Band to Gastric Sleeve Revisions BCBS of TN/state

[sarahopper 2]

I am having my band removed next week after several complications over the past 10 years of having it. After having it revised 3 times, I started gaining weight back about 2 years ago and started noticing other issues with my band. I have had severe acid-reflux and pain from my band recently. I have a hernia in my stomach, stretched out esophagus and nerve damage in my pouch. After talking with my doctor, he recommended having the sleeve done after having the band removed. I am really excited to get it removed finally but I am really nervous about getting approved for the sleeve. I have been through the 6 month of msd, psych eval and all the other hoops that they recommend to increase my chances of getting approved. My doctor recommended having the band out first and then 2 weeks later submitting the paper work for the sleeve approval. He feels like this would increase my chances to do them separately. Has anyone else dealt with BCBS of Tennessee? I work for the state. I'm having terrible anxiety about it!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Shouldn't you be able to get approval for revision because of band failure...slippage,hernia?

[sarahopper 2]

that is what I am hoping. I should know soon. The closer I get to it being turned in, the more I worry about it not working out.

[Shellbell619 35]

Good luck with your surgery. I hope you get approved. My husband had the lap band in 2012. He wishes he could have sleeve. He has trouble keeping things down. He is very good about will power and so he has kept majority of his weight off with a small slip here and there. I am having sleeve in November and he said if he could do it over again he would've chosen sleeve.

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

I have the same thing going on with the lab band....I just had a cat that confirmed a hernia,also an upper GI with barium swallow....results will confirm the reflux etc.I am going to opt for the bypass revision after all.I wanted the sleeve but in the end bypass is my final choice.

[sarahopper 2]

@@Pinkgirl1234 let me know how your progress goes. I had the band removed this past Monday and I'm doing great. I returned to work by Wednesday. They are going to submit my paper work next week for the sleeve. Praying hard!