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I had the Sleeve done in 2013 I lost 90 pounds now almost gained it all back. I’m going back to my surgeon to see if I have any options. I feel as if my stomach stretched out. I’m also suffering from GERD. I have Aetna PPO II plan does anyone know the process they put you through for a revision approval?

My surgeon said to wait 9 months to a year. But, I accidentally jumped the gun and he now says I'll be fine. Had VSG in July 2011 and am now 10 weeks pregnant. My OB is not concerned at all. I reached my goal weight of 141 pounds (started at 183ish) and am now considered in "maintenance." This is my 3rd pregnancy---I was a chubba chubba for the first two pregnancies. I'm was having issues with nausea and zero appetite about four weeks ago due to morning sickness but my OB prescribed Zofran (anti-nausea med) and that has helped immensely. The weird thing is that when I take the medicine and get my appetite back, I seem to have less restriction than before I was pregnant. It's strange. And kinda scary because I don't want to gain too much. I now weigh 143. FWIW, a good friend of mine had gastric bypass several years ago and got pregnant with TWINS within six months of surgery. She LOST about 30 pounds while pregnant. Yes, LOST weight. Her twins were born totally healthy, normal sizes, were not in the NICU, no problems whatsoever, and after giving birth she lost ANOTHER 40 pounds before even leaving the hospital or something crazy. Long story short----she was at her goal weight within hours of delivering her twin girls. They are now 5 years old and typical sassy fun 5 year old girls. So I'm not worried, they are monitoring my nutrient levels and they've been perfect (so far).

I think your concern is legitimate. I have never read of anyone who had their band removed and was able to keep their weight off. Even unfills seem to provoke weight gain, as I have experienced. Have you considered a revision surgery? There are many on this forum that have revised from the band to a sleeve or bypass, with excellent results and no issues.

Mynmann- I went to my TriCare office and they said lapband is now covered. I was given a copy of the TriCare Policy Manual, which describes the patient as: 1. "The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints." 2. "The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category." 3. "The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown). "In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan Life Table, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of the weight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbid obesity surgery, including the ideal weight within the newly determined range." I'm going to check the TriCare office once again to make sure that they understood that it was Lap-Band that I was referring to, but I clearly told her it was Lap-Band that I was interested in, and she told me that as of December, 2007, it was covered. If I find out differently, I'll try to get back on this via your e-mail address. One expense that you might not be aware of is that of a dietician/nutritionist. My doctor requires a patient to meet with one before even seeing him. Additionally, you will see one periodically during your weight loss period. Mine will see me on the same day that I see the doctor, who is located an hour away from me in Santa Barbara. My dietician charges $60 for the first visit (it was an hour) and $45 for subsequent visits. TriCare won't pay for those visits because we have a dietician at Vandenburg AFB (central coast Calif). She is willing to work with me, of course at no charge, but she has to get the protocol from the doctor in Santa Barbara because she hasn't handled the bariatric patients before. I'm hopeful that the Santa Barbara dietician and doctor will o.k. that, but if not, the number of visits won't be so many that I can't pay out of pocket.

I'm really struggling! I'll be 2 years post op in July (too much math). I lost 95 lbs. since surgery and 130 lbs. all time. Since the beginning of this year I've had a lot of issues and have gained 18 lbs. It seemed like it happened overnight. I'm the kind of person who needs serious structure. What BASIC diet/meal plan can I follow going forward? I had RNY Gastric Bypass, and am a pescatarian, but I can substitute seafood for anything. ANY help would be very much appreciated. Take care and stay safe, all. 💜

Just a thought to share about saying goodbye to the drinks and foods we have come to love...those preferences or in some cases addictions are the reasons we have the band surgery. food is not your friend...saying goodbye with a finality is a positive step to take for success with your weight loss journey. As is often quoted on this forum, the band is only a tool; you must do the work to experience success with using the band in the way it has been designed to work. We need to change our relationship with food, and revise thoughts to approach a better and healthier way of life and diet. A healthier regard for food as something we need to fuel our bodies to live, instead of looking at food as solace for anxious and/or angry thoughts. Best wishes for success as you move forward on your journey!

