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 have had acid reflux, port pain and so many problems from day one. I want this band removed, I hate it and at this point I am freaked out about it being in my body. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they covered the surgery, now I need to know about removal. 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? Does it need to be an "emergency" for insurance to cover it? HELP!

I believe insurance will cover it if it's medically necessary....such as infection, erosion, slippage or some other problem or complication. However, it will not cover it if it is being removed because its just not wanted anymore. Sounds like you might have a complication going on, and you should probably have a complete workup...at the very least a barium swallow. Hope all turns out well for you....Keep us posted..

Why not ask your insurance? Rather than asking on here since we wouldn't know what your policy is and what it covers.