Mburk72

I decided to call the insurance again to get a status update, I figured I'd call them everyday until they got tired of hearing from me. They said they sent a letter to my doctors office asking which hospital I would be having surgery, that I only had benefits at one of their selected hospitals, luckily my hospital is on their list, and she said that was the only information they needed, I'm hoping that means an approval soon. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Removing lap band, and converting to sleeve in one procedure, how long will I be in the hospital? Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Hello Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I am having my lap band removed, and converting to the sleeve, how many days will I stay in the hospital? Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Hi I'm from San Antonio and had a lap band April 2015, lots of complications, having it removed, and converting to sleeve, should be schedule next month may 2016 with Dr. Wright at Metro Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

The sleeve is the more expensive procedure, so most doctors will go ahead and take out the band if that's what u want, during the time of the sleeve. I work in the OR, the removal of the band doesn't require anything extra that isn't already there for the sleeve. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

This is what I am worried about. BCBS may not think my revision is medically necessary. So the doc is going to have to make the case that I've been vomiting for years and have already had one slipped band (not this current one tho as I had an upper GI-all looks ok) and a hiatal hernia. The other band was replaced under a previous insurance. It is REALLY going to suck when/if my husband has his sleeve and I'm still stuck with the band that is nothing but trouble.What state are u in, bcbs is different in each state. Your story worries me because I have Bcbstx and I'm currently waiting on insurance approval to have my band removed, and revise to the sleeve. Bcbstx does pay for first surgery, 2nd and revisions, they list requirements for each. I meet their requirements for 2nd surgery which would be removal, and I also meet revision if I have slip, dilation or erosion. My surgeon says I have some slip, just don't know if it's enough for them, so I'm still waiting to see what they say, its been 1 week since documents where submitted Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I had the lap band and only my husband knows, not even my kids. I'm having the lap band removed due to some serious complications, and at the same time revising it to the sleeve, and again the only person that knows is my husband, and my co workers that will be on my team, I work in the OR. Maybe in time I'll tell others but don't see why I need to. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

How much does it cost in Mexico, do they file insurance, do u trust having it done in Mexico? Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I called, they said it's still being put into the system and they have 30 days, unless your office submits it as urgent, ughhhSent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App Oh crap. That really, really sucks. I feel for you. I'm a very anxious person by nature and a total worry wart. And our cases, being revisions, are a bit more complex and expensive which i am sure bcbs isn't quick to approve. It may be a longer wait for me too and not so fast like my husband's.Update, recalled bcbs today in the afternoon, got a much nicer operator, she apologized for it taking so long and said give them another few days and I should have a answer by next week, now that's more like it, even if that isn't true, its at least what I want to hear. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Does anyone have bcbs and had to go through the approval process. I have a band and want to revise it to a sleeve. I've had nothing but problems with the band and can't get more then 3.5cc before I start vomiting. I am 185, with a BMI of 35. I have thyroid disease, borderline pre diabetes.. How long does it take for an answer, I hope they don't say no, I can't imagine why they would. Nervous! It's been a week since claims were submitted. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I called, they said it's still being put into the system and they have 30 days, unless your office submits it as urgent, ughhh Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Because my surgery is a revision, removing band, and revising to sleeve Bcbs has different requirements then when you originally have a procedure. I know I won't have a problem with insurance for the removal, but the revision I'm just not sure, its only been a week and I'm already tired of waiting for an answer Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I have thyroid disease, I'm pre diabetes, my insulin levels are high, and have sleep apnea. I have no idea what was submitted to the insurance in the form of what they told them. I don't think I will have a problem with getting the lap band removed, but the revision is what I'm not sure about. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App Where are y'all from, I'm in San Antonio, TX. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I have thyroid disease, I'm pre diabetes, my insulin levels are high, and have sleep apnea. I have no idea what was submitted to the insurance in the form of what they told them. I don't think I will have a problem with getting the lap band removed, but the revision is what I'm not sure about. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

My doctors office submitted my documents to bcbs last week on Wednesday the 13th, so I'm waiting to see if they will approve the band removal and sleeve revision. My surgeon wanted to do it in two procedures, but didn't want to chance the band being removed and then them not paying for the rest, so it was submitted all together in one procedure. I'm a surgical assistant and have assisted in many of these cases, so I know the ins and outs of the case. The only difference in one procedure and two is when you so both steps in one procedure your raising the risk of a leak, BUT the raised risk is still very low, so I'm not worried about that risk. When surgeons do it in one procedure, they just use a larger staple line, and reinforce it with suture. I don't want to go through two procedures, two recoveries, be put under anesthesia twice, have to take off work twice..Just waiting on insurance, its making me a nervous wreck Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Either one with those scores I would trust. Most surgeons work with the same anesthesia provider for all their cases, they know who they trust, and someone who knows their routine. You can ask the office who it will be, and ask your surgeon if they routinely work with the same person. Looks like your in good hands and your doing your part Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

An A and B are both good scores so which ever is more convenient for you, your good with either. I always choose the A hospital, its very hard to get an A, so you know it's a excellent hospital. As far as who is doing your anesthesia, ask the office. You have that right. Then look them up and research them just like u do your surgeon, because they are just as important to your surgery as the surgeon. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Good surgeon, zero personality and doesn't seem very caring Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I am a surgical first assist, and have help many surgeons with these procedures. Besides your surgeon, 2nd would be a great anesthesia provider, they are very important in any procedure, but especially this one because they are controlling the tubing that is put into the stomach for your surgeon to mark were he will staple. Next the hospital, look up hospital leap frog scores, it compares hospitals scores for safety, patient care, and infection rates Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I have the exact same stats, 5'1 and 188lbs, and have a 35bmi. I am in the process of insurance approval, excited and nervous. I have borderline hbp, and pre diabetes.... I'm hopping this will help me get healthy. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I also have a lower BMI, I'm also a 35.7, this is no means is a healthy BMI, and because of that you could have serious health problems in the future if you don't already have them. When people tell me your not big enough, or your BMI isn't high enough, I tell them, I am proactive, I am choosing to do something now before my weight get out of hand, I've made the choice to improve my health before I get so far gone that the surgery is too high risk. If more people made the choice earlier, they would have so much less to loose, and the journey would be easier on them to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It's the people like us that decide to make a change soonier then later. Congrats, don't listen to the negative, your doing the right thing Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I thought the amount that was removed was the same for everyone, something I need to ask my surgeon before my procedure. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I am in the process of having my band removed, and converted to the sleeve. I could never get enough Fluid to help me loose weight. Anytime I got over 3.5cc I vomit everything I eat, so I've had all fluid removed and waiting on insurance approval. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App