I don't think my insurance is going to cover the Lap Band. :cry

The do cover VBG though. I guess it would be much better than GNY, but I really want a lap band! BOOHOO

I'm just starting to research VBG, what have you heard about it?

I believe that they make a "sleeve" out of your stomach by removing 80% of it and from what I've read, there is no re-routing of the intestines and no malabsorbtion. I also read that the mortality rate is .02% which is nearly comparable to the band. It would be my first choice if I lost my band. Let me know if you get it, how it goes for you. Good luck.

Oh my goodness I am sorry. I got this confused with another procedure. Sorry!

Im not sure what VBG is.

Sorry.

Wish I could help.

VBG is not really done anymore. I was told the same thing, it was my only option, I called around and there were no doctors in the Chicagoland area that still did this proceedure. From what I gathered, it is where they put a piece of mesh around the top portion of your stomach (like the band, sorta). There are still problems with erosion and it is not adjustable. My suggestion is to fight the insurance company with all you have, you just might get it approved. Inamed has a great packet that gives the stats about banding vs all the other weightloss surgeries, have them send you a copy of that packet and then submit it with the request for the band. If you are denied, appeal, appeal, appeal. Don't give up until you are out of options. If they pay for VBG and RNY then weightloss surgery is covered, I would fight for the one I wanted and not settle for what they are offering. I was told that the band wasn't covered by my company and never would be. I fought it and I have a band covered 100% by insurance. I am willing to help if I can, let me know if you have any questions. ~Mandy

Pierced:

I think you are confused the Old-School VBG (vertical banded gastro - a nonadjustable band procedure with no malabsorption ) with the newer VBG Sleeve (or Vertical Sleeve features malabsorption and surgical reduction of stomach.)

The sleeve used to be done as the first portion of the surgical process for superobese patients that could not survive traditional WLS. Then patients started losing with just this initial portion so its now performed as a standalone operation by some. It features the reduced stomach, gastric sleeve, and malabsorption that Sunta mentioned.

It's performed most often by LapSF.com - in the Northern Calif/Bay Area and their website has a ton of info on this WLS procedure.

Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

I didn't mention the sleeve, she asked about VBG and that is what I was referring to. I recommended fighting for the band as there are several upsides to the band over the VBG. The sleeve is still a current operation and I know of several people that have done very well with it. There are several insurances that say they will cover the VBG as they know it is not really done anymore and if you can't find a surgeon to do they won't have to pay for it. The sleeve is also considered experimental by most insurances just like the band. ~Mandy