SlimChickadee

Do any one know how easy it is to get approval for a lap-band revision to RNY through Highmark BCBS TN or if they even cover it? Approval was easy for the lap-band but wasn't sure about revision surgery. I have to have lap-band removed and wait 3 months and have revision. Not sure if they (BCBS) would count as having 2 surgeries and would pay for the removal but not the revision. I checked the website and it seems unclear to me and I am afraid to call them and ask or do the physician's office take care of submitting whatever is needed to check for coverage and what percentage? I know my questions sound redundant but I am really seeking sincere advise. Thank you in advance!

Yes, been banded since 2009. Cannot wear my cpap d/t waking up coughing and some days I can eat whatever I want other days everything is getting stuck even if I chew chew chew! Been experiencing a lot of nausea lately. Doctor took all I had in my band will have barium swallow in 2wks. Then band removed, will wait 3mths to GBP.

I had my lap-band done in 2009. Weight loss starting off was great, I got down to 245 lbs. I have had a great deal of issues with gastric reflux, vomiting, other days can eat like a horse with no restrictions, I stopped getting fills in 2015, I have gained all but 10 lbs of my pre-surgery weight back, I also currently sleep under a CPAP machine but cannot use it as I should do to the gastric reflux and waking up as if I am choking on my own saliva and coughing horribly. I recently went to see about having a revision and my doctor informed me that I can have the revision but would have to wait 3 mths after removal of the lap-band to have the Roux en y procedure. Can anyone let me know about healing time with the lap-band removal, how long did it take for insurance approval (BCBS), and finally, the actual recovery time for the lap-band removal and the recovery of the GBS. I am a remote worker and was wondering if I would be able to do my job which I sit for 8hrs intermittently with standing. Thank you in advance for information!

Hello Everyone, Went to have UGI done yesterday and was informed that my upper esophagus may be stretched! I have had my band a little over a year now and have only vomitted approx. 4 times. I am waiting to hear from my physician to see what he has to say! I am so upset. The NP called and asked me how was I doing with my reflux, I told her I was not aware of having any! She probably thought, "Excuse me!" LOL I haven't had any reflux to my knowledge! I did have a few weeks ago the stomach flu and it is what brought me to the point of having the UGI done! Any suggestions of what I have forward to look for or what is in my near future? Thanks everyone!

I have a 9cc band. I was told the realize bands only come in one size! I already have 7.4ccs and was wondering if I might need another fill. I do have two protein shakes a day as well! Thanks for responding! Saundra

I have been banded since 4/2009 and have had three fills. I have 7.4cc and was wondering if anyone has had a problem with restriction. I have lost 26lbs but have not lost any more weight, I am not gaining either! I am far from my goal weight! Any suggestions? I feel as if I get a lump or tightness inmy throat after a meal but only eat bkfst, and dinner! Thanks!

I have been banded since 4/2009 and have had three fills. I have 7.4cc and was wondering if anyone has had a problem with restriction. I have lost 26lbs but have not lost any more weight, I am not gaining either! I am far from my goal weight! Any suggestions? I feel as if I get a lump or tightness inmy throat after a meal but only eat bkfst, and dinner! Thanks!