Jendkopp

@Nicki33319: what was your experience with Bariatrix Florida - would you recommend them?

Just wondering how long, in your experience, it took Aetna to decide whether to approve a band removal and conversion to a sleeve after the doctor submitted the request for authorization. I just found out that my insurance will be changing on Jan 1st and my doctor does the removal and conversion to sleeve in two separate surgeries.

i was in no way implying there would be bad food choices. the problem with the band is that it is sometimes difficult to eat the "good" foods b/c the bands may not allow you to eat them - certain good for you foods just get stuck and you have to eliminate them. others want restriction, but if you can feel tightness, you have too much. i think the band is highly misunderstood, which leads to so many complications. i am a highly compliant patient and still have had some major complications. i hope it works for you. i just believe in putting both the good and bad out there so you can make an informed decision

***slipped with repositioning surgery July of 2014

I got banded in 2012 and lost 90 pounds and then had a slip that required re-positioning surgery. For some people with bands, you never find the "green zone" of no hunger, and I was one of those people. My surgeon is now recommending removal b/c once my band slipped, I never lost weight again and I can't get fills b/c they just cause me to throw up. The other thing is that you have to have a really good doctor educate you on how the band works. If you have any pain while eating, you are too tight, which will lead to a slip. I don't think that bands are necessarily bad, I just think a lot of doctors don't seem to properly caution patients on the proper way to use that tool.

I am wondering if any of you have used Lindstrom to appeal a WLS insurance coverage denial? If so, what was the outcome? Thanks!