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KattattaK

Pre Op
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Posts posted by KattattaK

  1. Posted

    4 hours ago, VBurton said:

    Absolutely!

    I had the band placed in 2011. From the getgo I’ve had nothing but issues. I never had much Fluid put in because I would have terrible problems getting fluids down much less food due to excessive swelling. After several years of dealing with it I finally had all the Fluid removed, yet I still have problems with swelling around the band that cause me to vomit and not be able to eat. It is common to have this issue during rain or thunderstorms. Other days I can eat like normal. I was told that the insurance company would not pay to have the band removed even though they paid to put it in because my issues, according to the doctors, are non issues, ie not acknowledged complications or band failures. I’d rather be fat than live with this any longer and I’m scared to death I’m going to end up with even worse complications like esophageal failure. How do I get the insurance company to pay for it? Lap Band makers should be forced to study this complication and acknowledge this is a real problem. I’m not the only person suffering with this. If there are others who have contacted you dealing with the same issues I’d love to see if we have a suit.

    Not sure if you’ve had an endoscopy or not, but it’’ll show the damage, if any, caused by your band. If damage is found, the doctor can request treatment for the issues or request that insurance cover band removal. Docs usually want to remove with the intention of revising the patient to a different surgery. I literally had to threaten my doctor to finally get him to put in for only a band removal with no revision. He caused me much suffering over the years, and I was done. He was so afraid when I suggested that he call security, that he finally agreed. He worded it so that insurance approved it about 48 hours after the referral. Sometimes we have to fight for our health. Literally. Good luck.

  3. Posted

    12 minutes ago, KrisZ said:


    Use your bmi as a guide. My insurance deems DS medically necessary if 50+.

    I've often wondered about this. The DS isn't a good option for me due to pre-existing conditions. However prior to knowing this, back when I was asking surgeons about it as an option, I was constantly told no due to my weight (I'm 5'4, 220 poinds). So, I guess it depends on the surgeon? Also, seems like there are surgeons out there who make the common channel longer so as to avoid major Vitamin deficiencies and too much weight loss? I could have this wrong. I've been researching sooo much stuff and tend to get things mixed up a bit lol

  4. Posted

    1 hour ago, jessgnc said:

    I have to wonder, are there any other surgeons or offices close enough that you would go to instead? I began my process anxious and freaking out, wondering if I was doing the right thing. The longer I travel down this road, the more at ease my surgeon and their staff have made me. If it took your place years to finally listen and help you properly, maybe you should find somewhere that puts you more at ease?

    @jessgnc thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. I am no longer with the group that gave me the runaround. I am now back with my original surgeon who performed my lapband back in 2005. I've seen him once but he had so much going on that day I promised I would return so we could speak more, but I haven't been back. I'm going to look into seeing a therapist who specializes in working with bariatric patients. Hopefullu, that will help me deal with my fears and concerns and move ahead with this I'm not getting any younger. Or thinner. Hahahaha

  5. Posted

    3 hours ago, SashaF said:


    Wow, sounds fustrating. If all of those factors above are contributing to your decision, I personally would the sleeve with a DS later if needed. The sleevll


    That's what I've been leaning towards. Just weird, when I started having problems with my band, I immediately wanted and was ready to have it removed and be revised to a different surgery. It took years for them to help me out and now I am super nervous about and scared to have revision surgery. I am not even interested in having the surgery, but I do realize I need it to help with weightloss. I can't do it on my own, especially with my metabolic and hormonal abnormaloties. I need to be brave. Every time I think about surgery, I get major anxiety. Been this way for about 7 or 8 years now. Hoping I get over the fear an axiety soon!

    Mountaingal and ProudGrammy reacted to this

  9. Posted

    6 hours ago, hmm33502 said:


    So...just like any surgery, there are risks. Some people like to talk only about all of the positives and then there are people who spend every post trying to discourage others and talking worst case scenario. I, personally have had a wonderful experience and a significantly improved quality of life after my revision. I am actually living my life with healthier foods, less acid, waaaaaayyyy less vomiting, more energy, etc. yes, you can lose your stomach to cancer, but you can also get in your car and have an auto accident or fall off of a ladder while hanging Christmas lights. Stuff happens and you can't live life afraid that all of the bad scenarios will happen to you. You can listen to some people on this thread who EVERY POST is why you shouldn't have surgery. Or you can weigh your options and live your life!! Hang those Christmas lights, drive that car, get that revision....my life is vastly improved. There are lots of others with the same story! I can just tell about my experience, I won't tell you about my sister's teacher's cousin's ex boyfriend! I'm open for questions and excited about the rest of my life!!


    Banded 2010 weight:327
    Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
    Currently 220.7 lbs
    106 lbs down!!
    Heather in Texas

    This is true. Puts things into perspective. Thanks for the encouragement! @hmm33502

    hmm33502 reacted to this

  11. Posted

    45 minutes ago, hmm33502 said:


    I had it done in 1 surgery.


    Banded 2010 weight:327
    Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
    Currently 220.7 lbs
    106 lbs down!!
    Heather in Texas

    I am sooo afraid to have revision surgery! It's weird, because when I had the lap band done in 2005, I was so ready. But now, it's just not the same. I find myself thinking crazy thoughts about not being able to get anything down or suffering from malnutrition and malabsorption or what if I develop stomach cancer and there's no stomach left once the cancer is cut out. It's INSANE!!! The fact that there's no going back and the surgery is permanent really get to me. What happens if it doesn't turn out right and I'm just stuck with no way to reverse anything!? Like I said, I think crazy thoughts this time around. The lapband traumatized me for all other surgeries! LOL!!!

    giogirl, Julie norton and Lattedah reacted to this

  12. Posted · Edited by KattattaK

    On Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 8:14 AM, Kaylamh said:

    @ChaosUnlimited just do it. You'll thank yourself later when you don't regain every pound like many many sleeve patients do. The malabsorption helps make up for our "human" moments when we just don't make the best decisions.

