My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, however, I had a band done overseas 4 1/2 years ago and have since lost 110 lbs.

Lately I have been having some problems with not being able to eat or even drink at times. Had my band checked (x-ray w/ barium) and it showed nothing passing and a dilated esophagus. The doc unfilled the band completely and recommends removal of the band and conversion to bypass but I do not really want to have major surgery (bypass).

I am wondering if the insurance would pay just for the removal (laparoscopic) if it is medically required or do I need to wait for serious health issue and go to ER ?

I would think your insurance would cover the removal since you are actually having problems with it. I am in the same boat, I want mine out and I don't want anymore weight loss surgery. I am waiting for my insurance to kick in and then I am having it out. I am sick of being in pain and being miserable. Even if my new insurance won't cover the removal, I will borrow the money or run up my credit cards. I don't care. I just want it out.

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ???

Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ???

Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal.

I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again.

The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing.

My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal.

I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight.

I will keep you updated.

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ???

Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal.

I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again.

The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular breakfast and lunch. Amazing.

My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal.

I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight.

I will keep you updated.

I have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k.

It is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements per week to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.

I'm waiting for approval from lap band to sleeve with all same issues as you but my bmi is 32, I also heard they won't cover unless it's 35! I'm praying they will approve

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ???

Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

In a similar boat. Had my band put in 4 years ago. Not distended esophagus and stomach. Have have removed, want to do conversion to sleeve and have to do the 3 month diet trial, crazy.

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My insurance paid for band removal and revision to sleeve - I had two surgeries.

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