ashrn22

Hi Kathryn, I wanted to ask how you are now doing since having your Lap Band removed. I found out in May that my band was eroded into my stomach in May after two months of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Now my reflux is terrible and the pain is sometimes so bad I have to take meds and go to bed depending on what I eat. I paid out of pocket for my band in 2006 because BCBS did not cover it in Alabama at that time unless your BMI was 42 or greater and I did not meet the criteria. So they will not cover the removal of it. My surgeon has now appealed it twice and we have tried to fight it but I am having to pay out of pocket to have it removed. So my surgery is Wednesday, the 12th. I am actually looking forward to it because this pain has been so bad and I have been so miserable for so long I hope this will help. After reading your post I am a little discouraged though. He did tell me I will have a wound vac drain and I will spend the night in the hospital. It is more invasive than the placement of the band and he explained everything to me how he will have to patch the stomach around the esophagus. So I do understand all of that but I guess I have high expectations of just feeling better once it is out. I am really concerned about gaining weight also because I have had issues with my weight being such a roller coaster anyway through these 11 years. I hope you are now recovered well and doing good. Thank you, Ashley