I have had the lapband for 2 years, I have lost 20 pounds and found out a year after surgery that I have hypothyroidism...why this wasn't found in pre-op testing is beyond me. Anyway, the last few months I have been experiencing excruciating pressure and gas pains, the pressure is so bad that my stomach becomes extremely distended that I can't button my jeans. When I get like this I can't do anything, I just lay down and cry, it's that bad. I weigh 180 pounds and when I get distended it looks like I am 30 pounds heavier--or pregnant, it's horrible. I want this badnd removed, I hate it and at this point I am freaked out about it being in my body. Can I just tell my surgeon I want it removed and will insurance cover it? I can't afford to pay for this on my own and I need this band OUT! What can I do so insurance covers removal? Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Has your hypothyroidism been treated? Do you get regular blood tests? I don't think it has anything to do with your symptoms, though. Have you discussed these symptoms with your surgeon? Have you had any recent tests like an upper GI or endoscopy that might show what is going on? How many fills have you had and how many cc's are in your band? Whether your insurance will pay for removal will probably be dependent on documented problems that can't be resolved. You need to visit your surgeon and document all these episodes and any other problems you are having. Then have your surgeon submit it to your insurance company. This may take awhile. Good luck. Sorry the band hasn't worked out for you.