Hi all, I'm new here and just looking for every and anything I can absorb with regards to this surgery. I'm super anxious as I saw one of the PA's in my surgeon's office today to discuss removal of my 9 year old lap band and a possible revision. I see my surgeon on Monday but I'm scared to death that even after seeing him he may tell me I'm not a candidate. My BMI is 34 and for the first time in my life today I was told I needed to gain weight for the insurance to cover the revision. I've had my band since September of 2004 and I absuloute hate it. The most I lost was 50lbs or so. Long story short I'm now 212 and steadily gaining again. My band made me feel like a forced bulimic and there was constant reflux. We fiddled with for awhile this year and still there is no sweet spot. That being said, I'm just wondering about insurance coverage? If anyone was able to have this done with low BMI and no comorbidities, or any other thing that helped with insurance covering this. I know every insurance plan is different but just looking for some input. My band is now at 2cc (I have a 4cc band) and I have an endoscopy scheduled for 5/16. I absolutely wish this surgery was available in 2004. I'm also curious as to what you can and can't eat once you are past the post op period, etc., or if anyone had any major complications? Thanks in advance. Kelly

I had a severe slip, and my bmi is 27. I was a successful bandster by their standards... But my band and I don't get along well. Like you I had horrible reflux and vomiting even with very little fill. But insurance approved my band coming out and sleeve straight away. I was shocked that they were willing to pay for it! After your egd you may be very surprised at how easy it will be to get rid of! Best of luck let us know how it goes!

My revision was deemed medically necessary due to band intolerance. Thry used my pre band weight ftom five years earlier. My weight at the time of sleeve approval wasn't even a factor.

Hi, Im' in the same boat as you now. I had emergency surgery to have my band removed in Nov due to slippage and now I want the sleeve but my BMI is 32.. My dr said he will still try to submit to ins but he told me not to get my hopes hope. I know this is 2 years old but how did you make out??

if i helps I have empire bcbs