Man I've been reading too much of this forum! I asked a co-worker if he would take the band out for me if I supplied the letter opener lol. I've always had trouble with throwing up, sliming, generally miserable and I'm ready for the sleeve.

I've started the process but now that I've decided to do it the red tape is so maddening!!! I see a nutritionist Thursday...why, no idea!!!....then see the surgeon on the 24th...and then they'll start with insurance. And most likely I'll have to have an EGD but they won't schedule it yet. Looking at surgery at mid to late may if all goes well. I'm literally having nightmares of all the damage this thing has done or is doing between now and surgery. I know things can get serious after around the 2 year mark and I'm at 3. Wish me luck, I am so stressed out!

I hope that all goes well and that you are able to get that band out, with minimal to no damage, asap.

KUP

Good luck to you, I hope you can get that band out soon... before you have to resort to the letter opener! LOL

Seriously, hope it all works out & soon for you too!

My band was placed in Nov 2008 and I got it out yesterday. I haven't talked to the surgeon yet, but my husband said he told him that there wasn't much damage/scar tissue which was a huge concern for me as well. I saw the nutritionist last week as my first appointment of the whole process ... again. They said even though it's like a revision, the insurance company still has the same requirements... At least it's only a 90 day process. This time I do have to have the sleep study even though I didn't have to last time for the band (the pulmonologist ruled me out during my clearance...). And I have to see the psych again to be cleared. I'm not happy with the additional expenses, but at least my surgery (if approved) should be covered at 100%. Good luck to you (and me!!!)!

I had the band in 2007, and my revision was done 3/22 -- all in one surgery. I understand where you're coming from! I experienced getting stuck on an almost daily basis, and could never find the "sweet spot" on the band. My surgeon said that there was a "massive" amount of scar tissue, but he (along with another surgeon) were able to get it all. I am feeling great and haven't had a problem with getting stuck since! Best thing I've ever done!!

I am so ready to get the band off. I was banded Sept. of 2007. I lost about 60 pounds. I have regained about 15. I have always struggled with throwing up. Sometimes more than others. I have hidden how much trouble I have had from my friends and family. I will be relieved of this band on May 7th in Mexico. I can't wait. I have been so afraid that I would have an emergency and it would not be covered by insurance because I went to Mexico. I was terrified that I would end up owing a bunch of money to the hospital. So I can't wait! I hope all goes well.

I am going through the insurance hoops as well. My band doc sent info to my insurance for revision, but now insurance wants proof that I have been compliant with the nutrition and exercise guidelines. I have a feeling that six months of visits may be in future.

Good luck to all of you on your journey!