starting the process

[purplegoddess 0]

HI there,

I got my lapband 1/07. I was over 250 lbs, and really liked it for the first year. Then the trouble started--throwing up all the time, hungry all the time--it was horrible. My weight did drop to 185, but that was when I couldn't keep ANYTHING down. I had the band loosened and my weight shot right back up. And I'm still dealing with hunger and vomiting and stuck food issues.

So, now it's been almost 3 years, and I'm done with the band. Done. I found out that the doc who did my lap band now does gastric sleeves, and even better, it is an approved procedure now with my insurance. So, I'm going to start talking about a revision.

My one concern is qualification--my BMI is now around 37 with no significant co-morbidities. Does anyone know, considering it's a revision, do insurances still use the BMI of 40 as a hard limit for qualifying for surgery. Also, do most people get this done in one surgery or two? How long were you out of work after the revision?

Thanks for everyone's help.

[Becca 108]

Hi there!

I had my band in 2007 and I am through with the band as well. As far as revisions, insurance will cover the sleeve if you have an problem with your band pretty easily. I am not sure about coverage if nothing is wrong. I read that if you have not lost significant weight, they will consider a revision. All insurance policies are completely different though. You can call or go online to see what your coverage is.

Most people have the revision surgery in one operatation. That is how mine will be and I believe most on the forum. Sometimes, if there is too much damage from erosion or scar tissue, they have to perform the surgery in two operations. My doctor performed an endoscope to make sure it was safe to do everything at once. Good luck and I really hope you get approval for your sleeve. Bands are such a pain! I can't wait to get rid of mine!