No band, no revision, no problem...(not really)

[general_antiope 189]

So I was denied twice to have my sleeve surgery after my band was removed in June due to complications/slippage. My surgeon was on the phone with the insurance surgeon and apparently they were arguing - I already hit the lifetime limit of one surgery 13 years ago, and technically had TWO surgeries (removal) that were paid for and they wouldn't revise me.

Band out. 25 lbs immediately gained. Wow, WOW it felt SO GOOD to eat and not have things stuck. it was like a physical addiction to chew and swallow without puking. But, holy crap I'm gaining. I've slowed down finally, am walking every day but not losing. Still a battle. My sleep apnea is back, so I'm about to go get evaluated for a CPAP. I'm up 2 sizes, where I never thought I would be again. I'm up 60 lbs from my lowest with the band. Not really a success story anymore.

I'm hanging on for dear life because there is one more chance for the sleeve. I spoke to my husband and in November I'm going to enroll in my own healthcare through my employer. Praying to god nothing bad happens...I have a new local doctor who I've already consulted with, and his surgical coordinator, and they're getting me in the first week of November as a new patient so that I will satisfy the three months of medical supervision, and that as of Jan 1 we can schedule surgery for Feb or March as long as I've lost weight. I'm struggling now, but practicing by logging every day, eating slow when I can remember. Every week I'm getting better at avoiding triggers, being consistent, but my late day eating ruins the entire day of doing well. My goal is to get my sh!t under control - better control - so that the habits are there and the sleeve just accelerates it. I am at the mercy of my hunger some days, it is so frustrating. But I am having "good" days here and there, changes in attitude and understanding.

Just needed to talk. I feel like November is forever away and January doesn't exist...love reading all of your stories!! Keeping me going.

[KartMan 58]

Have you considered Mexico? Significantly cheaper than US and none of the insurance hassles. Of course it means you might have to travel and will have out pocket self pay costs, it was worth it for me.

[general_antiope 189]

11 hours ago, KartMan said:

Have you considered Mexico? Significantly cheaper than US and none of the insurance hassles. Of course it means you might have to travel and will have out pocket self pay costs, it was worth it for me.

Thanks for the suggestion. No, I hadn't considered Mexico. I spent the last 13 years going from Philly to NYC for band stuff, I'm looking to keep it local this time. But if something happens with my new insurance I am going to pursue self pay options.

[KartMan 58]

Thanks for the suggestion. No, I hadn't considered Mexico. I spent the last 13 years going from Philly to NYC for band stuff, I'm looking to keep it local this time. But if something happens with my new insurance I am going to pursue self pay options.

Best of luck to you in whichever path you end up on.