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Thank you for this forum. I was one that was very active and left the boards due to the amount of negativity at certain times and unrealistic expectations of some. I came back because I am considering revision surgery due to gerd, hernia, and lack of weightloss post pregnancy. I am looking for others that have had revision surgery. I had my VSG done in Bogota, CB by an amazing team and had great follow up care. We are now back in the US and I will most likely have surgery with Dr. Halmi.

Rude!!! Heaven help us, you are anything BUT rude! Please let us know how your revision goes. I will keep you in my prayers. ladiebird, will you not have to have a revision? Pat, what the heck??? How is that you nearly passed out? Details, please!!!

I am about to turn 57 and had my surgery almost 23 years ago. I have given birth to three children and stayed thin the whole time. I started at 250 and settled at 125 ( I’m 5’4.5” and that made me a size 0 or a 2) When I was done having my last child I settled back at 155, still wildly successful. When I entered into perimenopause, it became a fight to keep my weight off and I kept fighting. And then now through full-blown menopause two years since I’ve had menstruation, I’m almost as big as I was when I started. I’m wondering if there’s any help in this situation. Any doctors who will look at a revision I guess or make some practical suggestions. I have changed my eating, habits a dozen different ways to try and bring everything down but it’s like it was before, the weight loss is nearly impossible. I can get it down sometimes but then it comes back and it never goes down more than 30 or 40 pounds. I regularly get my hormones checked and I’m on progesterone and testosterone. My estrogen is always fine or even high. Looking for optimistic ideas. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

I had mine on a Wednesday and went back to work on the following Monday. My surgery was 7 hours due to revision but I do have a desk job. Was just feeling tired and still feeling effects of anesthesia. Take as much time off as you can. A week is pretty good.

Gigi, i started feeling hungry all the time, and there was no restriction, when i went to my doctor he would try to add sailine, he was able to put in more then the max amount allowed...my insurance only paid for a removal of the band or just a revision of the port, they wouldnt pay for anything else, because i wasnt considred obese. so i had the band removed, and then paid for the sleeve out of pocket.

Hello I had my surgery done two years ago and meet the requirements through a army hospital. At time of surgery I loss weight and was down to a BMI of 33.8 and I had two co morbidities. Fast forward to today and I need a revision because my sleeved failed( doctors error). Tricare denied me and my appeal because I don't meet the civilian standards from my original surgery. I meet them now though but because at the time of surgery I was under BMI. I am going to do an external appeal because I need a revision. Any help on what I can do or add to my appeal would be great. Also if you had an external appeal with Tricare could you let me know how the process was! Thanks

I am also band to sleeve revision. My surgeons office submited insurance papers yesterday, and now I wait. My surgeon mentioned once that there is a chance it will be denied and it may take a few tries, he may have to do a one on one with my insurance. I think I have read this refered to as a peer to peer review? But he seemed confident that it would happen in the end. I believe the reasoning for the request is band intolerance. I am vomiting much more than I used to, and can never tell when it will happen. Maybe the office worker was just having a bad day, and came across negative. I have read many times about people fighting to get approved, it may take time. But I find it hard to believe they can make us keep a device in us, one that was suppose to help us, but instead is causing us pain! Good luck!

I got the labband in 2007. Had had some success with it, lost and have kept of right at 60 lbs. I have struggled with the usual problems that come with the band, heartburn, acid reflux etc. Well it was determined about three weeks ago that my band has slipped. The Doc recommended removal and revision to RNY. It request was submitted to BCBS for approval. Received a copy of the letter, and they have approved the removal but not the revision. I do not meet the criteria now. I have worked hard to losse this weight and try to keep it off, and I know without the band or something I will gain all of the weight back. I have been unfilled and it is already starting to happen. My lapban surgery was with a diffrent insurance not BCBS so it would be my first WLS with them. The criteria says that I have the diagnosis of morbid obesity for a period of 2 years prior to sugery, duh, I had the band and got my weight down; My bmi is now 33, so still suffer from obesity but not morbid obesity with a comorbidity I no longer have a problem with blood pressure like I did before I am no longer borderline diabetic I still need to loose about 50 lbs Has anyone else had this problem and how do you fight it? Thanks, Laura

