Hello all! I want to get my lapband removed because of acid reflux issues. I had LB done in 2001. I saw a surgeon who listened to my complaints and agreed that I should have it removed & recommended getting a gastric bypass to help me lose weight. (I had hoped to get the revision done at the same time but he will only do two separate surgeries three months apart.)

I have two concerns. He never did any tests to confirm problems with band and didn't even do a short physical exam when I met him for a consultation. (I thought he would want to feel where my port was and look at the scars from the past surgery).

He told me that he'd have his insurance specialist work with my insurance. I didn't think my insurance would cover the removal but they have.

The surgery scheduler called me yesterday and surprised me by saying that my insurance approved the procedure and did I want to schedule it in four days! I was shocked. I figured I would need to do the liver shrinking diet for at least a week.

Am I being overly concerned? Is the lapband removal such a simple procedure that no prep is needed? The doctor has good reviews and was nice when I saw him.

Thank you in advance for any insight/opinions anyone can give me.

Holly

Never hurts to have a second opinion.

8 minutes ago, hollywrites2u said:

Hello all! I want to get my lapband removed because of acid reflux issues. I had LB done in 2001. I saw a surgeon who listened to my complaints and agreed that I should have it removed & recommended getting a gastric bypass to help me lose weight. (I had hoped to get the revision done at the same time but he will only do two separate surgeries three months apart.)

I have two concerns. He never did any tests to confirm problems with band and didn't even do a short physical exam when I met him for a consultation. (I thought he would want to feel where my port was and look at the scars from the past surgery).

He told me that he'd have his insurance specialist work with my insurance. I didn't think my insurance would cover the removal but they have.

The surgery scheduler called me yesterday and surprised me by saying that my insurance approved the procedure and did I want to schedule it in four days! I was shocked. I figured I would need to do the liver shrinking diet for at least a week.

Am I being overly concerned? Is the lapband removal such a simple procedure that no prep is needed? The doctor has good reviews and was nice when I saw him.

Thank you in advance for any insight/opinions anyone can give me.

Holly

I guess it depends on your BMI. I had to do the liver shrink diet for two weeks prior to my band removal. I know that my surgeon did an EGD and an UGI with 15 degree head tilt. It was to prove that I had reflux/esophagus issues related to the band, and it would support my case for revision to RNY.

So I'm wondering what the process would be to get your revision covered if the surgeon didn't do the tests to prove you were having issues. Maybe it's something to ask the surgical coordinator. It may not be necessary for every insurance company.

Hi, thanks for the feedback! I'll contact the office and ask for the insurance specialist. I have had a hard time reaching a live person. I leave a message and don't always get a call back.

My BMI is about 37. I weigh 235 & am 5'6. Overall, I am happy that I got the band. My original weight was 315 lbs when I got the surgery in 2002.

I guess it depends on your BMI. I had to do the liver shrink diet for two weeks prior to my band removal. I know that my surgeon did an EGD and an UGI with 15 degree head tilt. It was to prove that I had reflux/esophagus issues related to the band, and it would support my case for revision to RNY.
So I'm wondering what the process would be to get your revision covered if the surgeon didn't do the tests to prove you were having issues. Maybe it's something to ask the surgical coordinator. It may not be necessary for every insurance company.

Did you get the removal and the revision at the same time?

56 minutes ago, hollywrites2u said:

Did you get the removal and the revision at the same time?

No, I got the band removed in April 2021, I expect my revision to be June 2022. My surgeon wanted my esophagus to heal some before revising. I wasn't in a rush to revise because removing my band helped eliminate the GERD. But I'm still on a PPI, so I'd like to revise so I can come off of the PPI. Also to lose more weight that I didn't lose with the band.

I know many people who have had surgery without a pre-op diet, especially if they are at a lower BMI. You can get a second opinion, but I wouldn't worry on account of no pre-op diet. Not all surgeons do it.

That's good to know! Thank you. I got it scheduled for June 6. I think I was really put off by "do you want to have surgery in four days?"! Lol

I had my band removed and revision to bypass in the same surgery. I did have to do the whole program, get cardiac clearance, etc. and did the liquid diet for two weeks to shrink my liver. One night in the hospital and then home with pain meds. I don’t get why your doctors won’t do both at once but I guess everyone is different including doctors.

I had my band removed and revision to bypass in the same surgery. I did have to do the whole program, get cardiac clearance, etc. and did the liquid diet for two weeks to shrink my liver. One night in the hospital and then home with pain meds. I don’t get why your doctors won’t do both at once but I guess everyone is different including doctors.

It looks like I need to have my gall bladder removed. I found out that my gallbladder is full of stones. I've made an appt. with the doctor to make sure that he can remove my gallbladder with the lapband. I'm going to find another surgeon if he won't.

@hollywrites2u ---- I wish you the best of luck! Take it slow, have the right doctor.