Hello All:nervous ! My name is Hope I live in Charlotte NC. I am new to this talk community. I am currently beginning my journey to weight loss. I have been overweight all of my life. My BMI is 52. I am a Nurse (RN) I know how to lose weight and belive it or not I have help and encourged others to lose weight but it seems that this nurse cannot heal herself.:phanvan I am basically shopping for a surgeon that performs the lap band and getting as much information as I can about bariatic surgeries. I am afraid to have the surgery and I am also afraid not have the surgery. I have been bless so far with just boarderline diabeties and hypertension. I have quite a bit of foot, ankle and knee pain. So Motrin and I are good friends. I go to my PCP in January to see where I stand. The gastric bypass scares me and I am leaning toward the Lap Band. If anyone has any advice, offer support, words of wisdom, critisiums please let me know. I wound be happy to hear from you

Welcome to TRICARE, your Military Health Plan Tri-care has change its policy New TRICARE Policy Adds Weight-Loss Options (Article 2) A recent change in TRICARE policy now provides coverage for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band® surgery), opening new avenues of treatment for those fighting morbid obesity. This policy change is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2007. If you’ve had Lap-Band surgery since Feb. 1, 2007, and qualify under the new policy guidelines outlined below, you may submit a claim for reimbursement or, if you submitted a claim and it was denied, you may appeal the denial. Lap-Band surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help you shed excess body weight. The Lap-Band shrinks your stomach and restricts how much food you can eat at one time. You are eligible for Lap-Band surgery if you meet any one of the following conditions: You are 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and have one of these associated medical conditions: Diabetes mellitus Hypertension Cholecystitis Narcolepsy Pickwickian syndrome (or other severe respiratory disease) Hypothalamic disorder Severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints You are 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category. You have had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, require a second surgery (a takedown). For more information about Lap-Band surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure. Gastric Bypass TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions: Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown)

hi everyone! This site is so helpful! I want to thank everyone for talking here. It really helps me to research the band and all related questions. My name is Kathy and I live in NC, just outside of Charlotte. I am considering banding in Mexico (insurance doesn't pay for bands, only gastric bypass, which I don't want to do). So off I will go, hopefully in March 2005, to see Dr. Kuri. I have 2 young children, ages 5 and (almost) 2. My husband is supportive but very nervous about 1) me be-bopping off to TJ for major surgery and 2)incurring a bit of temporary debt until I can go back to work and pay this off. But he feels like this is a good solution for my struggle with weight loss. As he says, "just quit eating so much" but he knows it's more than that. I have been exercising faithfully for a full year and have lost and kept off 20 lbs, but I haven't lost anything since October. My goal is another 80-95 lbs. I currently weigh 220, but would like to see 145-160. BMI is 36.6 and I am 5'5". My percentage of body fat, according to the gym machine, is 43.6%. Yuck! I will be 40 this year (May 2005) which is what made me look into all this. I am weary of struggling and depriving myself and I don't want my 40's to be a decade of discouragement. Seems too much to hope for, but maybe with the band I can succeed. Here are some things I have learned by lurking... lurking-reading everything but not writing or contributing in any other way PBing-yuck but I have a perfect understanding of that DH-could be "Darling Husband" but probably means "D*&%" Husband avatar-whatever, I can't figure out how to do that but I think I have a smiley face, no pic tickers-no clue but I'll keep clicking NSV-what? it's something good though. patient facilitators-to trust or not to trust? Oh, there is so much to learn! Again, thank you everyone for all of your posts. They are really helpful and I hope to be able to contribute when the time comes. And...all you who have posted before and after pics...thank you-you have given me hope!

