dlmyvette

Anyone know of UHC's policy on revision surgery in Florida? I was banded in 2008, self pay. Starting weight 226lbs, lowest weight 162lbs. I felt great. In 2012 I had a baby and throughout the pregnancy did very well. Never had any issues whatsoever, didn't even get an adjustment the entire pregnancy. When I gave birth everything changed, suddenly my and was too tight. I paid to have an adjustment made to get some relief. In 2013 I paid for another adjustment to now begin the process of getting myself back to pre-pregnancy band level of 5.75 cc's. Struggled for years and in Feb of 2016 ended up in the hospital because my doctor couldn't take me in for an emergency adjustment. He reduced my band to 4cc's and I still have yet to live normally. At this point I'm vomiting at least 4 times a week, suffer from eating anxiety because I'm always thinking about how this meal or that meal might get stuck. Have been exercising until recently about 3-4 days a week and can't get my weight in check. It just fluctuates constantly which is extremely frustrating and almost depressing. I am so afraid of going back to my 226lbs. At this point I'm 191.5lbs and I do not want to see this number as it is. If anyone can offer words of encouragement or advice regarding my lapband (8 years old) and advice about revision surgery (I can't live with this lapband changing on a moments notice, stress, etc) united healthcare covering revision surgery in Florida, they've already said to me by e-mail that isn't a covered procedure but I know there are ways to get this approved. Please help.

I was banded in 2008. Weighed in at 223lbs, by 2010 I was down to 162lbs. Didn't make goal, but was feeling great and very happy with the loss I had so far. In 2011 I was pregnant with my first child and up to 174lbs a gain of 12lbs, my pregnancy went well, I gained close to 20lbs and lost it in 2 weeks after giving birth. Suddenly without warning my band got so tight I had reflux and could not get much food in. I decided an adjustment was in order and I had my band adjusted (unfill) I thought I was doing great and felt happy that I had lost the baby weight. Slowly I started gaining weight again. It was tough and it didn't seem like I had control over my eating, the band or anything else. 1.5 years after giving birth I had gained 23lbs and felt that something needed to be done. I went to the doctor and adjusted my band once again (filled). Did not see much improvement. But began to get reflux, stuck episodes and feeling sick all the time. Once again needed an adjustment to take fluid out. 5.5 years out of Lapband surgery I finally feel it's time to go back to basics. Would like the help of other lap banders old and new.

When I go for adjustment 99% of the time it's from a PA and no fluoroscopy is done, just add liquid or take out liquid. I hate to say this, but I've given up on adjustments at this point. I'm a self-pay lapbander and this has cost me BIG TIME. I'm really happy to have my lapband and do not regret it, I'd do it all over again. Maybe instead I would've done the sleeve, the lapband is so unpredictable, one day it's fine, days later very tight, it's just too unpredictable. You are so right a small tweak here or there can really make a difference. For me I've resigned myself to use my tool properly and start over again. I really think that's what I need to do. I'm excited that I am following the rules again, going back to what I did when I first got my band and how careful I was. I'm doing that again starting today and recommitting myself to using the tool the right way and stop making excuses. I think the level I'm at is just fine, I still have the potential of getting stuck and having an episode, so I think my level is ok, I just have to get back to basics.

CONGRATS....... I am 33 weeks and I did not get an unfill either I've been self pay the entire time so I thought, if I could handle it, why not. So far so good. Sometimes I notice my band feels tighter or the port site feels a little sore, but nothing to the extreme where I have felt I needed an unfill or needed to see the band doc for any reason. I spoke to my OB and she said as long as I could eat properly I should not worry about unfills or anything. She's the doc so I'm trusting her opinion. My pregnancy has been amazing! No nausea, no heart burn, no nothing..... I feel fantastic the entire time and I hope it continues this way. So far I have gained 17 pounds and I'm 8 months along! WOOHOO! I hope that it continues increasing slowly and I don't gain much more. But we'll see. I am confident that I will lose this weight as soon as the baby is out, BACK TO THE BASICS and major EXERCISE. Good luck with everything!