Band to Sleeve revision due to bad complications, nervous/excited

[kgarrettsatx 109]

Hey guys. I am new to the forum. I had my band in 2006 and initially had great success. I went from 185 to 130 but then started vomiting. They loosened the band completely and I have gained most of my weight back and am miserable. Recently started having bad pain behind my sternum. Had an endo done last Friday and I have a class C Esophageal erosion (class d is the worst). He sent me to his bariatric surgeon friend who I am seeing tomorrow. He suggested the band be removed since it is causing me to vomit daily (thus eroding my esophagus). I want to talk to the surgeon about revising band to sleeve and I am so excited for that possibility....and I am soooo ready to stop throwing up daily.

Im hoping the surgeon will agree, that insurance will cover it ( I have Aetna) and that he can get me in for surgery next week!!! I'm overly optimistic and hoping I am not let down. Is revision surgery from band removal to sleeve much more complicated and more expensive? And could everyone who has had it share their stories???? thanks so much and I was soooo happy to find this forum. FINGERS CROSSED FOR TOMORROW. So tired of hurting and being exhausted from dehydration. ready for a new me!!!!

[MichelleStevens 18]

I had same issues with my band. I had it 3 years and had 1 cc put in it, and threw up for 6 months until they took the Fluid back out. I still preceded to vomit. I went to a new doctor and I got approved through Aetna to have the band removed and revision to sleeve, that was in March 2016. My first appt I was 200 lbs, I am now 164. I am so grateful I had the surgery. Best decision I have ever made. No problems with any foods. I even had steak 2 weeks ago with no problems. I will tell you, that you cant eat a lot of food. It is way different than the band, but in a very good way. Good luck with your appointment. I hope you get approved.

[kgarrettsatx 109]

Im so happy to read your reply. Was it a hard process to get Aetna to cover it? Also, didnthey do your revision to sleeve all in one surgery!? Congrats on all of your weight loss! I am getting excited now. Appt at 1030 today!

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[mreckner 10]

I had awful issues with my band. I NEVER got to the sweet spot. I threw up after every meal, every day. Worst decision I ever made. I ended up having it removed after a year and a half of zero weight loss and misery. The surgeon who did my band is starting to discourage patients from getting the band. I'm in the paperwork phase of getting a revision to bypass.

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[kgarrettsatx 109]

Was it painful when you had the band removed?

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[mreckner 10]

No, but the recovery was longer than when I had it put in. They have to make a relatively large incision to remove the port. It took quite a while to heal up. I was just really, really tired. I was worthless for about 2 weeks. I slept almost constantly.

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[MichelleStevens 18]

Im so happy to read your reply. Was it a hard process to get Aetna to cover it? Also, didnthey do your revision to sleeve all in one surgery!? Congrats on all of your weight loss! I am getting excited now. Appt at 1030 today!

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I was told by the PA that I probably wouldn't get approved because my BMI was only 30, but she called and said that a representative from AETNA called and asked a bunch of questions on my problems I was having and he send the approval through. I about fell off my chair when she told me. haha. Yes they did both surgeries in one. I will tell you the incision where they pull the stomach out after it is cut, took over 3 weeks to stop hurting. It was definitely different then the band, but I have no regrets. I am so happy now.

[kgarrettsatx 109]

Im so happy to read your reply. Was it a hard process to get Aetna to cover it? Also, didnthey do your revision to sleeve all in one surgery!? Congrats on all of your weight loss! I am getting excited now. Appt at 1030 today!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was told by the PA that I probably wouldn't get approved because my BMI was only 30, but she called and said that a representative from AETNA called and asked a bunch of questions on my problems I was having and he send the approval through. I about fell off my chair when she told me. haha. Yes they did both surgeries in one. I will tell you the incision where they pull the stomach out after it is cut, took over 3 weeks to stop hurting. It was definitely different then the band, but I have no regrets. I am so happy now.

Wow three weeks is a long time! Im so ready to get the approval so i can focus all my energy on prepping for thebsurgery. Even tho the band is coming out regardless i have zero incentive to start my preop diet until i know im approved fornthe sleeve.

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[fatdude 3]

Hi, I did band to sleeve on June 16, be confidant that insurance will approve. I'm feeling good as new. Had the same issues did my band in 2002 and redid it now to sleeve already lost 25 pounds in less then 2 weeks. The recovery, I'd say the real pain was only 2 days the the following days just weak, aches and pains, gas etc. But by bow I'm feeling delicious following the liquid diet still. Wish you the best!

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[dvons 63]

Hey guys. I am new to the forum. I had my band in 2006 and initially had great success. I went from 185 to 130 but then started vomiting. They loosened the band completely and I have gained most of my weight back and am miserable. Recently started having bad pain behind my sternum. Had an endo done last Friday and I have a class C Esophageal erosion (class d is the worst). He sent me to his bariatric surgeon friend who I am seeing tomorrow. He suggested the band be removed since it is causing me to vomit daily (thus eroding my esophagus). I want to talk to the surgeon about revising band to sleeve and I am so excited for that possibility....and I am soooo ready to stop throwing up daily.

Im hoping the surgeon will agree, that insurance will cover it ( I have Aetna) and that he can get me in for surgery next week!!! I'm overly optimistic and hoping I am not let down. Is revision surgery from band removal to sleeve much more complicated and more expensive? And could everyone who has had it share their stories???? thanks so much and I was soooo happy to find this forum. FINGERS CROSSED FOR TOMORROW. So tired of hurting and being exhausted from dehydration. ready for a new me!!!!

I had the band for about 8 years. Still have it, unfilled, to let my stomach/esophagus heal and normalize. I had a slight dilated pouch, and no problems, with a 100 lb weight loss with the band and yet the insurance BCBS approved for the revision with no problem. I think insurance companies, in general, think overall it's a better way to go than constant upkeep of band and/or the problems some are having with the band vs the gastric sleeve. Just my opinion.

[kgarrettsatx 109]

Thats so true. Thank you for the reply

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[dvons 63]

Thats so true. Thank you for the reply

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Good luck!