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Not because of that. But yes, I bled from the incision at the top of my stomach where my Lap Band had caused some damage that required a follow up surgery and transfusions. I'm fine now, and very happy to have made the revision. I was right at 30% BMI before surgery, so maybe that was why I didn't have to to the pre op. I don't know.

Well guys, I am afraid I have no good news. Anthem BC/BS denied my appeal level 1 as “investigational”. Surprise, surprise, right? Even after I have all my papers, letters from my doctors that stated that I need to take NSAID and my surgeon office provide medical researches on my behalf, no dice. Now I am fighting with them to let me bypass Appeal level 2 and go direct to Independent external review appeal witch I believe would be my best bet. I feel that Appeal level 2 will provide the same results since Anthem is not looking at your medical problems they are just hiding behind the policy. As I read this panel have three doctors independent of insurance panel that they look @ the medical necessity only. If they rule in your favor, the insurance has to cover your surgery, no questions ask. The whole thing It’s depressing and frustrating especially when all other major insurance companies already updated their policy to include sleeve. But I am still not giving up.

You're getting the bypass ?

I've heard that the sleeve is much less complicated than bypass. Though, I don't know what kind of insurance you have. Some insurances won't cover the sleeve, and will only cover the bypass; not sure why. I would definitely try for the surgery again. 475 pounds is extremely worrying and very detrimental to your health. I'm 249 pounds right now, and even I am risking a lot by being this big. You should never feel ashamed. I think that anyone who can get to your size must have a thyroid problem. In my opinion, it seems impossible to be that size by just eating alone. Something isn't right with the body when it allows itself to get to that size. So, it isn't your fault. I see now where you said you are going to see another surgeon. I am so happy about that! Please keep us updated. <3

Do I get to play, or is the revision surgery "cheating?" Remember, I went up to my pre-banding weight PLUS three pounds when I went for the revision...so I was starting at the top...again. My BMI was 49-ish...it's now 35-ish. My weight loss has been stalled for a couple of weeks (couldn't move, on pain killers and/or steriod inections), and I'm probably going to experience a slight gain...as I'm starting (f'ing) Prednisone tomorrow for a back injury. When stressing about my mother and my back, I did the only normal thing...for me. I ate all of the chocolate in my zipcode. I knew it made no sense when I bought it and made LESS sense when I ate it, but--at those moments--I apparently trusted the chocolate more than I trusted reason or logic, to solve my problems. I have learned NOTHING from being banded. I think I made the right decision in going with malabsorption. And I got my 6-month labs back today. Penni--and other medical types--if there's anything I'm supposed to worry here about will you let me know? I've been really anxious about these! * = near either end of the "Reference Values" ** = outside the "Reference Values" ~~HEMATOPATHOLOGY WBC--7.6--(REFERENCE 4.3-10.0) HGB--12.0--(REFERENCE 11.5-15.0) HCT--35.6--(REFERENCE 35.0-47.0) *MCV--80--(REFERENCE 80-99) RBC--4.45--(REFERENCE 3.90-5.20) *MCH--27--(REFERENCE 27-34) MCHC--33.8--(REFERENCE 32.-36.0) **RDW--15.6--(REFERENCE 0.0--15.5) PLATELET--416--(REFERENCE150-450) **TRANSFERRIN--397--(REFERENCE 200-360) IRON--49--(REFERENCE 37-145) Vitamin B-12--804--(REFERENCE 211-911) FOLATE-- >20.0 ~~COAGULATION APTT--34.9--(REFERENCE 24.0-36.0) PROTIME PT--14.3--(10.0-15.7) INR--1.06--(REFERENCE 0.70-1.19) ~~URINALYSIS WAS FINE ~~CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY GLUCOSE--93--(REFERENCE 65-99) NA--138--(REFERENCE136-147) K--4.1--(REFERENCE 3.5-5.5) CL--104--(REFERENCE 96-108) CO2--25--(REFERENCE 22-29) ANION GAP--9--(REFERENCE 5-14) BUN--10--(REFERENCE 6-20) CREA--0.5--(REFERENCE 0.4-1.1) UREA/CREA--20--(REFERENCE 10-22) OSMO CALC--274--(REFERENCE 268-292) TOT PROTEIN--6.7--(REFERENCE 6.3-8.3) ALBUMIN--4.3--(REFERENCE 3.6-5.0) *GLOBULIN--2.4--(REFERENCE 2.4-4.4) A/G RATIO--1.8--(REFERENCE 0.7-2.5) FERRITIN--19--(REFERENCE 15-417) ~~PROTEIN ANALYSIS *PREALBUMIN--20.4--(REFERENCE 20.0-40.0) ~~CARDIAC RISK INDICATORS TRIG--117--(REFERENCE 0-149) CHOL--119--(REFERENCE 0-199) HDL CHOL--64 CHOL/HDL-- 1.9 LDL CALC--32--(REFERENCE 0-99) VLDL CALC--23 (REFERENCE 0-30) ~~THYROID FUNCTION T3U--36--(REFERENCE 24-37) HS/TSH--1.04--(REFERENCE 0.35-5.50) FREE T4--1.2--(REFERENCE 0.8-1.Cool PTH INTACT--48--(REFERENCE 14-72) ~~MISCELLANEOUS TESTS Vitamin A @--0.37--(REFERENCE 0.30-1.20) RET PALM @--0.02--(REFERENCE 0.00-0.10) VIT A INTERP @--NORMAL **VIT D, 25 OH @--15--(REFERENCE 20-57) VITAMIN B6, PLASMA--PENDING My PCP says I need a little sunshine and an occasional Protein drink as my prealbumin is at the low end of normal. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Thanks, Sue

