Is This A Band Complication?

[jorsuss 0]

I was banded in November 2008. I lost about 80 pounds and then all of a sudden I got swollen and couldn't eat or drink. I hadn't had a fill for almost a year at this point. Dr. Removed all Fluid (8cc) did a swallow test and the band didn't slip and was fine. Gained a bunch of weight back and started the fill process all over again. Got back up to 7cc and was losing slowly. Then it happened again, swollen and couldn't eat or drink. Removed 2cc this time and I am gaining. I would like to get the revision but does this qualify as a complication? I feel like my body does not allow the band to be as tight as I need it to lose weight.

[UTGal99 327]

I am not sure if insurance would consider that a complication; however, you might be able to have the surgeon's office state you are having complications and do a revision on you.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

[sleevediva 31]

I agree with UTgal.

I would assume that as long as the surgeon states you have had complications that prevent you from keeping your band at the optimal fill to lose weight your insurance company should accept that.

I would suggest asking your surgeon and your PCP to write letters for insurance approval. Make notes of when you had these flares up for the doctors to states in the letters.

[jorsuss 0]

I'm not very hopeful. My doctor submitted a request to the insurance company but they also said that it usually has to be a pretty solid complication for them to approve this. I guess I'll have to try harder with the band or pray for a small malfunction.

[minxie 13]

I'm not very hopeful. My doctor submitted a request to the insurance company but they also said that it usually has to be a pretty solid complication for them to approve this. I guess I'll have to try harder with the band or pray for a small malfunction.

It depends on the insurance policy through your employer. Keep fighting! Ask for a copy of the insurance policy, and word your letter to meet the criteria to qualify for the surgery.

Good luck!