I am going to have to get my lab band removed or revised. I am going to choose removed, as they are no longer performing the procedures around here and no one wants to mess with it if I have problems, which I have had tons. I have had mine for almost 10 years and was down to 115lbs. I have since gained 50lbs. While my insurance will pay for the removal, they may not pay for a revision to a sleeve. I have IU health plans for an insurance, and I can add my husbands insurance, which is ANthem premium, if needed. Does anyone know what the rough cost is for a revision to sleeve? What about just the sleeve portion? Anyone had any luck with IU health plans on appeal, as I am sure it will have to be appealed. I feel like I have worked so hard and put up with so much in the past ten years.

Tricare said I can do an external appeal and are sending me the paperwork to do it. I was in Washington when I got the original surgery done and now in Illinois. My new surgeon has written a letter saying that it was a error and that I will need to have a revision but I still got denied.

I have carefirst blue choice of MD. I was approved for the lapband 2 years ago within 3 days. I'm waiting to be approved for a revision from lapband to gastric sleeve. The documentation was sent in November 5, 2014. So we will see. I'm praying that you get your approval.

I did have a peer to peer which is when they approved removal of band but not the revision. So I hired an advocate and they are working on the appeal. It just seems like it's taking such a long time and I'm so very discouraged! Confident, but discouraged. I've now developed high blood pressure and feel like absolute crap! Trying so hard to be patient but just want this over with! I know in the long run the wait will be worth it, but for now I'm a mess!

That is good to hear. I have also followed everything to a t. Need a revised letter saying I have clearance. Can't get a response from her. I will keep calling. Want everything ready by last last appointment . Thanks for all who responded.

Hope the Port revision surgery wasn't too bad!! Great job on the weight loss!!! keep up the fantastic job!!

Hi there, I am scheduled for my surgery on July 1st (revision from lapband to plication) so I can answer alot of your questions. Two questions: 1) What is NSV? no scale victory - 2) Does anyone have extremely serious regrets for having the surgery? well even with having to have a revision on my band - I don't regret it - lost 170 lbs - gained back 50lbs due to an enlarged pouch - but will have the plication and get back to my lowest weight in no time. Hope this was helpful. Donna in Seattle surgery lap band 3/2003 - scheduled for plication on July 1st with OCC TJ 310/145/200 and counting down again!

I had the sleeve in 2013 and am in the process of looking to revise to a DS. I am extremely worried about the insurance portion. I know "everyone's insurance is different" I get it. Having been through the insurance stuff before I do realize it's case by case etc. I have Aetna and I did read the policy jacket and all that. I just want to know is there anyone on here that was approved for a second surgery and if so what is your story? I have had a little regain but been stalled over a year and a "twisted" sleeve it looks like cobblestones on top of each other. My BMI is 37. NO COMORBIDIES (sp?) Has anyone been approved in a similar situation?

