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My surgery went without a hitch. I had little to no pain -- but everyone is different. I have been banded 4 1/2 weeks, and have had NO nausea. I haven't thrown up, or been "stuck". I have had NO complications!! I have lost almost 20 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks, and I only had to do the pre-op diet for 1 week. So, most of my weight loss is post-operative. I love my band, but I do somewhat miss all the "bad" foods I used to eat. However, I am too excited about losing the weight and keeping it off to get too bothered by it! I was very scared before my surgery, because face it, this is a life-changing event. Now, I wouldn't change it!!

So I am 99.9 % self pay. My concern is what would happen if something went wrong. Like if I had to stay in the hospital as a result of a complication... Would Cigna pay for the stay even though it was related to something I didn't go through them for? Or what if 5 years from now my gallbladder is removed... Do I have to pay bc I paid for the surgery? Just wondering how that might work.

Thanks to you all!! I know that ultimately it will be my decision, but it doesn't hurt to get feedback from others. I am continuing my research and hopefully, I will make the right decision. The more I read and watch, I notice so many complications from the band. I also read about so many people going from the band to the sleeve........ Thanks again guys! Off to more researching!

I would also do some research regarding the recall of lap bands by the FDA in recent months. I just felt the complications from the band made it not an option for me and chose the band

I haven't been here in a few months but I had not given up on getting VSG surgery approved. I've written some posts which tell more of my story if anyone is interested and is going through the same thing: http://www.verticals...er-suggestions/ This has been such an emotionally draining time that I wanted to share that I have finally had SUCCESS and I thank all of those who encouraged me to keep trying. I will be having a Lapband removal and revision to Sleeve - Surgery date not scheduled yet since my surgeon's office said they have to see if any pre-tests will be required. I was originally denied by UHC in August stating that I had not met their requirements since I hadn't completed a 6 month pre-op physician supervised diet. I was, however, approved for the Lapband removal due to complications. I wanted both done at the same time and found the fact that they approved one and not the other completely illogical. My surgeon's office suggested I move forward to start a physician supervised program (since UHC says it specifically cannot be a Bariatric physician). I started seeing my primary care Dr. specifically for weight loss. I had recently moved to FL so had to find a primary care Dr. to begin with. So essentially I decided to go down both tracks - appeal the denial as well as work on the six months pre-op diet so, in my mind, worst case I would still qualify by March. However, I was still upset about the whole 'principle' - or lack of - principle of requiring someone who lived with the Lapband for so long to do another 6 month pre-op diet. I sent an appeal letter to UHC and received the most ridiculous response I have ever seen - let alone another denial. They had another Dr. review my case - someone supposedly with knowlege of bariatrics and his lame reason for denying me was that since I had failed with the Lapband I would just fail again with a Sleeve and then I would be asking for a gastric bypass - almost his exact words... no lie. This infuriated me and showed a total lack of knowledge on his part in my opinion. I mean, just like that, this Dr. who does not know me at all, has never even spoken to me, let alone examined me, decides that I am just a BIG failure!!! I was told the next level of appeal would go to my employer since my employer self insures the plan or something like that. In the meantime I continued to go for my monthly Primary Dr. visits and the first few months lost about 5 lbs then after the holidays gained that back and more. I forgot to mention that my Band was unfilled back in July and my appetite has been worse than ever let alone that I can now eat a whole lot more plus things I couldn't eat for years. It took me another month or so to finally write my second appeal letter which went to my employer. By the time I sent it off it had grown to 70 pages - 2 for the letter and the rest my prior letter, denials and other medical records. The first appeal letter was 4 pages of a letter and 30 pages of records but I went ahead and obtained more records in the interim from my podiatrist, etc. I didn't intend for this post to be so long - I guess I'm kind of venting along the way so forgive me for that. I finally received a letter from my Employer the other day stating that they, too, had had another surgeon review my case who had bariatric experience and this Dr. (bless him) completed validated my case - stated that both surgeries are absolutely medically necessary and that I was correct in pointing out that UHC's own Bariatric policy contradicted them denying me both times before. I choked up as I read his words - and just praised God for his answer to my prayers! I don't have a date yet - I am supposed to hear from the Nurse at my surgeon's office on Monday to go over my health questionnaire to see if I need any pre-tests for sleep apnea, etc. I am really healthy other than my morbid obesity and even when I had Lapband in 2006 only had to have a pulmonary test done aside from the routine blood, etc. So if all goes well I may still have the surgery by the end of the month or in March. All this to say that if you are going through the same type of thing - particularly with UHC - DON'T GIVE UP!!! I'm willing to share my letter with anyone interested - email me if you want a copy. It's sad that they make us go through all of this; upon reflection it has all the more strengthened my resolve, but will still really unnecessary. As my plans progress I'll post in other topics. Thanks. Susie

I'm two and a half weeks away from surgery, and it still doesn't feel real! I started this journey over four years ago, researching my options and trying to get funding. The sleeve wasn't available to me then, so I was going to do RNY because that's what my aunt and a friend had. But, my aunt had some complications and she just looked sick, and it worried me. Plus, I'm in Southern Illinois and I would have had to drive to Chicago (five hours away) for the surgery and that also put me off. So, fast forward to 2009. I attended an info session at the new bariatric center in a town close by. I decided to go for the RNY. I was told I had to do a six month diet, so I started that and in the meantime, the surgeon was let go. So, this summer, I found out there was a new surgeon and had heard good things about him. So, I attended yet another info session and learned about the sleeve. I was convinced right way. I made my consultation and saw him for the first time on October 29th. I've gone through all the tests, got clearance from everything and I'm now scheduled for surgery on January 17th! I'm having a hard time this is actually going to happen, though. When I went for my consultation, I was put on the Fast Track (six weeks til surgery.) that was in October. But, I couldn't get my psych consult until the end of December, so they scheduled my surgery for January 10th. I went on 12/28 for psych and they didn't have me on the schedule! But, they got me in for the following and I got cleared by psych yesterday. In the meantime, my surgery was rescheduled for January 17th because my surgeon will be out of town. Then, I started freaking out because I'm in college and my classes (and my husband's classes) start January 18th. So I have to juggle classes starting and trying to get my kids to school while I'm in the hospital. It seems like Murphy's law is in effect, and I'm encountering all sorts of obstacles. So, again, I keep feeling like this is too good to be true! Am I really going to get my sleeve? I don't think I'll believe it until I wake up from surgery with my sleeve!

My surgery is in Tuesday. There are quite a few women who have been very successful at my old job (on COBRA) so I'm still covered. My sister had the sleeve not too long ago and from what my mom says she doesn't sound like she has lost weight and may need surgery for scarring. She's been having issues with it. She lives in the Middle East. My doctor does less lap band now than the other procedures but is well known for all of these surgeries, so I'm not worried about that. He still is going to do the lap band for me, he says less are asking for the lap band. Just getting nervous about the negative things I see out there about complications. Oh and my mom had a gastric bypass years ago and now has osteoporosis since she doesn't absorb Calcium. I've got a small area of osteopenia of my lower spine which I'm taking calcium supplements and picked up upper body weights. I broke my knee 3 years ago and had to stop Impact exercise which stimulates bone growth. I swim, ride my bike a few miles and go to the gym. I just need not to be hungry. I've been eating less theses past few months also. Anyway. Just nervous. I'll do anything not to throw up that's the worst thing in the world for me. I know I can follow the instructions on how to eat what to eat and exercise. I'm a RN also.

Hoping someone can might know the answer. I was about as far along as possible last wed. in hospital and literally ready for surgery. My surgeon and the anestig. where speaking with me and my wife when I mentioned that I was having muscle cramps. Due to me being on a statin and the muscle cramps the surgeon felt that this elecvated my risk of complications for surgery so surgery was canceled until this wed. and I was taken off the statin(crestor). Here I am two days away again and I thought I would sail thru past week as I had already had dry run(lol) but has not happened. I can't get out of my mind maybe last week was a sign I should not do this now. I was wondering if I postpone will my insurance cover me for this in future.

I stayed overnight too - doesn't hurt! My doctor said it's good in order to avoid any complications!

so is it possible when you have fills, to not pb or vomit? that is really scary to me. (i read alot of complications from fills on here) and since my first one maybe in the next couple weeks) i am kinda on the fence teetering and wondering......

