my surgeon treating lap band removal and rny revision like separate cases?

[offthebandwagon 10]

Hello all,

I had my lap band placed back in march of 2007 when it was all the rage and no proven long term research. I went to surgery at 283, and managed to drop to an all time low of 220 within 10 months. I spent the next 9 years battling with this lapband and all the CRAP that came with it. I remember feeling like I had hit rock bottom when I couldnt even swallow my own saliva, but was slowly seeing the scale creep up. Today I am right back to 274, which is NOT my highest post surgery weight. (I would have never guessed that 9 years ago)

Any how about a year ago, June 2015, I decided something had to give and started seeing a new Dr. about my options. I honestly hadnt see one in years. I had just learned to live with the GERD, upset stomach, inability to eat healthy foods, sleeping sitting up, etc.. I have seen this Dr and his team monthly since June of last year. I have been doing all of the things required by my insurance to meet the criteria for a revision.

When I went to see my surgeon 3 weeks ago, he said we need to go ahead and get the band out asap, since it has been causing me problems. I said GREAT to that and we scheduled my removal date for 7/29/16. woo hoo!!

So then I ask him what about the bypass surgery. He says that will be treated as a completely separate case, and that I was technically on visit #5 of my bcbs required 6 month diet. (the office didn't start to count the visits as diet visits till Jan 2016) not sure why, but okay. His attitude seems to be "Lets get the band out first, and fight with the insurance company later about the revision to rny"

Has anyone else had this type of experience? Im wondering if hes hoping to find something during the surgery, that would lean in favor of the insurance company approving me for a revision. It just seems a little round about...

Thanks everyone for your input

[James Marusek 5,244]

The only individual that I knew that went from lap band to RNY gastric bypass, did so because the band had eroded into his stomach and it was a life threatening situation if he didn't have it removed immediately. He was in danger of a rupture to his stomach.

[WW0747 23]

I had LapBand removed in April and will have RNY in August. Some want you to wait and heal before doing the next surgery. Also insurance may have requirements you have to meet before RNY. I had to complete a 3 month diet and psych evaluation as well before I was submitted.

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[iwanttobethin 21]

I had band removed and revision to RNY all in the same surgery.

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[MrsJroChicago 32]

I had it done at once 3 weeks ago. It was a lot more intense than I expected with drains and pain meds that I didn't have with the band. There may be advantages to doing two separate surgeries if you can take the time to heal from both. You may also fulfill your insurance out of pocket expenses so if you can do it all in one calendar year, that may be advantageous as well. To be really honest, I'm not sure I would have gone back for a third surgery had they not done it at once. Good luck.

[beeblers 6]

I am having my lap band removed on July 11, 2016. I've had it since October 2007, I lost 40 lbs but had some issues and it was completely unfilled 4 years ago. My surgeon is also doing my conversion to RNY separately at a yet to be determined date. In order to let my stomach heal as the area they make the pouch is in the same area the lap band sits. I know 2 other co workers had this done. Good luck!

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[offthebandwagon 10]

Thank you everyone for your input. I really dont mind doing more than one surgery, if that is the safest. My biggest concern is trying to get the approval from the insurance company.

[iwanttobethin 21]

I'm glad that I had mine done in one. The recovery wasn't bad at all. If your surgeon says it's safe, then believe him. An advantage to doing it at once is that you only have to go under anesthesia once.

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[WW0747 23]

I have BCBS and they approved me with no issues. If you are concerned you can ask your case manager at your surgeons office or call and ask someone with BCBS.

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[Phoebe2012 1]

I'm going to see my doctor (Robin Blackstone MD) on July 5th to talk about revision. When I first had my gastric bypass in September of 2002 I loss 160 lbs in 9 month. I have regained 100 lbs. I'm feeling good, no problem with my bypass at all. I'm looking to forward to seeing her and all my options.

Anyone share this problem, if so please let me know your experience. Thanks

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[Steven1954 89]

I had my band removed 2/29/16 after 8 yrs. like most of you lots of damage. Oxford orig denied stage two but had to be convinced to approve by external appeal. They expected me to regain 100 lbs to qualify. However that being said it is better to have two surg The first to take out band and repair damage which might be substantial. And the second stage after healing for RNY. I'm still deciding on whether to go through stage two