Hi everyone. I was banded a year ago in Richmond, VA and have lost nothing (I lost an initial 50 pounds through diet and exercise pre-surgery). The lack of weight loss is totally my fault and I own it. However, I am now in a situation where I would like to have the band removed. I have left my job (teacher) and am returning to school full time to pursue a doctorate. I am looking at the possibility of being without health insurance. I am TERRIFIED that something is going to go wrong with the band and I am not going to have money to fix it. Does anyone know what options are for removal? Can I just go to the surgeon and say "I want it out"??? I am trying to make the best decision that is going to ensure my health and OVERALL well being. Thanks!!!:thumbup:

I would call your surgeon and talk to him/her about it. I understand your fears, but personally I would keep it and get back on track. Your health is more important.

Hello hollins I am also going to do the lap band surgery at VCU but im scheduled to see Dr Kellum. I wanted to know how long does it take to get the surgery date my first app is scheduled on August 20 2009. I also want my insurance to pay which is VaPremier and they are an HMO but they said that I have to go through a six month diet plan with my primary care doctor any advice you can give me.

Hi everyone. I was banded a year ago in Richmond, VA and have lost nothing (I lost an initial 50 pounds through diet and exercise pre-surgery). The lack of weight loss is totally my fault and I own it. However, I am now in a situation where I would like to have the band removed. I have left my job (teacher) and am returning to school full time to pursue a doctorate. I am looking at the possibility of being without health insurance. I am TERRIFIED that something is going to go wrong with the band and I am not going to have money to fix it. Does anyone know what options are for removal? Can I just go to the surgeon and say "I want it out"??? I am trying to make the best decision that is going to ensure my health and OVERALL well being. Thanks!!!

I understand your concerns regarding the Insurance...however I would think that if it was medically necessary to have the band removed your insurance regardless would cover the surgery. Your not having surgery to put it in (which is more unique for insurances to cover) I imagine your surgeons office has come across the same scenerio I would ask them.

It's your decision, although I say give it a try and hope for the best. The chance for complications is relatively low, despite occasional horror stories you hear.

However, I can't imagine your insurance right now paying to have it removed since there is technically nothing wrong with it.

Doesn't your doctorate program provide insurance? I'm also looking into going back to get mine and they pay for tuition, pay a stipend and give insurance. Even if they don't provide it, maybe it would be available? I would just hate to go without insurance in any case.

I really don't think your insurance that you have now would pay to have your band removed just because you want to - I think there would have to be a bunch of medical documentation.