Yes, my esophagus is dilated. I have one final appointment with my surgeon on December 3rd before the actual surgery on December 7th. He would like me to do the gastric bypass instead of the sleeve due to my dilated esophagus and my minor case of gerd. My heart was set on the sleeve but I might have to go with the bypass. I will know for sure which surgery after my appointment on the 3rd.

Glad ur okay and hope ur better now and back to normal. HW 289 CW 230 bypass 11/22/16

I am sorry to hear that. I too have Anthem BC insurance. My Dr. referred me for the gastric bypass surgery. You may need to have a referral. I would go that way first and see what happens. I got my approval to see a surgeon 3 days after the Dr submitted the referral. Hope this helps. Good luck!

I go to a support group where almost everyone is bypass. They have a lot more problems, healthwise and maintaining their weightloss. Now there are only 4 of us that are banded but you would recogize us by our happy faces. It's a personal decision but I don't agree with the facts your friend wrote at all.

wow, i am kinda surprised. my dr at the beginning wanted me to do the bypass (as my insurance does not cover the sleeve). i steadfast said no. to me, once they cut my stomach, there is no going back to what it was before. so i stood my ground. he advised me that this is merely a tool and not a save all. i chose to get the band as i am the most comfortable. my surgeon offered me the plication (at no charge) and it is a def good thing to me. its the sleeve w/o surgery. they just fold my stomach into itself and make it smaller. this decision is yours. if you dont want it, dont get it. the customer is always right and you are the customer. if you are uncomfortable with this guy, dont use him. you need to feel trust/confidence in the person who is performing major surgery on you. all the best on whatever you decide.

I personally feel that I have been wildly successful with the sleeve, as well as could be expected for a virgin sleever. I lost 100# in about 6.5 months. It has been slow going since then, but I am not really complaining - i think I will finish my first year having lost 120-125# out of my goal to lose 150#. I feel very successful because even at the weight i am now, I am quite happy and my life has been transformed beyond my wildest dreams! One of the things I recognized during my decade of "band failure" is that I needed more support, more information, more strategies for success. I guess I really understood this time that WLS is "just a tool". I knew it before, but I REALLY KNOW it now. I have the personality fault of having a hard time accepting "help" and nutritionalists had always been completely useless to me in the past, but I knew that I had to try again, and be open to it. So, what I did was find a surgical practice that believed so strongly in the sleeve, has a whole support structure set up, emphasized education and had mandatory follow up. I too roll my eyes at the NUTs who know less then I do, but at this practice I had a NUT to work with that was absolutely brilliant. Everytime I met with her, she made some small suggestion, or something to try that worked. She was also very supportive and had a great way of keeping me focused on the main things to stay successful. That whole practice has this structured, but easy to understand approach to supplements, food recommendations etc. The whole thing made a difference, but the NUT was my real hero post surgery. Because of her, I still eat most meals using appetizer utinsils, a little tea plate and my bowl only holds 4 oz filled to the rim. I can assure you, I would not have continued doing that after the early weeks had it not been her counsel. It is so easy for someone like me (a lifetime of bottomless pit stomach) to drift back to larger portions as it is my history, it is my nature. Side note: surgeon told my hubby that my stomach was very large compared to average patient. Portion control is my single biggest issue - my stomach has always been a bottomless pit. I never really got that "satisfied" feeling - hungry or stuffed were my two feelings. I am not a true binge eater, I don't finish off a half gallon of ice cream at a sitting or eat multiple meals or anything you like that you hear people talk about - more like I would eat like a "growing boy" when I am really a middle age lady...lol... have seconds and then be ready for dessert in an hour or two type of person. So, the band really didn't reduce my hunger, and I didn't have someone who would ask me the hard questions and give me the tough love. This time, I had that. My view, this procedure is about 1000 times better then the band. My view is also that I would not have been as successful without that monthly in person coaching from someone who really knew her stuff. So, everyone is different, and not everyone needs this - there are many paths to success. I guess there are many paths to NO success too. Anybody who thinks their weight loss and maintenance is guaranteed with the sleeve is fooling themselves. I would say the same about the RNY as I have known of people with complete regains after that procedure too. This whole deal still takes work, focus, committment and frankly some sacrifices. This probably doesn't help you any....lol. I am a huge sleeve advocate because so far my personal experience has been wonderful and so much easier to live with then the band. I think you are very very very smart to be questioning, doubting and probing for answers before you committ to the revision. Each successive WLS increases your risk of complications. It was a big lie that the band is "completely reversible" - it leaves damage and scarring that incrases odds of leaks and excess bleeding during your revision. It is my understanding those risks are even higher with the revision to the RNY - but these are all questions to ask your surgeon to be sure you really understand the risks and benefits of all procedures.