Hello y'all! I just wanted let anyone, who is being denied by their insurance company, to consider Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, to help in your fight for approval or overturning a previous denial! My story.... I was denied coverage for revision surgery (lapband to sleeve) twice, by insurance xyz (I am not naming insurance company, until I get reimbursed), and enlisted Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy for 3rd appeal and subsequently, a review by an independent doctor. After a few months of diligent and expert advocacy, on my behalf, LHA convinced the doctor and insurance xyz to finally approve my surgery! And this was almost 3 months AFTER my surgery, in which I funded myself! I am just waiting on reimbursement, which is in works now. I've talked to my insurance company and they are keeping me updated in the whole process. They have assured me that I am covered and reimbursement is in the making. Just a matter of claims and paperwork from my providers. Walter and Kelley Lindstrom, makeup the army that fights the good fight for you, by way of expert letters, phone calls, and legal knowledge. These guys are lawyers, who have made their primary scope, that of advocating healthcare, for those who need it. Insurance companies, in many cases, will use a multitude of reasons for denying coverage! In my case, insurance xyz was denying my coverage, due to a clause in our policy, that allows only one lifetime bariatric surgery. Walter Lindstroms letters and provided facts, convinced that my revision was not only necessary, but also eligible for coverage. Regardless of clause in policy. Kelley Brown Lindstrom, does ALL the leg work, as far as medical records and release forms. I can't say enough about her help and willingness to listen and answer all questions! She is simply genuinely awesome! As for the cost, it amounted to about 10% of the cost of my surgery. A risk indeed, but nonetheless, worth it. I will be getting back, minus deductibles and out of pocket maximums, about 90% of my total surgery cost! Three months AFTER my self paid surgery! My revision surgery was worth my self funding, regardless of an approval or not. I am now only 15 pounds from my goal weight, in just 16 weeks out of surgery! But with the help of Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, the victory is just that much more sweeter!

Sounds Great, I have been struggling with the Lap Band three and a half years, I did lose about 70 lbs from my highest weight, 300 down to 235, my doctors got all upset because I want a revision. I am going to be 55 yrs old any advice or experience you can share with me?

Hello LLane RN, how are you? And how is preop diet going? I bet you are at the edge of your seat! I just wanted to give you my update. I too got my approoval today and I could not be happier!! I met surgeon first time 4/24 to have my lap band removed after 7 years od bondage (not all bad, but felt like it). I was disappointed to find that my surgeon would not do the revision simultaneously...but now I am glad she did not as I have had the chance to not go off how I was feeling with the labpband and do some very necessary research both on the site and generally. I did tell the office to go ahead an submit as I did not want a long wait and wanted to know my faith early on in the process. Request was submitted initially on 4/30 but they had the wrong CPT code and it was resubmitted immediately and we waited 1 week to come find out the new CPT code request was also cancelled same day. So they resubmitted again on 5/13 and they made me wait exactly 2 weeks to hear back today as yesterday was a public holiday that the request was approved. I met surgeon once, lap band removed on 5/3 and approval today. I am yet to meet the Nutritionist, Psych etc. I plan to still do all that but it feels good to know the approval is in and I can do all other appointments at my leisure. Thanks to your encouragement and this site for all the GOLDEN nuggets, it was invaluable. Good luck to you LLaneRN, I'll be praying that your surgery goes very well and your recovery is speedy!

Hi there! I was wondering if any of you had a successful appeal with BCBS for a revision? Specifically, approved for a sleeve to bypass revision? If so, how was the process and what what were your requirements? thank you!!

Hi @texasbutrphly ! How did things turn out for your regarding your revision? I am going through the revision process with Aetna myself for sleeve to rny.

I use dr. Touliatos at trinity. He's the one who put my lap band in. I really like him. By the way, I loved the band- it totally worked for me. But unfortunately the stupid thing broke down & eroded into my stomach! So I had to get it out. Now dr. Touliatos doesn't even do bands anymore! So he recommended the sleeve. I'm really worried BCBS is gonna reject it - even though its a "revision surgery" due to the band erosion.

I'm scheduled for revision on August 29 - a Monday...taking the week off and then will have Labor Day off as well. My husband will be there for surgery and 2 days in hospital and bring me home...but then has an event out of town on Thursday that he wants to go to over the weekend. I was single when I had the lapband done and managed just fine. I have friends I can call. I am fine with him leaving, but just wanted to get some reassurance for both him and me. He feels bad (sort of) and I want him to go. Just need some idea of the condition I'll be in that first week. Thanks

I had revision surgery on Wednesday and cooked for my family on Sunday. I didn't need any help at all. Actually would have preferred to be alone. Lol

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