Hi everyone. So I was banded 2 yrs ago....in the state of New York where I lived. I just recently moved to West Virgina (Summersville) and I am in GREAT need of removal of my band. NOT because its not working, because I am having sever problems with it. (Not being able to swallow, eats most foods, constant heart burn, throwing up blood at times) This has been going on for over 9 mons. I was very, very nieve and ignored all this simply because I thought it would go away! But I am at my breakign point.

So heres my issue, I am uninsured, again, I lost my insurance because I moved out of state. I am TRYING desperately to get insurance so I can go to a Doctor and for removal of my band.... But when I call insurance companies to try to get (any type of coverage) I am finding many of them decline me because I have the band already in as if I have a "pre-exisiting" condition.....does anybody know of any Insurance Company I can get so I can see a BASIC baratric Dr and get this band removed due to sever complications. ANY suggestions or advice would be soooooo HELPFUL!!! Thank you.

You should bite the bullet and just have all the Fluid removed by a doc. That should eliminate the severe problems you are having unless your band has slipped or eroded.

No insurance will cover you unless you work for a company that has insurance and you are brought in under their umbrella. In those cases, existing conditions are usually waived.

You're asking an insurance company to fork out $6,000-$8,000 and you only contribute a few hunded in premiums? That's just not going to happen. Till you find employment that has a bariatric inclusion, get the fluid removed.

tmf

To above comment, I am COMPLETELY Unfilled. I have no fill in me and still have such problems....."and biting the bullet"...I have been for much too long- Thanks anyhow.

To above comment, I am COMPLETELY Unfilled. I have no fill in me and still have such problems....."and biting the bullet"...I have been for much too long- Thanks anyhow.

Seek help from the state and county you live in. If you are vomiting blood, you have a very serious issue. Is there a "gold card" or medicaid program you can qualify for? If all else fails, act like you are dying and go to the ER. I know here they cannot turn you away. Please keep us posted dear.

To above comment, I am COMPLETELY Unfilled. I have no fill in me and still have such problems....."and biting the bullet"...I have been for much too long- Thanks anyhow.

Then it does sound like you may have some serious issues that need medical attention? Letting a slipped or eroded band go unchecked is very dangerous. Having it removed is secondary at this point? I would suggest the most pressing issue would be to have a doctor diagnose the problem. This shouldn't be left to a self-diagnosis. It's far too risky imo. The end result could be removal but there could be other health issues too.

I'm sure you've looked at all options and maybe you fall under the medicaid umbrella? Or, some states have programs to help people who are uninsured? Check with your legislator to see if you fall under any state programs?

tmf