Time frame on what needs to be done before the band to sleeve conversion?

[Bremartus 76]

So I am looking forward to having my band out and the sleeve done. I have to do an EDG or is it am EGD? One Nov. 18th Anyway I am wondering how long this process normally takes with BCBS insurance. I have the

[kerd 18]

I too am doing the revision from band to sleeve due to complications with the band and honestly i think it depends on the office and MD ur working with and their schedules also. i have BCBS and i started the whole process on 10/03/13 & I literally had everything i needed on my list done and my last test (EGD) on 11/07/13. I just spoke to the patient navigator today & we made an appt for me for the surgical consult on 11/21 which i will then get my date of surgery & she PROMISED me my surgery would be done by 12/31/13! Im SO excited but also SO nervous...i dont like the fact that they make u go through ALL of the pretesting and everything else and THEN AFTER u get ur date is when they go for the approval...but from what she told me, she thinks i'll get approved very quickly with this insurance! Im keeping my fingers crossed Good luck on ur journey and hope the process is also quick for u

[Bremartus 76]

I have my EGD scheduled for 11/22/13 at like 7:30 in the morning. I am nervous too I have my approval already for the surgery and everything but just have to go through the test. I am hopeing to have surgery by 12/16/2013 so that I can have Christmas with my family and be some what normal. I do know that I will not be eating food yet but that is ok too. I have a meeting with a support group and the surgon on 11/21/2013 and then I guess I will see where it goes from there. I am excited, scared and anxious all at the same time.

[kerd 18]

Congrats on getting ur approval I CANNOT wait to hear those words! I just cant wait to get this band out!!! Thats exactly how i feel about wanting to have my surgery done & not have to worry about being in extreme pain for Christmas at least! Yeah like i said i had my EGD last thurs & was SO nervous & it was an absolute breeze I've had one before when i had the band but for some reason i feel like i remembered some of that experience...lol This time i was in the OR for i think they said like 10 min. & i dont remember a thing! So try not to be nervous & just know that its just one step closer to ur new life

[Bremartus 76]

I will keep you posted on what they tell me when I am done with that part. I talked to the Drs. office today and after that apointment I will have to go to weekly meetings even right after surgery.

[kerd 18]

Yes...def keep me posted...i would love to know how u are doing throughout ur process and i will do the same Im lucky enough to have a very close friend of mine that had the same revision as me in feb. & is doing awesome so she is always giving me some great advice & what to expect & supporting me so if u have any other questions feel free to ask...i thankfully have alot of support & have done ALOT of research myself lol...pretty sure i will also have to be participating in some kind of support group meetings after surgery too! Good luck again...it sounds like we may be getting the procedure done around the same time Keep me posted!

[Bremartus 76]

I will do that and thank you for your support that is a big help. I have one person who has the sleeve but she never had the band. She has been helpful too.

[KimJ384 46]

How's everything going with your approval and surgery date?? I'm in process now of getting conversion from band to sleeve...had my edoscope Dec 2 and psych val Dec 11 doctors office will send me info to my insurance tomorrow...wish me luck!

[Johnny12 0]

Can somebody help me please if they have advise. My current weight is 338lbs with a BMI of 45. I have decided on the Lap Band because I am mortified of having my stomach permanently cut. However, most people have advised a sleeve operation instead of a band. As it is now, True Results has advised me of a $2100 cost with BCBS insurance. I don't know what to do but I know I need to lose weight. Can anyone advise? What is the protocol to follow for a lap band to sleeve revision if I feel the band is not working? Will BCBS pay for a revision? What are the conditions? Should I just go for the sleeve? I have a friend who has had the band and after losing an initial 23 lbs has gained 6 of it back in 4 months and this is not encouraging at all. I need to make the best decision. Please help!!!!

Edited December 22, 2013 by Johnny12