I am not sure how much they will actually be able to get done, since they either have to have the cooperation of Bush or a huge majority to bypass a veto. The more important thing, I think, is that they will be able to block a lot of what Bush wants. I think that was a major problem when we had a Republican congress. They were basically a rubber stamp for the President. I hope they do have some investigations and are able to shed some light on the lawfulness and ethicalness (is that a word?) of things that have been going on. As much as I think he deserves it, I doubt they will try to impeach Bush, unless something shocking and totally unforgiveable comes to light in the investigations. I have a feeling the Democrats want to be seen as the better party, not distracting a President when there is a war going on or when there is a possibility of terrorism. I think they want to be able to say something like, "Republicans knew about the possibility of terrorism in the late '90s and still chose to distract the President from dealing with that possibility. We are not going to be that party."

<p><p>This is awesome! I called insurance today and initially the lady said gastric bypass is not covered as my husband's employer didn't pick up the rider, but when I asked about lap band she said "Isn't that the same??" Ummmmm...... no! I don't want bypass, I want the lap band. Trying to determine if that means no weight loss surgery at all or just no bypass. I am hoping that if it is nothing at all I can piggyback it on with getting my hiatal hernia taken care of. Heck, they can check for more endo while they're in there too. This gives me hope that I can work something out. For those of you who have done this, did the DR let you pay in installments or was it one big amount?</p></p>

I never had any issues with ovarian cysts but ended up with severe pain in my left ovary a week after my bypass. Turned out I had a cancerous ovarian tumor. Probably wouldn't have known about it for a long time if the bypass surgery hadn't irritated it. Definitely get it checked out. Better safe than sorry!

My healthcare provider was also very negative about the band. They pushed the gastric bypass surgery as well. I did not want the bypass for reasons I will refrain from stating. Because I wanted the band and my provider refused to do it, I went to Mexico and self-paid for my surgery. It wasn't until I arrived in Mexico that I heard of the sleeve procedure. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had the sleeve. Don't get me wrong, the band is working for me but long-term I feel the sleeve would have been a better choice.

Hi, everyone! I can't believe I found this forum after 8 years banded! Looks like a lot of wonderful info and people are here! I'll try to be brief with my overview.... Heaviest was 364. Banded Dec. 2008. Currently, 258-264 (depends on the scale's mood). Lowest weight was 200 in 2014. After reaching that lowest weight, I had 4 major knee surgeries within 2 1/2 years (long history of knee issues after an accident at 9 years old). Those surgeries included 2 knee replacements and a full revision of one. I've lost range of motion with one knee and can longer do some of the things I once did. Thankfully, I can walk again and workout every single day. I also still journal and even weigh/measure my food. So, here I am... 60 pounds heavier than my lowest weight and the scale is just NOT budging. What the french toast??? I made an appointment with my surgeons office to see the NP and the nutritionist. I still feel restriction but could probably use a tiny fill since I no longer have the morning tightness. I have been eating 1400-1800 calories a day because I'm quite active. After a brief telephone conversation with the nutritionist, I'm going to alter my intake to 1200-1400 calories until I see them early next month. I keep my protein 75-100 grams a day and am doing all the things I'm supposed to be doing... with one exception. I drink water or unsweet tea with some of my meals. I'm a big water drinker and I eat healthy, natural foods. It's rare that I consume anything processed. I love my band and have not a single regret at all. I know that my metabolism is a bit wonky and I'm trying to get it fired back up again. For those that workout, are you working out in the morning? Evening? Are you eating before you workout? After? I'm trying to switch to early morning workouts before I eat. That seems to have worked for me in the past and hoping it does again. I'm open to hearing and trying new things! I'm also curious to know if anyone still journal's and if so, what is your caloric intake daily? Any thoughts, comments, suggestions are welcome! Thank you for listening and I'm looking forward to contributing anything I can to help others! ~ Jodie

