Hi All!

I've had my band for 5 years now from today actually and it hasn't helped me at all. Like many, I lot weight, got sick and then gained it all back plus some. I'm making insurance calls and researching the sleeve. I've heard it's wonderful especially for candidates like me.

Please give me any insight on what it's like to have revision and travel the "sleeve" journey. What's food intake like, sugar intake, similarities from the band or the differences, positives and negatives.

I would love to pick as many brains as I can. I feel like I need to change what I'm doing now due to low success but scared that bc lapband was the wrong decision that I will make another wrong decision. Help!

- Kara

Thank you Kat and to the rest of you all.

Just got a call today from insurance that my employer does my cover the revision surgery even if they covered the lapband surgery. I had a different insurance back then. So if I continue to struggle with the band especially when I get it filled again, they may have to take it out but will not revise. I don't understand and I'm so angry bc so many employers and insurances do cover it.

Has anyone dealt with this? Any advice on what to do next?

Basically if they take the band out my insurance considers you a new patient for VSG so you go through all the hoops to get approved for the sleeve as a separate surgery. Mine did get approved all in one though. Maybe call the precert department at the insurance and ask specifically about two different surgeries maybe a little while apart. They may treat you like a new patient but they prob don't want to tell you even if they would. Also what others said. Call you docs insurance specialist and see if they can work some magic. Hope that helps.

This does help A LOT. Thanks everyone. I just have to believe that if I really want it, then I can make it happen. I'm just wondering how much fight I have left.

Appeal. File an appeal with your insurance company. I know a few people who got approved after the 2nd or 3rd appeal. You can do this!

Appeal. File an appeal with your insurance company. I know a few people who got approved after the 2nd or 3rd appeal. You can do this!

That's what someone told me to do who has worked in the insurance world for 20 years. I'm going to do it!

I'm a case manager for a large hospital. People file appeals all the time. Go for it!

I'm a case manager for a large hospital. People file appeals all the time. Go for it!

That's all I needed to hear! Thank u