I am pretty new to this site. I have had a Lap band for almost 5 years now. I've put back almost all of the weight I lost with it the first year. I've been really considering getting revised to a sleeve, but I've read and read and read about all the possible complications. These stories terrify me. I'm 40 years old and have 4 kids. I have to be here for them. I cannot spend months of my life in a hospital or laying in bed struggling to recover from complications from surgery. I'm basically healthy. I don't want to trade good health for losing some weight. One of the things that worries me is the lack of long-term info available on life after being sleeved. Are there any sleevers that are more than 5, maybe even 10 years out from their surgery? I'm just so scared of the possible things that can and do go wrong that I don't know that I'm going to be able to go through with it. My insurance will cover it, so that is a good thing. I've already attended my surgeon's seminar. Does anyone have any advice for me?

I had a gastric bypass on April 8th. Total weight loss since starting the process.... 120lbs. That's fantastic, even if I do say so myself! Lol. But I'm going bald. I'm losing so much hair! I'm taking the bariatric multivits twice a day, bariatric calcium wafers twice a day, B12 two a day & biotin. I bought $40 Nioxin shampoo & conditioner to help with thinning hair. Protein intake is great, usually 80 + a day. Have any of you found anything to help?

Hi Banded 12 years ago UK and got to BMI <25. Had band removed as it failed mechanically. Regained weight. Waiting for a date for sleeve revision.

Hello everyone, well Monday March the 10th I got my approval from Tricare standard. My husband got his military retirement for putting in 20yrs with the Ky. National Guardsmen. Now my Dr. and Hospital are in Tricare network so that`s when you get Tricare Extra, which helps because I still will have to pay something but not as much. They told me approx 2400. If you can get a letter from your primary care Dr. before setting up a appointment with a surgeon then you will be one step ahead when you walk through that door. I had the Tricare Regional Office North, and they really help me along. This is what it saids Gastric Bypass (Surgery for morbid obesity) – Limited Benefit – Gastric bypass, gastric stapling, gastroplasty, and vertical banded gastroplasty may be covered when one of the following conditions are met (view Hospitalization Costs): The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has an associated medical condition, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints. The patient is 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure, regardless of associated medical conditions. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is covered, effective February 1, 2007. The following are not covered:Biliopancreatic bypass (jejunoileal bypass, Scopinaro procedure) (CPT codes 43645, 43845, 43847 or 43633). Gastric bubble or balloon Gastric wrapping/open gastric banding (CPT code 43843) Unlisted CPT codes 43659 (laparoscopy procedure, stomach); 43999 (open procedure, stomach); and 49329 (laparoscopy procedure, abdomen, peritoneum and omentum). So I`m sure you will qualify with one of these. Try these sites also. https://www.hnfs.net/provider/home/ https://www.hnfs.net/bene/home/ Good Luck and let me know how you do....