My husband's company is self-insured. They use a company that administrates the benefits, and that is where the problems seems to lie. The network is Aetna, but the employer makes the rules and requirements. The benefits administrator is tasked with following the rules outlined by the employer. It is a bit more complicated, although most huge companies these days are self-insured (to my understanding). We have paid for the most expensive insurance plan for years. We shouldn't be dickering about these bills. I finally requested the intervention of a supervisor because I am tired of calling to dispute every bill. The supervisor said she will review my claims each day to ensure that my claims are not routinely denied. All this in spite of a pre-approval letter! Not making this up.

Yea i want to have a baby slso thats why i didnt get sleeve got bypass instead didnt want my stomach cut either You guys are correct about the sleeve not being reversible; however, I don't think it has a negative impact on becoming pregnant (providing you are willing to wait a year after the surgery to stabilize weight): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23306797 http://www.marinahospital.com/blog/will-i-be-able-to-get-pregnant-after-gastric-sleeve-surgery Studies stated, "Barring very uncommon complications of surgery, this should eventually make it easier both to conceive and to carry a child to term with less risk of negative consequences."

I can understand the rationale of getting the band. Being a little gun shy about surgery myself, the band is really, really tempting--it promises to help us lose weight with minimal invasiveness, very low up front complications, and no stomach cutting. Each surgery fits a different need and different demographic of people. All surgeries can have complications and whatnot, and from what I read they all improve in technique and efficacy over time. But I do understand wanting to get the sleeve, because I've been leaning that direction myself (yes, more short term risk but lower long term maintenance and risk).

I am now getting concerned that some health issues unrelated to my weight are going to push back my banding date. I have been without a sense of smell for just over 10 weeks. Because of this I can not taste anything. It started after I sprayed Round Up and then came down with a sinus infection. I went to my PCP and he was totally thrown. I have had two rounds of antibiotics and a round of steroids which I really hate because they make me cry....a lot. Now I have gone to an ear nose and throat specialist. He wants to do an MRI on my brain to just rule out a brain tumor. Now honestly I in no way think it is a tumor but he says he can't comfortably say that. So now on top of having some expensive spinal decompression done this month.....totally worth it as I am 100% better I now have to pay out of pocket for an MRI! :cursing: I am due to be banded July 14th. I liked the date as I think it should be lucky but I am beginning to wonder if higher powers are really against me having this done. Money is about to become a very big issue. On the plus side as of this morning I have lost 42 lbs since March 6 and most of that has come since Easter. If there is a possibility I will never taste again I don't really see any reason to be banded but I was so ready to have it done. Sadly though I have absolutely no urge to eat.....even while taking steroids. I actually find the act of eating horribly depressing. I am just at a loss right now and I needed to talk about it I suppose. Everyone around here just acts like I should be thrilled to be losing weight so easily but honestly I would so much rather be able to taste at least a single bite than not anything at all. I can not tell you how many times I have heard....oh I wish that would happen to me so I wouldn't want to eat.

I completely understand how you're feeling right now, just a few weeks away from your surgery. It's been a long journey for you, with research, funding, and changing options along the way. It's natural to have doubts and worries when you see others experiencing complications or when logistical challenges arise. But it's wonderful that you found a new surgeon and that you're now scheduled for surgery. Even though there have been reschedules and unexpected hurdles, it's important to stay positive and focus on the fact that you're making progress towards your goal. I can imagine the mix of excitement and disbelief you're experiencing. It can be hard to fully believe that this life-changing surgery is about to happen. However, you've gone through all the necessary steps, received clearance from different tests, and had your psych consultation. These are all significant milestones that bring you closer to your surgery date. As you navigate the challenges of balancing college classes and family responsibilities, remember that you're stronger than you think. It's not uncommon for life to throw us curveballs, but you have the determination and resilience to overcome them. Try to embrace a positive mindset and visualize waking up from surgery with your sleeve. Visualizing your desired outcome can help you feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead. Remember, you've come a long way, and this surgery is the next step towards a healthier and happier future. Stay focused on your goals, trust in your medical team, and believe in yourself. Soon enough, you'll wake up from surgery with your sleeve, ready to embark on a new chapter in your life.