I would check the forums for the many people who say they have gone for a revision from the band, my cousin had the band for ten years and then had to be revised, she had lost 100+ lbs but the band broke. I think you will find many different stories here about problem with the band and needing revisions. .. I don't have a problem with the band, and it is a good choice for a lot of people. I didn't like the idea of a mechanism in my body, constant upkeep for fills, etc. The sleeve feels right to me after all of my research. ..

If we are all getting the same surgery...bypass, why are different Vitamins suggested by surgeons. For instance my surgeon specifically told me no Flintstones chewables or Centrum. IDK I'm just thinking we all need the same amount of vitamins after surgery... correct? I feel like I have to purchase the more costly ones from particular websites until I can swallow actual pills. At least that's how I feel about my Multivitamin. I know I can grab the others at any drugstore. Am I missing something? Sent from my Y538 using the BariatricPal App

Hello Everyone, I am new to the forum and new with my surgery. I started this journey last year in November and I was able to have my surgery last Monday which was June 26th. Today is 1 week post opt and im reaching out for help. Not sure if anyone has been experiencing these things that I have but at the moment I'm so very discouraged. So for starters I am always feeling like I'm hungry. I do miss eating. The thing is even when I try to drink liquids or do the jello it literally hurts my new pouch. It's like I feel a stabbing pain when anything is in there which discourages me to try. I'm very worried because my urine is almost like a dark brown color so I know I'm getting dehydrated. My mouth is always dry and it's hard when you can only sip... Seems to never take that thirsty feeling away. Then I can wake up energized but seems once I start to move around I very easily and quickly get tired /weak. I haven't been able to take my vitamins as well. If there anyone out there that can shed some light on this? I'm very sad and depressed behind this and wondering if I made a mistake by having the bypass. Please respond back anyone. Thank you in advance.

I had band to bypass revision surgery in March 2016. I had my band removed in December 2015. My insurance required a 90 day timeframe. It was as the previous person said - had to go through all the same testing as the first time around. But it was well worth it! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks! If I had my choice id go with the sleeve but my insurance doesn't cover it (yet they covered the band) crazy insurance companies! Anyhow my roomie had a bypass and I know a lot about them and have researched them so I feel good about doing one. Hope things get better soon for me I wish I'd had the ugi ASAP

Because a lot of your intenstines have been bypassed, the sugar all goes directly into your bloodstream and spikes your insulin levels. This causes people to feel sick, have diarrhea, etc.

I am have my band to sleeve revision on Aug 15 th I need a buddy. I will traveling alone. Dr Lopez and Osuna

Don't be discouraged....well, it's easy to say, but I know, I felt the same way. Keep this in mind - we did not gain this weight overnight, and we haven't been able to lose it....it is tough to wait that month for the seminar, but you can...and then it can be possible you have to do 6 months of physician monitored weight loss, before you can even see the psychologist....and then finally you can see the physician....so it could realistically be 6 + months before you are in the surgeon's office....so think...where will you be weight wise if you don't start this process in May? I went to a surgeon over 2 years ago, and didn't like what he had to say, because he wouldn't consider the lap band for me...preferred the gastric bypass, which I didn't want. So I didn't go back to the Dr. for weightloss issues for a year! Then I found out about Dr. Fielding. I had to wait a month to be able to attend the seminar. Then I had to do 6 months of weight loss monitoring. I should have gone to the psychologist before the 6 months or during that time, but I didn't realize I could....doh! Then I went to the nutritionist (which is primarily to ensure you know whst to expect for the pre and post op diet), which I could have also done sooner. Ok, so I'm slow...lol! Anyway, after all this, my insurance kicked the paperwork back. Talk about discouragement! The reason for this was my physician didn't do his notes properly. My suggestion, get a copy of each visit's notes to be sure it has basics, such as Weight, diet discussed, exercise discussed, recommendations discussed, etc. because some insurance can be picky about how it is presented, and make sure your physician is making legible notes! After all this, I saw Dr. Fielding only once before the surgery, but was very much at ease with him. I had surgery on November 1, 2008, and am 55lbs less than my highest pre op weight....and losing. I know they use the phrase "worth the wait" for some sex ed program, but it applies to this also....it is worth the wait! Stay positive!

