I just found out I have a second slip in my band. I first got the band in 2008 and the pounds melted off! It was fantastic. Exactly one year later I had to have it replaced due to a slip and I was devistated. I had lost over 60 lbs and within two months of having all of the Fluid removed to heal for the second sugery I had already put over 20 lbs back on.

I was so disappointed in myself and frustrated. With the band replacement it was a slow weight loss process but in the past 18 months I have reached my goal weight and now a second slip. My docter now wants to remove the band and move over to the gastric bypass. He feels confident that due to all of the medical issues I have had with the band that my insurance company will cover the costs and moving forward this is the answer. No more acid reflux, no more vomitting and no more contant wondering "will this go through the band".

I have two quesitons for the group:

1. Do I go for a second opinion and risk alerting the insurance company that I am having concerns with my original doctors recent diagnosis which may cause them to deny the claim for the new sugery?

2. Do I go with the recomeendation for gastric bypass? I went with the band since it would be less invasive and more easliy controlled. Gastric bypass is a big change.

I don't think mentally I can go back to putting the pounds back on. I feel fantastic and love the way I look. I am struggling and stressed with this choice.

Has anyone had a simliar situation? Any advice is so appreciated. Thanks. K

I'm in your shoes...totally unfilled at the beginning of December and up almost 20 pounds from my lowest weight last March. Everytime I get a fill, I have to get some out at my next visit. I'm considering revision to the Sleeve (which brings me over here), but I'm totally torn. I threw up more than I admitted, had massive heartburn and worried over every meal whether I'd tolerate it... lots of potatoes and Soups (which helped lead to my gain even before the unfill). I go Tuesday for a new upper GI to see if my dilated pouch/esophogus has fixed itself... It's very stressful. If I wanted to get cut I would have went with the bypass originally...now even with the sleeve...ugh. So stressful. Sorry I'm no help, but I thought you'd like to know you are not alone!

Oh--I don't think you have to worry about the insurance thinking anything about getting a 2nd opinion...alot of them will give you a free initial evaluation anyway. You are just covering your bases. If you qualify for it, seeing a second dr. shouldn't disqualify the coverage. My 2 cents...

Take care!