CherBee

I get an upper GI today...and i sure hope they find something wrong to qualify for band removal and sleeve replacement to be covered by insurance. This is harder the second time around. My insurance company has new stiffer requirements. I thought it would be a no-brainer...band not working, replace with sleeve. I also need a sleep apnea test. If i fail that, i can get the sleeve. This is nuts!

That's great news! How did you get around insurance issues? Did you have to have a bunch of tests, some repeats, to qualify? I am havign problems in that area. See my post.

So today I go for an upper GI and in August go to sleep center to be tested for apnea. All this to try to go from banded to sleeve. It is like I am back at square 1. My BMI is under 40 as it was 5 years ago but insurance companies (I have Berkshire Health) have gotten pickier about non-morbid obese patients. I could gain 20 pounds and qualify as a morbidle obese patient...no I don't think so. I thought maybe if they consider the band to not have worked that would be enough to get the sleeve. I am so bummed about this. it also means all the other tests, including the psych, would have to be repeated. It's as if i never did anything.

Please see my other posts on this message board. Basically I have not been able to lose substantial weight over the past five years.

OK...I got the results from the endoscopy...band is OK in normal position and no problem. I wish there would have been. It might have helped expedite the switch to Vertical Sleeve. So the doctor told me I don't qualify for the sleeve as I don't weigh enough. I would have to gain weight to get my BMI to 40. At least 20 pounds! Who wants to do that. And then I would have to lose weight before the VS procedure. It's like I am back to square one. I also would have to have the psych eval again and other pre surgery exams and tests. AND to see if I qualify to even proceed I need to get an upper GI (had one 1 year post op) and a sleep apnea test. This would be to see if I have any issues that would qualify me w/o the 40 BMI. I think my insurance company will cover me if I meet the qualifications. I thought having a revision would be a lot easier. Anyone else go thru this? The doctor seems pretty positive that I will qualify one way or another. I am SO bummed. I almost feel like having the band removed and call it quits and go back to regular weight loss means.

Hope you look great! Wondering if you got contacts? Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much for your reply. So if I can get over the hair loss hurdle and the no drink dilemma I might be able to do this. I want to lose weight once and for all. I want to wear a size 8 again. : )

I am glad it has worked for you. I definitely would have a problem with the hairloss thing. That alone might be enough for me to say NO THANKS. What is the cause of the hair loss? Is it the procedure? I did not lose hair with the lapband. I had 3 C-secs and did not lose hair. Also, you don't get the weird feeling of food backed up in your gullet? I will be discussing this with my doctor next time I see him. I don't know if I am a candidate or if my insurance will cover it as a recent endoscopy has shown no defects or problems with the band.

Thanks again, Lynn.:001_tongue:

Thanks for your esponse Lynn...much appreciated. :001_tongue:

Wow! You look fantastic! You lost half yourself. I am new to the boards and am seriously considering the sleeve (hate the band). Did you have any negative experiences? How was your appetite? Any problems with any foods? Did you drink with your meals? Lose any hair? Did your stomach pouch stretch at all? It sounds like you have no regrets. I hope it will work for me.

Hair loss...that's the first I have heard or read about that....hmmm...that's a downer. I am 60 and I don't want to look like 80.

1. 500 calorie a day diet...how and why? That is really low. 2. Still can't drink Water with meals. 3. New small stomach can stretch like the band pouch. 4. Can still have same reactions as band...gagging, fullness but still hungry. 5. Isn't the lack of Ghrelin supposed to curb appetite? 6. Here's a new one...just read some people have this problem...hair loss. OK someone help me out here...I don't want to go from the frying pan into the fire. :thumbup: I would want this to be better than banding and work over a long period of time. And I want to be able to dine out in comfort. I want to drop the weight and keep it off, in comfort. My exercise regime currently is aerobics with weights, bowling, and I am picking up swimming. Thanks in advance for all responses.

I think if the doctors says the right think my insurance will cover the sleeve. It covered the band. I am wondering..will I react to the sleeve the same way as with the band...gagging, drooling, burping, gurgling...all that. And it looks like the same rule applies about drinking before and after but not with meals. And the sleeve is irreversible. Glad to hear you were appoved and will be sleeved soon. Thanks for the good vibes.