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Thank you all for your quick responce. I am trying to do a lot of research on this subject. My insurance will pay for a gastric bypass but not the lap band. I am going to try and appeal it with them, but will see. Sharbythesea, could you please share the info. about your friend that had it done on the Oregon Coast, that sounds pretty good too me. You can e-mail me directly with the info. if you would like. Thanks again everyone. Shelley

I have UHC (coca cola) and even though my plan states I am covered for the band or bypass they found my revision medically necessary and approved it. It was approved in less than one week and I had my revision on aug 21st.

I'm not familiar with the SADI, but the traditional DS (what I have, I've lost over 400lbs) has two anastomoses, bypassing more of the intestines. Obviously, this causes more malabsorption. My common channel, where I absorb, is 150cm. With the Loop DS, there is one anastomosis, and less malabsorption. It really depends on what works for you. There are few DS surgeons, but that's because few people are thoroughly educated about, it's benefits, etc.

Hey thanks for the feedback - Yeh I have been reading into stories of many PCOSers and about Bypass vs Sleeve. I think data also shows long term success with Bypass is better with Sleeves esp if you have some hormonal setback. So I think I'll stick to Bypass for now! It gives me more of the positive vibe and lack of regret which I may have with Sleeve if things don't go as planned! At least with Bypass I won't have that regret of "I could have chosen Bypass"! Ofc Bypass comes with its own setback and side effects, but I think I am comfortable taking the chance! Do you have your surgery scheduled already?!

I had a lapband placed in 2013 and it was removed April 2021 due to GERD. I'm in the process of revising to RNY. My surgeon won't perform DS on anyone unless they have really bad diabetes. So it was never an option for me. I never made it to goal weight with the lap band. From what I've read, most don't. So I'm hoping to cure the GERD and lose a little more weight after RNY. Best wishes on your Lap band removal and DS surgeries!

Hello to everyone. My name as u can see is Yiannis. I used to weight 192 kgs(abt 427 lbs). On the 18th of January, i had my lap band surgery. Also, i did a gastric bypass and a cosmetic surgery as my tummy was quite...big ! Till today I have lost 55 kilos(abt 122 lbs) and every week i am loosing some weight. I am very happy that i did that surgery, because i am already starting feeling much better ! Best regards Yiannis

Actually I had 4 operations in one day...The bypass, the lapband, the cosmetic & some liposuction. I was in the operation theatre for 9 hours ! I know a lot of Greek people that hv done lap band. I am a member to a similar forum called www.eatingdisorders.gr ! Relly usefull, as i had many help from people !

The only reason you would need to have the band removed would be if it was medically necessary. When I had to have mine removed due to infection my insurance covered it 100%. If the doctor reports it as medically necessary, it is covered even if your plan does not cover bariatric surgery, like mine does not. When I got sick I was scared to death that the removal surgery would not be covered, but my new doctor reassured me it would be covered. As far as your choice, if I were young and planning to have children in the future, I would factor that into the equation and discuss it with my doctor. I too chose the band, because the only other alternate at the time was bypass. I had my band done with 8 of my coworkers and none of the others have had any problems. I am the only one who picked up a staph infection and we all saw the same doctor for the surgery and the fills (except for one). Of course, at this point because of my problems, I can only recommend the sleeve. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

So I had to have to my band removed last week. The surgeon said that after my stomach had healed, in about two months, we would discuss my options for another WLS. First after such a bad experience with the lap band I'm a little scared to have another WLS. So I really need to make up my mind if I want to. I started Weight Watchers as soon as the band was removed to ensure that I didn't regain the 56lbs I had lost. But I don't know if I can do it forever. So I'm really leaning towards another surgery. The question is which one-the sleeve or bypass? With only 25lbs to lose to be at goal I'm thinking the sleeve maybe a better choice for me. I think the bypass might be overkill. I was just wondering if anyone who has had a band removal and then had either the sleeve or bypass could give me some insight as to their personal experience to help me decide. I would really appreciate it! Thanks to all! :welldoneclap:

Well, I have medicaid and I was originally considering gastric bypass because I had heard medicaid would pay for it but after speaking with my doctor and talking with medicaid, I found out that lap band is much safer and a better choice for me so the insurance thing isn't really an issue so far. But my doctor had told me I needed atleast 6 months of documented obesity in order for them to accept me? Then I have to have a mental and physical evaluation.. is that standard?

he needs a mouth bypass

I'm here! I just had a port revision on 1-5-12 due to a flipped port, so I basically had no fills for the entire time! I just got a fill at the time of my port revision and have much better restriction. Hopefully it does not happen again.