    I find that I never encourage or discourage a person in any one, specific wls. Everyone's situation is quite different with each surgery. I know several people who had the sleeve almost 10 years ago. Some have gained a bit of weight back, while some are continuing to keep it all off. After several years, there remain a few complaints about ocassional GERD and the extra 10 minutes added on to a workout due to overindulgence of a chocolate chip cookie. However, I don't hear many serious complaints overall. . On the other hand, I only know a few DSers. One can't keep up with the eating plan and complains that it's too much food to eat to keep her weight up and eating has now become a huge chore, not to mention her new "bathroom" issues. Another friend, is experiencing malabsorption issues despite taking all the required daily Vitamins. Another one has gained back quite a bit of weight and is just unhappy with the results of her surgery, because she was told by her surgeon that she wouldn't have to worry about weight regain with the DS.

    These comparisons are not to persuade or dissuade either way, just an example of how things work differently for each person. While the DS may be the best surgery for YOU, it may not be for the next person. My surgeon actually encourages his patients to try the sleeve first (due to its high success rate with his patients) and explains that the DS or "switch" (rerouting of the guts) portion of the surgery can always be added later if necessary or wished.

    That being said, I continue to research each surgery in an effort to decide what would be best for ME. I wish I was one of those people who could just decide already! It's becoming quite frustrating, because as you bring out, statistics DO show that regain with the DS is less likely, and we would all LOVE to lessen our chances at regain. However, the malabsorption issues REALLY frighten me, because I have other health issues which would only worsen with malabsorption.

    Hopefully, I will make a decision soon, because I am struggling with trying to maintain my current weight (I've given up on losing, as that has become impossible due to my different metabolism/hormonal disorders). I had the stupid crap band in 2005, which developed a leak in 2009 and is now broken inside of me in 3 different places (YUCK). I will be revised one of these days lol

  13. Posted

    On Monday, February 20, 2017 at 6:22 AM, ChaosUnlimited said:

    My surgeon also discussed the stats with me, which is what gave me pause about just doing the sleeve. This is hard work, for any of the surgeries, and I want it to be a one and done kind of thing. I lost a lot of weight by doing weight watchers and high impact exercise several years ago. I thought I would never let myself backslide like I have, but I did. So I don't rule it out with the surgery either, but the DS gives a little more security against weight regain. I do realize that any of the surgeries will require a high level of compliance with the diet and exercise to be successful long term.

    I'm leaning toward the DS, but the thought of changing the way my gut works by moving my intestines around is terrifying to me. My husband is worried about it too and is hoping I choose the sleeve only. I still have time to research and decide, but for right now, I waffle back and forth as to what to choose.

    One and done is everyone's hope. However, my surgeon actually encourages his patients to try the sleeve first (due to the large success rates his patients have experienced with it) and explains that the "switch" or DS portion of the surgery (rerouting of the guts) can be added down the road if necessary.

    ChaosUnlimited reacted to this

  14. Posted

    I have UHC. Weirdest thing ever! HMO covers bariatric care but PPO doesn't. So, I was allowed to switch back to HMO in the middle of the plan year once I realized this. I explained to HR that I have a lapband which requires ongoing care and would not have enrolled in a PPO had I known bariatric services/care was excluded. You may have to take this time to research your plan options and find out which one covers bariatric treatment and switch to that one during open enrollment.

  16. Posted

    On Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 6:09 PM, CMDD71 said:

    I had the DS on June 11th 2016. I am a huge proponent of the surgery. I started at 427lbs, now 215lbs. I have never felt better.

    Dr Spiegel, in Houston Texas, is a DS specialist and has done more DS surgeries than any other weight loss doctor out there (his claim). He also teaches other Doctor's how to perform the surgery.

    His claim is that the sleeve will get you 75-85% of your weight loss and 15% of patients put some weight back on. He calls the DS the Cadillac of WLS. Losing 95% of weight loss with very little weight regain.

    I have had no issues absorbing the needed fats and Vitamins I need. But I do get tested every three months to make sure that remains that way.

    One of the benefits of the DS over the sleeve is that you do not run the risk of having an unexpected bowel movement.

    While I would say the DS is a great choice, I would say make sure you have the correct doctor. If a doctor says you can do this surgery as an outpatient, that is not the correct doctor.

    Also keep in mind, with the DS you will need a second (minor - with the right doctor) surgery to remove your gall bladder.

    What ever surgery you choose to go with it wish you great success and a smooth recovery. Good luck on your journey.

    Thanks for this info! I had no idea. I've actually been told the opposite by both surgeons and friends who have had the DS. On the other hand, my friends who have the sleeve have never mentioned unexpected bowel movemmets.

    joycey100 reacted to this

  21. Posted

    You are misunderstanding. If you would have continued to read, you may have realized I cleared that up by making a second post right after that one concerning which type of Jerky (beef, turkey, chicken, pork, etc). No one is being nasty here, simply offering snack ideas, as was asked about. The OP seemed to have understood with no offense whatsoever. No need to police.

    He was joking.

    Holy cow! I didn't realize!!!! My apologies!!! Hahahahahahahha

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