from band to sleeve

[depressed_diva 0]

hello all!! i was banded in 2009. I was at 377lbs and got down to 187lbs. This past year I have gained 50lbs back and no matter how many cc's the doctor puts in or takes out, it's not working anymore. So he has suggested the sleeve. The problem with that is that he says its hard to get insurance approval for the switch. In the meantime, he has deflated my band by 3cc's, (he wanted to delfate it completely but I'm against it) with 5cc's still in tact. He says its to allow healing of any scar tissure before switching IF MY INSURANCE APPROVES IT. My question to you all is....Was it hard to get insurance approval? How long were you deflated and how much did you gain back while waiting for the procedure? Any suggestions as to what I or the doctor could say to my insurance company to help justify the switch?

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

A lot of insurance carriers have paid for the revision with out a hitch and others drag their feet. I'm thinking it depends on yours.

I was self paid because my insurance doesn't cover wls at all. As for weight gain between band and sleeve.. UGH... I gained 75 lbs, but because of severe complications and damage from lapband I had to wait 18 months to be cleared for sleeve.

Good luck!