Revision Denied
Why? Because nothing is wrong with the band.
Also, I was unable to PROVE that I was compliant with the band. So, my advice to you is to document everything you do!!!
Revision Lapband to RNY 2-6-2013 HW: 286 Pre-Op Diet: 277 Surgery Day: 265 Goal: 155 CW: 155
Plastic surgery 8/28/2014: Brachioplasty, mastopexy, & abdominoplasty.
Plastic surgery 1/27/2015: Butt Lift
The insurance said that there is no evidence of pouch dilation and that my medical records do not indicate that I followed the correct eating plan.
I was banded in Mexico and my follow up was with 4 different places and pretty much just documented how much went into the band.
So it is on ME to prove that I was, which I have no medical records that do. I was compliant. The band was a nightmare. I was either choking on water or could eat anything, regardless. I could never get a sweet spot, no reduction in hunger. This tool did not help me eat less or feel less hungry unless it was too tight.
Revision Lapband to RNY 2-6-2013 HW: 286 Pre-Op Diet: 277 Surgery Day: 265 Goal: 155 CW: 155
Plastic surgery 8/28/2014: Brachioplasty, mastopexy, & abdominoplasty.
Plastic surgery 1/27/2015: Butt Lift
I am trying to revise because I am 13 pounds heavier than when I was banded.
I was banded in 2005 at 252 pounds the lowest I ever got was 227. That was on liquids with the band too tight. We could never find a sweet spot. Reflux was awful, constant nausea and vomiting and choking was not worth it to me. I was the most miserable ever. I fought it for 4 years and finally had all the fill taken out.
I was compliant post op. I tried really hard, but with no restriction, it was like life without the band... it was awful. I was self pay and every visit was very expensive. I would have had the darn thing out years ago if I could have afforded it again. Further, I did not get insurance that would cover WLS until July of this year or I would have tried it sooner.
Revision Lapband to RNY 2-6-2013 HW: 286 Pre-Op Diet: 277 Surgery Day: 265 Goal: 155 CW: 155
Plastic surgery 8/28/2014: Brachioplasty, mastopexy, & abdominoplasty.
Plastic surgery 1/27/2015: Butt Lift
If you self-payed for the band, could you possibly do it for a revision? If not, check into medical schools who are looking for patients to performed surgeries.
The other suggestion is, if you are having band issues beyond weight gain, go to a GI doctor who can document it. At the very least, this will lead to some assistance in getting an approval for band removal and you would self-pay the portion for the RnY itself. I ended up doing self-pay for the sleeve portion of my surgery and my bariatric surgeon's office cut me a very good deal.
I am looking into self pay options. If worse comes to worse I am hoping I can get ins approval for
RNY and self pay for lap band removal.
Revision Lapband to RNY 2-6-2013 HW: 286 Pre-Op Diet: 277 Surgery Day: 265 Goal: 155 CW: 155
Plastic surgery 8/28/2014: Brachioplasty, mastopexy, & abdominoplasty.
Plastic surgery 1/27/2015: Butt Lift
Have you been scoped top & bottom. You need to see if there is inflamation even if ther isn't dialation. You may have to try refilling it with a doc and document every thing. Than when you are inflamed from all the above you will go thru again, get the test run to show the inflamtion.
I feel your pain at least the insurance paid to take the band out even if they aren't going to pay for revision looks like.
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
DSFacts.com
RNY 2/26/2002 DS 12/29/2011
HW 317 SW 263 BMI 45.1
SW 298 CW 192 BMI 32.9~60% EWL
LW 151 in 2003
TT 4/9/2003
Normal BMI 24.8 is my GOAL!!!
GBP (RNY) 2/26/02 298 lbs, TT 4/9/03 151 lbs, DS 12/29/11
HW 317 SW 263 BMI 45.1/CW 192 BMI 32.9/GW 145 ~ Normal BMI 24.8
**Revision Journey started 3/2009 Approved 12/12/11**
Revision Lapband to RNY 2-6-2013 HW: 286 Pre-Op Diet: 277 Surgery Day: 265 Goal: 155 CW: 155
Plastic surgery 8/28/2014: Brachioplasty, mastopexy, & abdominoplasty.
Plastic surgery 1/27/2015: Butt Lift
