Unfortunately, I'm self pay, so I need to find the least expensive facility. I've received a few quotes in the $6,000+ range, but would really like to find something closer to $5,000.

I'm willing to go to another state, if needed, if someone can recommend a surgeon who is less expensive.

I've had the band for almost 8 years and just want it removed. Since I don't have any complications associated with it, my insurance won't pay for the removal.

Thank you.

Jane

just out of curiosity, why do you want it removed if you havent had any problems ??

I was wondering the same thing. If it is not causing you any issues, why not just leave it in and save yourself the money?

Well, I really meant I don't have major complications like erosion, slippage, or some of the other problems you hear about, which would be covered by insurance. I just have annoying smaller problems. I don't want to deal with the PB issues any longer, even though I eat slowly and take small bites. I have a problem where every time I eat, I develop a cough afterwards for about 1/2 hour, and this coughing then results in my losing most of my meal.

I've also had some enamel loss on the back of my teeth due to the slight acid that I have.

I really should have never had one to begin with, but you know how we always hope that something will be the "answer". My real problem is not portion control, but actually not eating enough. I eat so little that my metabolism is extremely sluggish. I have no hunger until about 2 to 3pm in the day, and since it's so close to dinner, I just wait until dinner.

And since it's not working for me, I don't want to have something in my body that could cause problems in the future, so I just want it out.

My husband will be retiring within the next few years, and he has a supplemental benefit that pays for medical expenses not covered by or in excess of our regular medical insurance. So I can use that to help cover some of the costs, but I have to pay out of pocket first and then get reimbursed. Even with this benefit, however, it still won't fully cover it.

Jane,

I have your same problem. Little things that make it so difficult to see the good side of the band. I don't eat much and don't feel hungry most of the time, so I eat once a day "dinner" when my husband comes home. A cup of coffee is usually my breakfast+lunch daily.

I have asthma, and when I need to use my enhailer I usually have to bend over or hunch my shoulders just so I can take a deep breath. I want to start running but when I tried I felt so uncomfortable, due to whatever that was in my band prior to the run "whether it was food or Water, it jumps as I run" and it feels like its going up my throat! I can only swim or walk or use the eleptical, but I want to run! Its so much better and faster than walking.

I can't sleep on my right side anymore after the surgery. I can only sleep on my left. And when I over eat at dinner, bedtime just turns into a nightmare.

I was alone once and tried to do situps but had major complications with the band. As soon as I got up from the floor, my band felt like it was twirled around in my insides and it was extremely painful, had to hold my stomach in a desperate attempt to shift it or something, I was about to call 911 for help but couldn't bare the impact of that on my husband so I waited and waited and suddenly the pain disappeard. I fell on my bed with exhaustion and relief, I thought I was in real danger that time. And I have never had a panic attack such as that ever in my life. It was horrible but it passed thank God.

After that day I started to seriously think about having it removed, I am so done in dealing with all these little issues that come up, the band doesn't even work anymore. Right now I'm looking into seeing a surgeon at a military hospital and I really hope I have a chance in a free removal. If not, I will have to pay out of pocket. *sigh*

I would like my band removed as well. I can honestly say it didn't work for me. I lost the weight but it came right back on. I was constantly stretching my pouch because I never got that full feeling. I had a total unfill a few years ago. I still have trouble where something will stick. Very Frustrating! I have seriously thought about looking into having it removed. Any advice?