HELP! Have LapBand need Gastric Sleeve

[Tim C 335]

I am a 62 year old male. I had lap band surgery about 12 years ago. I lost some weight but would find myself drowning in my own Saliva every night with a very minimal restriction in the band. I still have the band but had the saline taken out. I started at 6 ft tall and 320 and got down to about 250. My weight has crept back up to 300. I have sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. I would like to lose around 100 pounds. The Sleeve looks like the best option for me.I have tried every diet and failed. I read on Blue Cross Blue Shield this morning that the surgery was covered for people 18-60 years old. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Surely if my GP and Bariatric doctors think I need this it would be covered. Does anyone out there have any experience with this or have a similar situation they might be able to share. Thanks

[Mari GS 0]

I am following and considering surgery in Mexico. My insurance does not cover band removal or new surgery.

[JRT Mom 919]

If you can stand it three more years, Medicare will cover it. I had a similar situation like yours...when they did my revision they found the band had slipped and caused a large hiatal hernia. I went with a bypass rather than a sleeve since I had a history of GERD before getting my lap band. The Medicare and my supplement paid for everything but the psych consult and the dietician visits.

You might find an obesity advocate law firm to challenge the age restriction on your policy. It sounds illegal!

Good luck--I hope you can find a solution to your dilemma!

[INEEDABUDDY 46]

Hey Tim,

First I wanted to say hang in there. Please dont read anymore insurance stuff.Its just going to get your blood pressure up.

I too have the band put in April 2009.I had lost 55 pounds before and nothing afterwards. I did gain a Hiatal hernia and gastric paresis. after 2 tries I had the band let and lived with pain for years. Finally I had removal in 2016. The doctor offered another procedure and I said. Good thing I did my hernia was huge and I needed time to heal properly before anything else. So 4 years later I am now a whopping 336 as of this morning. I was approved Wednesday. But Monday the insurance kept asking for lots of info. I was told it there usual and that I had a procedure before the guarantee was there. I hope you do not have t appeal but your doctors know how to get it done So dont worry.

[Tim C 335]

Talked to insurance this morning and they will pay! The Bariatric DR is calling back today or Tuesday to set up appointment. I am not going to be fat forever!!

[INEEDABUDDY 46]

see.........are you doing anything to prepare yourself?

[Determined in Florida 3]

I am a 62 year old male. I had lap band surgery about 12 years ago. I lost some weight but would find myself drowning in my own Saliva every night with a very minimal restriction in the band. I still have the band but had the saline taken out. I started at 6 ft tall and 320 and got down to about 250. My weight has crept back up to 300. I have sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. I would like to lose around 100 pounds. The Sleeve looks like the best option for me.I have tried every diet and failed. I read on Blue Cross Blue Shield this morning that the surgery was covered for people 18-60 years old. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Surely if my GP and Bariatric doctors think I need this it would be covered. Does anyone out there have any experience with this or have a similar situation they might be able to share. Thanks

Hi, I'm 50 yrs old. Had the lapband 2014, removed april 2020 due to extreme slippage. I lost was 500lbs hw current 310lbs.

I'm starting the process next month to have the sleeve. I have about 160lbs to lose.

I was so sick from Jan to Apr, vomiting. Not able to eat or drink. By the time I got my lapband removed i was severally dehydrated and septic. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days.
I feel getting the sleeve is my best option

[Tribecca26 4]

Hey Guys, I am in a similar boat. Had a lap band put in Dec 2014, started at 300lbs and was able to get down to 240, I have started to gain back a little because the band just isn't working for me anymore, not to mention the torture it has put me through over the last few years. I still want to lose weight and with my medical conditions, they make it difficult for me to do so on my own. So now I'm considering reverting my band to the sleeve. I've been doing a ton of research, which includes popping back onto this site to speak to people who are going through the same. While the sleeve has a great overall effect on weight loss, it is still a scary notion to be cutting out most of your stomach! I can't put my finger on what exactly worries me the most, but the healing process post-op and quality of life after...I know losing weight will be a much healthier better quality of life, but will I be able to ever enjoy food again? I've suffered from severe depression for years and am being treated and seeing someone which has put me into a better state of my mind but doesn't change the fact that I still love food and flavor. I know this must sound crazy because being healthy is the most important thing... I would love to speak to some people who have had the band to sleeve adjustment if possible or anyone who has the sleeve and what their experience has been since surgery. Thank you in advance for all of your advice and wisdom!

[Sandra Nuelken 419]

I'm a former bander too. It caused all kinds of problems and then the weight gain. I had my sleeve done about a year ago and love it. I knew how to eat and what to do it was like riding a bike. I'm really happy now! Good luck on your journey!