's fee). Worth checking into...