Good Morning All,
I am new to this board. I have been lurking on the board for several weeks.
I had lapband surgery in 2008. Initially I lost around 80 lbs. I have since gained it all back. My current BMI is 41.2. I have struggled with eating with my band for the past few years. It's very difficult and sometimes impossible for me to eat any type of solid foods. I find myself reverting to "slider foods" in order to get anything down. I eat very few carbs and really don't have a sweet tooth. Even when I am on my best behavior and eating well, I find it impossible to lose more than 15 lbs.
After doing a great deal of research, I believe a revision to the DS is the path I need to take. I feel in order to be successful, I need a restrictive as well mal-absorbtive component. As many others have found, finding a qualified DS surgeon in my area (Denver, CO) is a challenge. I had an appointment with Dr. Long who claims to do the DS, however after a brief conversation with one of his office staff, it quickly became apparent that I would fall victim to the "bait and switch" tactics.
Subsequently, I met with Dr. Metz who is recognized as a qualified DS surgeon on the DSFacts website. Dr. Metz ordered an UGI to determine if there was anything going on with band that would be causing issues. He did not find evidence of a slip or erosion. I was disappointed when I was told that without some type of complication with my band they would not be able to convince insurance to approve a revision. His recommendation was to remove the liquid in my band to allow food to pass. I've already gained every single pound I lost back, I would be terrified to remove the restriction I do have.
Tomorrow I am flying to Utah for a consult with Dr. Simplier. I am hoping he and his staff will be willing to be a more aggressive with the insurance company. I feel like Dr. Metz's office didn't want to be bothered with the inconvenience. I have confirmed that my insurance does not include a clause for a "once in a lifetime" WLS. However, they will likely require some compelling evidence that it is necessary in order to approve. As for co-morbities, I do have sleep apnea and occasionally my blood pressure is high.
Has anyone had this experience in the past? If so, do you have any advice on building a compelling case based on the information I have provided above?
Thank you,
Tina
I am new to this board. I have been lurking on the board for several weeks.
I had lapband surgery in 2008. Initially I lost around 80 lbs. I have since gained it all back. My current BMI is 41.2. I have struggled with eating with my band for the past few years. It's very difficult and sometimes impossible for me to eat any type of solid foods. I find myself reverting to "slider foods" in order to get anything down. I eat very few carbs and really don't have a sweet tooth. Even when I am on my best behavior and eating well, I find it impossible to lose more than 15 lbs.
After doing a great deal of research, I believe a revision to the DS is the path I need to take. I feel in order to be successful, I need a restrictive as well mal-absorbtive component. As many others have found, finding a qualified DS surgeon in my area (Denver, CO) is a challenge. I had an appointment with Dr. Long who claims to do the DS, however after a brief conversation with one of his office staff, it quickly became apparent that I would fall victim to the "bait and switch" tactics.
Subsequently, I met with Dr. Metz who is recognized as a qualified DS surgeon on the DSFacts website. Dr. Metz ordered an UGI to determine if there was anything going on with band that would be causing issues. He did not find evidence of a slip or erosion. I was disappointed when I was told that without some type of complication with my band they would not be able to convince insurance to approve a revision. His recommendation was to remove the liquid in my band to allow food to pass. I've already gained every single pound I lost back, I would be terrified to remove the restriction I do have.
Tomorrow I am flying to Utah for a consult with Dr. Simplier. I am hoping he and his staff will be willing to be a more aggressive with the insurance company. I feel like Dr. Metz's office didn't want to be bothered with the inconvenience. I have confirmed that my insurance does not include a clause for a "once in a lifetime" WLS. However, they will likely require some compelling evidence that it is necessary in order to approve. As for co-morbities, I do have sleep apnea and occasionally my blood pressure is high.
Has anyone had this experience in the past? If so, do you have any advice on building a compelling case based on the information I have provided above?
Thank you,
Tina
And I didn't want to be wrong.