HOPE THIS INFO HELPS FOR TRICARE INS! Go to the TRICARE website at www.tricare.osd.mil/ standardprovider to locate a provider in your area (South Region) TRICARE covers most inpatient and outpatient care that is medically necessary and considered proven. However, there are special rules or limits on certain types of care, while other types of care are not covered at all. This section provides details about services that TRICARE covers, limits and excludes. This is a guide to your TRICARE coverage - it isn't all-inclusive. Some services or treatments require prior authorization. Your coverage and out-of-pocket costs are dependent on your eligibility as a TRICARE beneficiary and may vary according to the program option you're using. Contact your regional contractor or TRICARE Area Office for more information. Gastric Bypass TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions: Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown) TRICARE does not cover: Nonsurgical treatment of obesity, morbid obesity, dietary control or weight reduction Biliopancreatic bypass, gastric bubble or balloon for the treatment of morbid obesity Last Modified: March 24, 2008

I had been banded in 2009 as well. Had it out Jan.2017. Then had the bypass May 22, 2017. At this time I really feel no different. I am very glad I did the bypass. I have had no dumping and feel great. Weight is very slow coming off but I'm in for the long haul. SO glad the band is out! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

So strange that you weren’t put out! I’ve had two endoscopies since gastric bypass and was put out the whole time. I can’t imagine being awake or even under twilight.

I selected the lapband because: 1) My husband had gastric bypass in August and has lost 95 lbs, BUT it took him a long time to recover - probably a good six weeks. There were times he was sooo sick. The idea of actually having your parts cut and rerouted just werent for me. 2) The cost of the gastric bypass for my hubby was around $35,000 which was covered by insurance. The cost of my lapband is around $14,000 which is NOT covered by insurance. 3) I do not have 6 - 8 weeks that I can miss for work. 1 - 2 weeks is about all I can take off due to workload. BTW, your BMI is not all that high which would be another reason I would select the lapband. Hope this helps!

Anita, Sorry to hear that things have been put on hold as far as your sleeve but, I'm glad your doctor is on top of it and let you know about the issues with your stomach. Sounds like you're in a good frame of mind and that's the best thing to keep you motivated and healthy. Good luck with your future revision. You don't say when the band came out but, I do hope you're feeling better now :cheers2:

I have been reading other people's blogs and am happy for every single one of you who have posted pictures of you rafting, hiking or cycling yourselves to a new you. I'm also incredibly jealous because that will never be me. The spirit is more than willing, but the body just isn't able. For sure I'm going to be able to do more things than I have been able in years but my success will be more moderate: I will be able to walk to the store two days in a row. I will be able to walk two days in a row. :biggrin: What I find frustrating is the people at the clinic don't seem to get it. I appear to be a misfit among the misfits of society. I keep being assured that my life will change so much, which I don't doubt, but I wonder if they have any clue of what my life is like? Will the band magically let me hold a pencil long enough to write a letter? Will I be able to play my violin or harp again? The psych lady I met yesterday was all impressed how I seemed to know my body much better than the average person and that learning the rules of the band would be a breeze for me. The truth is that for years, one small lapse in thought and I've popped something in my mouth that will lead to hours of gut wrenching pain or my eyes swelling shut. Push myself too hard and I'm bedridden for days. She seemed really nice and wanting to help while we chatted for our 35 minute hour, but she specialises in anorexia, bulemia and overeating... I wonder if she knows much about people who've grown old before their time. Then again, it was the first session... I'm hoping that a few more sessions will get us all on the same page. I'm really looking forward to working with the chiropractor they have on staff. Ontario's major failing in health care is that if it can't find something specifically wrong, it won't fix it or expend the energy to see what can be done for you. When one of the foremost rhumatologists in Toronto tells you "wow, your life must suck, but there's nothing I can do about it" you tend to lose heart. I've not been able to afford private physiotherapy, massage therapy or the chiropractic care I probably could use, so I've gone without. I didn't want to risk getting addicted to a therapy I couldn't do long term. How dumb is that? So apparently for the next year or so I'm being offered unlimited access to this guy. After me, they may want to revise that policy. Usually I'm not so much of a whiner... I promise I'll be more upbeat next time. In the meantime, keep posting the canoeing pictures. Even though I can't do it myself, that doesn't mean I don't like seeing others have fun.:sad: