Hi, I have been lurking & reading for a few days thought i would say hello. I am just now starting my journey into hopefully having a band to sleeve conversion. I have my appointment Fri afternoon. I am anxious, nervous & scared of being rejected by Dr & insurance. I never realized that the daily constant vomiting wasn't supposed to happen. The fact I couldn't eat until well after 2pm daily was just now that a fact of life. & many more stories that have already been shared. It's refreshing to know it wasn't necessarily me that failed with the Band, but the band that failed to hold up its end of the bargain. Long story short I have since Dec had bad ulcers, have had iron levels drop & now B12 levels drop & was so irritated trying to take iron supplements I couldn't keep water down & had to have my band drained completely. I've had 2 fills since then & am only 1/2 cc away from my pre empty spot I do not want to live like I was, that wasn't living.

So thank you to all who have shared their stories, you have given me the courage to talk with my Dr about a conversion. (Something he suggested about a month ago & I was too terrified to even consider it). I have already called our patient advocate & asked about what will be required, as long as the Dr will state a necessity it shouldn't be an issue! Fingers crossed I'm ready to evict this annoying room mate I've allowed to control my life since 2007! :-) thanks for taking the time to read

Kami wishing you luck with Ins...I wanted to tell you I love your Doggie. I have three of my own..

JewelJ

I am so sorry you have suffered for so long. God bless you. Good luck on your journey. I am 6 months out and no complications. My first blood draw I was low on Iron. I am using cast iron skillet when I cook and hopefully it will be better next time. I also just noticed that Product 19 Protein Cereal has a lot of iron added. I have been eating a serving for Breakfast. Maybe that will help also.

Wow. I've nver heard of a cast iron skillet giving you iron. I have 2 that I NEVER us (everything sticks to them) but I may give it a try... thanks for the info. How exactly does it give you iron? I need to know all the scientific facts for everything!

The band is gone!!! Had the removal Wed & feeling pretty groovy today. Now Ono the battle with the insurance company to approve the next step. They have already told me the next step would be denied because I get one lifetime treatment & removing the band they consider a bariatric treatment. Good thing my work is self insured then my patient advocate can take it to the board & fight for them to over ride the insurance carrier who does all our payments. One step at a time. I'm still a bit afraid to eat because its been the norm to not be able to eat until a certain time etc... I hope everyone is doing well

Dear PPQJ, Do You think it would help if the Doctor wrote a letter to the Ins company saying your needed the surgery... That's want my surgeon did , he wrote it for both surgeries.. so both would be approved before removing the band...Just a thought...Good Luck JewelJ