Nicole, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Please don't beat yourself up over regaining weight. I had to say goodbye to my band 3 weeks ago and I've regained also. My band was removed because of a congenital problem with my esophagus that contraindicates the gastric band, so eventually (when my esophagus is sorted out) I hope to revise to the sleeve. People often say that the band is the least invasive of bariatric surgeries, but let's face it. Any surgery that requires the patient to be anesthetized while a surgeon cuts holes in their abdomen, pokes instruments into those holes, and implants a medical device, is pretty invasive. People also say that the band is good because it's removable. Well, that's true, but it doesn't mean that removing it is easy and safe. RNY is reversible, if need be, but that doesn't mean it's easy or safe. So I guess you have to choose the lesser of the evils. I think we'd all like to say we can lose and maintain our weight on our own, but if we had a big enough problem that we qualified for weight loss surgery, it's not likely that another attempt to do it "on your own" is going to work longterm. On the other hand, presumably you've acquired some healthier habits since being banded, and can rely on those now, at least until you're healed and ready to consider a different surgery. Good luck!

I was banded on August 1, 2008 and I went today for my 2 month checkup and he did not give me a fill this month either. I have not had a fill yet cause I lost 20 lbs the 1st month and I had lost 14 lbs this month so he said I did not need a fill yet. I am okay with that though. I wish I would never need a fill and could loose all of my weight with just the band restriction. My doc said right now I am actually running in line with his gastric bypass patients, but he told me not to get overly excited cause it will slow down now. I hope he is wrong though.

I'm going for bypass in October and asked for the minimiser ring. By my surgeons estimate that will triple how much I will be able to keep off long term. Sent from my Lenovo TB3-710F using BariatricPal mobile app

Eee gads you should have seen some of the pictures that Pascal had for when he lectures, to show how not to do it!! It was enough to make you gag. Some of the transformations on there are truly amazing though arent they, there is one lady in particular who is on the first page when you go into the tummy tuck albums who is such an inspiration, she is a gastric bypass lady and OMG you should see her now!!! I havent had my last minute panic yet, I am kind of waiting for it, I cant be this calm and just excited can I? I hope that I dont get it after the surgery, that would be a major bummer! LOL How are you doing LJM still fighting the good fight against the Cookies?

I went to Dr. Oh's seminar the other night - and I was not impressed. He spent the least amount of time discussing the lap band procedure. He spent more time discussing gastric bypass - which I am not interested in. Well, during the discussion he said lapbands are not good for "sweet eaters" because you can't have sugar, milk, or alcohol for the rest of your life. I asked him afterwards if that is true - because to me it doesn't seem like a way to live the rest of your life. He said this is a last resort - and no sugar because then you will have cravings for it. He also said his patients have fills every month for the first year. One question asked by someone at the seminar was regarding the amount of food eatten at each meal - the doctor responded 1-2 ounces! This just doesn't seem reasonable to me.... that's nothing. I am not sure this is the right decision for me... I was so nervous/excited about the seminar and then came home feeling this may not be the best option for me. Also, I posted the above under another thread and heard from someone on this site..the same thing about Dr. Oh. I didn't even mention his name in my post - she asked if I was from WA state...when I told her yes, she asked if it was Dr. Oh. She said Dr. Srikanth was better - but she cannot have hers done for about year either - per her insurance. I was going to look into Dr. Srikanth - but have not called yet.... I wonder what is unethical about him.... curious. Still not sure if this is what I need to do for me..but, I am checkin it out.

Although I was banded in May of 2008, this is my first post on here. I now wish I would have visited this site more often, as it may have prevented some of the problems I have had. In November 2008 - just 7 months after my surgery, I tried to take some Ibuprophen caplets first thing in the morning (looking back, not the smartest thing to do, but my back was killing me that day and I was desperate for relief). The pills got stuck and I vomited about 4-5 times in a 2 day period. My band slipped. My surgeon informed me that this typically does not happen with an occassional illness, but usually after prolonged, violent, vomiting episodes. WRONG!!! It can happen very easily - I'm the proof. I am an RN who researched the Lap-Band® surgery and my surgeon for almost a year before making the informed decision to have the surgery. I followed the rules and did everything I was told to do. I ended up having a revision within 2 days. My band has not worked the same since. Beginning with the very first fill I had acid reflux, which I had never had before. I had lost nearly 90 pounds with my first surgery, but I have not lost any weight in over a year now. In fact, I recently started being able to eat more and was gaining back some of the weight I had lost. I went in for a fill last week and was told that I may be too tight. I thought they were nuts! I was able to eat things I shouldn't even be able to eat and was eating almost normal portions! I was informed that sometimes the band can be too tight, and it causes the esophagus to stretch - therefore, allowing you to eat more and with no discomfort or vomiting. I thought they were full of it. I knew what too tight felt like. I have had to be unfilled several times and was not able to hardly swallow water. My Dr. ordered an upper GI and to my surprise, they were 100% correct! I was too tight and even after 1 hour later, the barium had not passed through my band. My esophagus was enlarged about 3 times more than normal. I had no idea this could happen. They also found that I have a large hiatal hernia. The radiologist sent me straight to my Dr.'s office for a total unfill and I must wait a month for my esophagus to return to normal size and possibly have a hernia repair before getting another fill. I am soooo discouraged and disappointed. I feel like a total failure. I have tried and failed every diet/weight loss program there is and now I can't even make a LAP-BAND® work for me! This was my last hope of ever getting the weight off. I forgot to mention that I paid privately for my surgery - TWICE!!! I still have about 3 years to pay off! Any advice/wisdom/encouragement would be appreciated.

