I am currently a bander. I was banded on October 29, 2012. I have had the lap band for two years and have had problems ever since. I am constantly vomiting and having to be filled and unfilled on a biweekly basis. Over the past four months I have discussed with my surgeon about having the lapband revised to the gastric sleeve. We have tried to work with the lapband but continued to have no success with eating food daily. I have received my forms for preop screening and preop diet. Today November 5, 2014 my surgeon has submitted documentation to BCBS of Maryland for preauthorization. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be approved for the revision to the gastric sleeve. i'm wondering if all the documentation submitted about my complications with the band and my meetings with the dietitian will qualify me to have my lap band revised in the gastric sleeve? How long did it take everyone to be approved by your insurance company? What if any documentation was required from your surgeons to qualify you for a revision?

My revision was approved really quickly (2 days). The main documentation they wanted was that my insurance originally covered the band and that I didn't pay out of pocket. It was then approved instantly!

Bcbs received my documentation on November 6, 2014. I'm keeping my finger crossed

My insurance company approved after 10 days. I would think that with 2.5 years of the band not working and the issues you have had, there would be no problem getting approved.

Good luck!

Well today and I knees back from my surgeons office letting me know that my insurance company approved of my revision. I am so excited. 12 more days to go until surgery

Great news! I am loving my sleeve. So much more "comfortable" than the band ever was. Congratulations!

I got my band removed & replaced with the sleeve 8 days ago!

I get my band out on the 25th, but they won't do the sleeve until the end of December so all the swelling can go down.

That sucks to have to have 2 surgeries! They should be able to do it all at once!

Well today and I knees back from my surgeons office letting me know that my insurance company approved of my revision. I am so excited. 12 more days to go until surgery

Marriott congrats. You will be so much happier with the sleeve. I am doing fantastic.