I went ot a siminar recently and the answer is yes. If you have complications you will have to pay out of pocket for that. What you pay out of pocket is just for the post op,surgery, and first year. Anything after that is on you. That's what the Dr. out of El Paso said. I think each Dr. is different though. Hope this helps some.

Nancy every insurance policy is different so it is difficult to answer this. Medical emergencies should be covered on all policies. the complication you should worry about is leaks that can be devastating on the body and financially, again read your contract for specific language. of course the cost of surgery can not be applied to your deductible it is denied and hence not covered, only covered services can be put to the deductible, but you can write it off on your IRS taxes....

There's been some patients that had part of the hospital bills from complications covered by insurance, but others have had complete exclusion of any complication bills being paid by insurance that do not cover the initial procedure. It seems it's all in how the hospital bills the charges, and how the doctor handles the complications. It's a tough situation to be in as I would not want bypass, and I would have self-paid for my revision if insurance would not have come through for me.

I went to Europe to have my surgery as I could not afford to have it done in the UK. I can honestly say that you get what you pay for. Deals which seem too good to be true often are. I researched my company and the surgeon for months, the company has an excellent reputation and I spoke to lots of his previous patients who all had wonderful experiences. I have serious complications, which a surgeon in the UK thinks is down to cheap equipment and an inferior surgical technique. My desire to have surgery overrode everything so much so I chose to have it done outside the UK even though my family begged me not to go. Please stay in the UK for surgery, do not consider going abroad! If you stay in the UK you will get proper aftercare. I wish I'd waited a few more years, saved the money and had it done here. I'm not saying everyone who goes abroad ends up having complications, as I shared a room with a lady who had the same op as me and she is doing amazingly well. But please consider, even companies and surgeons with excellent reputations can make mistakes.

I had surgery on a Monday recovered for 3 or 4 days. Rested the weekend and was back at work the next monday morning. Ive been at work since and its been a month since i was sleeved. I also havent had any complications. Good Luck

A caveat to this would be that you CAN deduct expenses for tummy tucks or skin removals following a WLS if...... the extra skin was causing pain/redness/soreness/blisters/other complications and the removal was necessary to the healthy well being of the individual and advised by a physician as a means to treat the ailments.

It is completely natural to be scared at this phase. Most of the possible complications are not likely but they have to list them because it has happened on rare occasions and they don't want to get sued. The most important thing to do is focus on the reasons you are doing this and decide if for you the benefits out weigh the risks, odds are if you are like most of us they most definitely will. Good Luck, enjoy the journey it is rough sometimes but gets better as time goes by.

I've had my band for a little over a year. I know one person who's had their band for over 9 years with no complications.

I know how you feel because I freaked out and wanted to pull my Band out in the beginning, too (I think a lot of us felt that way.) Take it from me, it will get better. And I'm the resident expert on complications since I've already had 4 major Band related surgeries and two ports removed. I am in debt up to my ears, but I know there's hope, and I know one day I'll start losing weight again. Just be positive, it will get better.

Ok so we'll go with the bad news first....I am asking for many many prayers because my family is having a VERY bad week. My 22 year old cousin was just diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gherig's Disease (sp?) The whole family is taking it very hard and the poor thing can't even go outside or walk up and down the stairs do to all of his complications...please say some prayers for my best friend...he hasn't been given a time line, usually 3-5 years but some people live as long as 10 i've heard...If you guys have any information anything is useful at this time...we are all searching the net high and low for any information, treatments, that kind of thing...he has great doctors and we're being very optimistic!! Ok now for my good news..i took my 4 month measurements just to see how I have been doing...I've been a little down cause i've lost 22lbs so far but feel like things arent going so well...anyway i've lost 15 INCHES!!!!!!!! Holy crap that's a bright spot in the darkness of the family crisis for sure! Seems kinda petty to be happy about something like that when we have such a big deal on our hands but hey, be happy where you can right?? OK thanks for letting me get it all out there, I appreciate it more than you know! Katie