You have to do it on a computer not your phone HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17) GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18) GW#2- 175 CW 183 5’6”

I eat smaller meals every 3-4 hours. Every 2 must be exhausting HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17) GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18) GW#2- 175 CW 182 5’6”

Nicole, I am just starting my journey (that sounds cheesy when I write it, doesn't it?), but I feel for you. I believe there are a few posters around who had to revise to something else, after having an erosion. Maybe taking a look around the complications forum found here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/70-lap-band-complications/ Good luck!

I am two weeks out following Gastric Bypass surgery. I started my journey at 288lbs. and now I am 270lbs. It’s been trying these last two weeks but, the surgery has worked miracles in my life already! For that I am very grateful. I have never been less than 200lbs in my adult life, and I am anxious about that possibility. Yet, my health takes paramount and is the reason why I made the decision to have the surgery done. I have joined BariatricPal for a bit of insight and inspiration. It is my hope that by the end of this, I may inspire someone too.

I had revision to sleeve on the 30th as well! One night in the hospital and they took my drain out before I left. My surgeon said that is his preference and I was ok with that. As for the removal it didn't hurt necessarily but did surprise me. Felt it come out and it was longer than I realized. After a sharp intake of breath, due to the foreign feeling, I was fine. Hope your removal goes well! From-amyjo316

Hi Eveyone - I am writing on this forum to share my own story, not to disparage the Lap Band because I know many people are successful supporters. At the weight of 263 I had a Lapband placed in 2008, paying out of pocket. At that time GERD was my bigggest CM but I have a sister who was approaching 400 pounds so I was worried. At that time my weight was such that Bypass wasn't really considered and the band was new enough that there weren't too many horror stories and I had high hopes that it would be my answer. Since that time my lowest weight was 150 (as a result of a huge bleeding fybroid) but has hovered at about 200 pounds - not great, but not terrilbe. I have had spells of success with the band but most of my experience has been unplesant. Pain around the port and on the side of the port (I've been checked for Gallstones multiple times), unable to lose weight then unable to swallow meat, back pain, etc. The port is placed in an area that I can ALWAYS feel when I bend or wear any type of waistband - it's BAD. Recently I have had consistant chest pain which has been ruled out as being cardiac and is likley more GERD. So, after much thought and discussion with my surgeon I am having it removed and a RNY revision done (one surgery, again self pay, ugh). If I had it to do over again I WOULD NOT have a band placed and I would've had RNY in the first place. There is something about the foreign object nature of the band and port that never felt quite right to me, even when it was working. If you're considering a band and have doubt please ask folks questions before you do so, make sure you've thought about everything, I wish I had. Best of luck to everyone in their journeys!

BILLING/CODING INFORMATION: CPT Coding: 43644 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (Roux limb 150 cm or less) 43645 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (investigational) 43770 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band (gastric band and subcutaneous port components) 43771 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; revision of adjustable gastric band component only 43772 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43773 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43774 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components 43842 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; vertical-banded gastroplasty 43843 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; other than vertical-banded gastroplasty (investigational) 43845 Gastric restrictive procedure with partial gastrectomy, pylorus-preserving duodenoileostomy and ileoileostomy (50 to 100 cm common channel) to limit absorption (biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) 43846 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with short limb (150 cm or less) Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (may be done laparoscopically) 43847 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (may be done laparoscopically) There is no specific CPT or HCPCS code to report mini gastric bypass. A laparoscopic approach is used with the mini-gastric bypass. The stomach is segmented similar to a traditional gastric bypass; the jejunum is anastomosed directly to the stomach, similar to a Billroth II procedure. The mini gastric bypass is not based on its laparoscopic approach, but rather the type of anastomosis used. This on the Blue Cross Blue Sheild page: http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.main&doc=Surgery%20for%20Clinically%20Severe%20Obesity