Holla fellow bandsters! Hope you all had a fabulous Independence Day! I sat here and tried not to watch myself and boys have simultaneous combustion from the heat- alas we were all saved that scene. It was a strange holiday in that there was no BBQ to attend, here or otherwise, I didn't even go watch fireworks! I can't decide whether it was just too hot, or I'm just getting freaking too old to "OOOHH and AWWWW" about fire in the sky. Boys weren't interested either so I just listened to the neighbors pop it like it was hot til around midnight. My dogs didn't even seem to care. So the boys had Subway and I had the normal protein shake and cream of chicken soup but as an added bonus, I put strawberries and bananas with some Greek yogurt, 1 pkg Carnation sugar free instant breakfast and skim milk in the blender! Boys had smoothies I froze mine and had strawberry banana "ice cream" around 10 last night. Delish. So as you know, I have been thinking today I was scheduled to have my first fill. Thanks to this forum, I now know that the receptionist misspoke when she said "fill", what she meant to say was "Post-Op" visit. Regardless, I was excited to go pretty much anywhere at this point. I scrubbed up, brushed up and put on a comfy sundress to wear, good choice because I didn't have to worry about buttoning and or zipping anything, I'm still slightly swollen and all I had to do was put it over my head and Voila! I really had no clue what was going to happen at this 1st appointment and lucky me, I got a nurse who was clueless as well. The regular Nurse that takes care of such appointments was on vacation this week (HOW DARE SHE) so I don't know if she was brought up from another unit of the clinic/hospital or if she was an agency person, or if (Lord I hope not) she works there and I just never seen nor heard of her before. So kids this is how it went down. I was ushered into the examination room and sat on one of the chairs. The nurse says "Ok, so what have you been eating, and sorry, but I have to look at your incisions." Umm, Ok, I hope you're going to look at my incisions (DUH) and I told her protein shakes, yogurt, chicken soup, yada, yada, and then I said "Um, am I going to see the Dr today or what's happening here?" she said "Oh no honey, you won't see your Dr until after your 1 month check-up with the regular nurse who's on vacation, then 1 or 2 weeks after that appointment you will have 1 with the nutritionist, then the week after that you will have a fill" My head was spinning off my neck at that point. I decided it was best maybe not to ask not too many questions to this particular person at that particular time, besides, I have this forum if I want to know something right? Well you guessed it, I couldn't resist, I started asking because you know, I brought a small list. (Well I didn't want to forget anything ya know?) I looked at my little list and immediately mentally crossed off things that I assumed only the Dr would know, or I only personally wanted the Dr to answer. So I asked about vitamins I think, something along those lines and she excused herself and brought in a booklet and said "Did you get one of these?" Uh, I don't think so, it doesn't look familiar. So she handed it to me and then said she needed to look at my incisions, I said Ok, and she basically lifted my dress up and said those have to go and RRRIIIPPP off came the first one! HEY, I said. I don't know if I'm- RRRIIIPPP- well screw it guess I'm ready to release my surgi-strips. Look I know it sounds like a nightmare and it pretty much was, I could go on and on, but my point is I went to my post-op appointment and basically expected Ashton K. to jump out of somewhere telling me I've just been "Punked" although that didn't happen, I did get a a wink/half eye roll from the receptionist when the nurse was explaining to her the upcoming appointments I needed, especially when she called her Stephanie and she said "My name's Ashley" (insert half wink & eye roll) giggle. I guess I was pretty calm about the entire thing because when she took my blood pressure it was only 107/62. My temperature a chilly 97.3, and guess what? She never weighed me, and I didn't ask. I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of that really mattered. I already knew I wasn't going to be getting a fill today. I pretty much assumed that they were just going to check on me after surgery. I've survived the ripped off strips and now that I think of it, I'm glad she did it because I babied them so much and would have worn them as a badge as long as I could have and I need to move on. The receptionist, Ashley, and I agreed she would just call me on Monday and we would go from there, sounded great to me! On the way home I thought to myself, I'm not restricted at all. I could eat whatever I want right now and it would be fine with my twisty and my stomach. Maybe I'll just have a salad, that's not such a big deal. I thought like this for about 10 miles until I snapped out of it. Girl you better check yourself, for Christ's sake this is exactly why you had this done, if you don't start using it now, instead of thinking like a food addict, your road shall be even longer. I came home had a yogurt and a Crystal Light, I still wasn't even hungry, not really. I picked up the red booklet she gave me and it was "All you need to know about your upcoming gastric bypass surgery" I just laid it on my chest and laughed hysterically. As always, onward and upward and Lo & Behold....Velvet

First of all, what does he mean by "the band failed"? Does that mean it eroded, or slipped, or does it mean that the patients simply did not lose weight as they had expected? It's not a magic bullet and it does fail when people don't follow the rules, but so does the bypass. I'm not all that familiar with your culture, but it sounds like your husband is relying on the advice of your friend/surgeon primarily because he is a man and a physician, and dismissing your logic and preferences out of hand. Is there another doctor you might get to bolster your argument? Can you point out to your husband that you are an intelligent woman and ultimately, choices regarding your health should be made by you? At the end of the day, it's still your body and you are the one who has to live with the consequences of your decision.

