Slipped Band

[TamaraKaye 6]

I found out my band slipped a few weeks ago. Also, my new insurance carrier will not cover any type of procedure to reposition or remove the band. My doctor didnt remove any of the Fluid that was in my band at my appointment since I wasnt having any issue. Now that I have minor issues, he is removing all of the fluid. I have lost roughly 120 lbs in the last year and 1/2 and am terrified to gain any weight back! Anyone else with similar stories?

[3-Sibe-Mom 26]

I have not had this problem as I just got mine done less then 2 weeks ago. However I am always looking for a new job and fear this exact same thing if I find a different job.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I am so sorry to read your post...not something we like to read.

My band is still properly positioned, but band issues made it imperative to remove all of the Fluid in my band several months ago. I have continued to lose weight slowly, and have been exercising more.

My surgeon has advised me that I can keep my band for now, but I will need to be monitored more closely to be certain that it has not slipped. He also said that repositioning a slipped band is only marginally effective.

The stats he went over with me pretty much validated that a majority of people who had their bands removed regained weight unless they had revision surgery.

I hope all will go well for you, whatever path you choose.

[NaNa 878]

I found out my band slipped a few weeks ago. Also, my new insurance carrier will not cover any type of procedure to reposition or remove the band. My doctor didnt remove any of the Fluid that was in my band at my appointment since I wasnt having any issue. Now that I have minor issues, he is removing all of the Fluid. I have lost roughly 120 lbs in the last year and 1/2 and am terrified to gain any weight back! Anyone else with similar stories?

I am curious how did your surgeon know your band slipped if you did not have any symptoms? Did you have a fill under fluoroscopy?

If a surgeon sees that your band has slipped the first thing they usually do is totally unfill the band -- to remove pressure off the pouch, not leave all the saline in.

If your band has slipped, it's only time before it may have to come out/fixed or rebanded if possible, everyone is not a candidate for rebanding depending on how much damage is done and scar tissue.

It also depends on the severity of the slip, some slips can't be fixed without surgical intervention, but if it is pouch dilation, sometimes removing all the saline and let things rest for about 6-8 weeks, and the surgeon needs to perform a Upper Gi to check the pouch size, and often times you can get refilled - slowly and carefully.

In the meantime, it may be a good idea to search for a new job that will cover bariatric surgery. Also you may want to check with an attorney, although your insurance may not cover bariatric insurance, if you have a life threatening complication, it may be covered under medically necessary.

Good luck