Interesting! Yesterday when I went for my second fill, I mentioned this forum to the person who did my fill. She told me that she had been banded for 5 years and in the beginning had come here to check it out and she didn't stay because she said it seemed as if there were a lot of angry people here. Sometimes it certainly seems like that, but I have found a lot of very friendly helpful folks who seem to have their heads in the right place. I think some people are naysayers regardless of what the subject matter is or just like to think they no better than everyone else. The band is not for some people, just like gastric bypass or the sleeve is not for everyone. I think it also depends on where you are at emotionally in your life. I know someone (she's gone from a very close friend to frienemy) who had gastric bypass several years ago and any time an overweight person is having issues in their life (not necessarily weight) or not her response is always, "Why don't you go get weight loss surgery?" She likes to think she knows everything about everything and if everyone listened to her they wouldn't have any problems. Her first question to me after my surgery (I wasn't even a week out) was, "So...have you thrown up yet?" When I asked her why would I do that she responded with some explanation of how she just has to push the limit if she is told she shouldn't do something. Crazy huh? I didn't even bother to explain the differences in her surgery compared to mine. It seemed like a waste of my energy. I'm sure you're wondering how she did with her weight loss - she did good for awhile, but has never been thin and is still considerably overweight. She considers her surgery a success. She's one of the biggest reasons why I decided to try the Lap Band since it was done as an outpatient, is reversible, less costly and doesn't involve re-routing my innards. While the recovery was easier in many ways, the daily living part is a little more difficult since she seems to be less restricted when it comes to what she can eat and of course the weight loss is slower. I don't even know why I posted this! LOL! But I don't really talk to anyone else about my WLS. I have not made it public - except here. I asked her not to tell anyone, but knowing her, someone else out there knows.

Hi everyone - my first post here! I was going to have revision surgery on my band (insurance had approved the revision), but decided that the sleeve was a better move for me for a ton of reasons. So i'm meeting with surgeon, anesthesiologist, PCP, nutritionist and psychologist on Jan. 17 to get all of the needed paperwork started and into my surgeons office so the insurance stuff can begin. My first question is related to scar tissue when removing the band. I've had the band for about 5 years (was successful, but it slipped, so it's now useless) and i'm concerned about the damage when puling the band off. Any experience and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Andre

I have two ladies in my office who both had bypass. Started out about same stats and had surgery about same time . One lost most of her weight by 2 years at least 150 pounds. The other one lost 40 pounds and eats like a horse. Both of them were very interested in my lapband and now my sleeve. Haven't been back to work yet but I'm already 28 pounds lighter. Surgeon says people get used to the packed esophagus feeling, especially lapband patients, and keep eating and eating. Weight loss is weight loss be it slow or fast. So long as the number keeps going down and stays down what more could your doc ask for?

When you take calciums it is important to spread it out over the day. I generally take 2 Citrical supplements every 2 hours until I meet my daily calcium requirement. [I am a gastric bypass patient and my requirement is 1500-1800 mg per day. Sleeve patients requirement is less. It is 1200 to 1500 mg per day.] I just put them all in a small finger bowl first thing in the morning and take a couple out at a time throughout the day until the bowl is empty. If I am on the go, then I put them in a small zip lock back and take the bag with me.) As far as the Citricals are concerned be aware that the dosage rate is based on consuming 2 tablets. I didn't realize this at the beginning so I was only taking around half the recommended daily dose for the first month after surgery. It is also important to have at least a 2 hour separation between your calciums and your iron. So I generally take the calciums during the day and the iron at night. The iron may be a separate pill or part of your multivitamin. Once you get the system down, it becomes routine. So don't get overwhelmed at the beginning.

Had band since 11/08. Fluid in, fluid out, little loss. Had 2 ugi with little dialation 3 years ago. Decided to get it out this year. Saw a different physician due to insurance. Had another ugi. Didn't see anything wrong but lower abdominal erosions due to H. pylori. Scheduled for lap removal of band and revision to rny 10/22. Start preop diet monday. Preop testing 10/17.