I am so excited! I am approved for a Lap Band! Last year I found a new job mainly because the insurance covered WLS. I started the process last September and after appeals, my doctor's office called Thursday with the good news!
My insurance will only cover Lap Band,but  the surgeon says he will do an imbrication also.
We are possible looking at a May 10th date.
Woo Hoo!!! I have gained over 100 pounds since I had back surgery in 2001.
Any suggestions on what I shoulddo to prepare would be great!!

Amy

Congratulations !!! every doctor has there own way of having you prepare just make sure you follow the instructions your given. Good luck and keep us posted.

~Any suggestions on what I shoulddo to prepare would be great!!~

My suggestion would be to get anything BUT the CRAP-BAND! I have the band and I would not wi**** on my worst enemy! I might as well have paid $15,000 for a hair scrunchie to be implanted on my stomach!!!

Think twice, cut once!

 I agree with you crap band.... but i have better words for that POS thing

I also agree with Maria and Dawn. i had the band also and after 6 yrs of complications, i finally revised to RNY. yes some people lose weight with the band, i did too, but the suffering was not worth it. 

The lap band is the ONLY WLS my insurance will cover, so that is what I am going to do. My doctor is also going to do an imbrication of the stomach. He says it's something he does to help the weight loss. I would love to have gastric bypass, but I will take what I can get!

APPEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Most of us revisions did that.  Well, not me... I was self pay.  But most revisions have to appeal.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  That is most certainly NOT your only surgery type, YOU choose what you want and WE help you appeal and YOU get what you want.

No excuses here.

it's possible to appeal that & get a better surgery.

did you know that the manufacturer of the band states right on it's website that it is not meant to last a life time?

 it is not a lifetime product

doesn't that scare you?


 here is the link 

www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/lapband_dfu.pdf

 
LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Make sure they will pay to have it removed, too, and the fills that you'll be getting quite often.  It's strange that it's the only thing they cover....not to mention unfortunatel

Congrats on the revision! :-)

 
Yes, I have to agree with the others.  Don't waste your WLS on a band.  As a bariatric nurse, I'm telling you, please don't waste your WLS on a band.  Most ins co's are going to a 'once in a life time WLS' policy.  If this doesn't work, you are self pay for a revision.

If you know all FOUR of your WLS types, kewl beans.  If you know them inside and out and the band is best for you, stats and all, great.  But if you don't know all four WLS types and you are getting ANY WLS type, you are making a huge mistake.

The guy I work for declines patients who only want a band.  My instructions are to help them find a safe surgeon, he won't do bands anymore.  He knows full well he will get them back for a revision and he feels this is unethical.  I agree with him.

LEARN YOUR SURGERY TYPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Amy, run in the other direction--any direction!  I remember being you, so excited and full of dreams about how the lap band could help me.  Turned into my worst nightmare!  I did super the first year, I was a compliant bandster and I followed directions.  I lost 119 pounds and then one day I ate a piece of meat (like I had done a hundred times before) and I got stuck...like the kind of stuck where you can't even swallow your own spit!  I went to my surgeon the next morning and we unfilled the band and he checked for a slip.  I spent the next year getting fills and unfills because one time it was too much (by maybe .05 cc's) or too little (and I was starving, or at least it felt that way)...after that year we did an endoscopy and found my band had eroded and nearly breeched my stomach lining.  A surgery that should have taken 45 minutes took 3 hours and almost became an "open" procedure...worst pain of my life and I've given birth--twice!!  I gained all of the weight back and then some...just got revised to the sleeve on Wednesday.  I wanted the bypass or the sleeve but even after a year of "resting" my stomach was still "hammered" as my surgeon put it and right where the RNY pouch would be...I know people can give you opinions--and this is just my experience--but really think  about what you are doing and what you don't or do want to live with.  I use to drive with a cup in  my car, in case I had a PB...something you never want to learn about.  I had baggies in my purse and every time we went to a restaurant I scoped out the bathroom so I could get there in the event I swallowed too soon...it's not a life I would wish on anyone and I hope you don't ever go through that. 

Sorry, I am not negating your pain one bit, but I used to drive with a plastic bag in the car in case I had to PB! I PB'd on myself once in the car without a change of clothes, it was awful! I hated the band! To the OG Poster, BAND = BAD, SLEEVE =GOOD. :) That is my standard reply. Good Luck!

Oh Amy, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE save yourself a lot of pain and suffering and don't get the lapband. It's awful. Truly, I can't even begin to describe how bad it can get.

All you have to do it look at the Revisions forum here to see how horrible of a decision lapbanding is.

I have permanent, PAINFUL damage from that piece of crap band. It altered my life in ways that I can't even describe without writing a book.

It really doesn't sound as if you've done enough research, honestly. I know you're excited about it... but look at all the posts from people just dying to have their bands removed. It happens with alarming frequency. Believe me, we all go into it thinking, "It won't happen to ME." But it does.   Our bodies are all different, but the one thing that is common is that the band causes most peoples' bodies damage... and it turns damage into pain.

Just make sure the insurance company that will ONLY cover the band, doesn't have the lovely "One bariatric procedure per lifetime" exclusion/rule in their policy.

Statistically, we all want to beat the odds, sadly, the reoperation rates and revision rates for the band are climbing. I'd hate for you to end up with a surgery, and not have coverage for a truly medically necessary procedure in the future.

I first had a consult for weight loss surgery in 2004. I couldn't get my insurance or my husband's to cover it, that's when I discovered this website,
I moved and changed jobs last year  and one of the main reasons was this insurance (mine) covered a lap band. My husband moved here in November and just became eligible for his insurance(Regence BC/BC) and it is an exclusion, The ins. coordinator for my  doctor said they won't cover  it,  but they will try. (We still don't have an Ins. Card for his insurance yet)
My insurance is a small, private insurance owned by an Indian Tribe. I work for them in their medical clinic. I had to get a referral for the surgery from the medical director who is on the Health Advisory  Board for the insurance company. He said they were doing the Lap Band surgery for 4 years to see how it worked and stated they won't  cover Bypass surgery. 
My surgeon's office has been trying since September to get this approved. They have denied the Bypass.
The surgeon is going to do an imbiraction at the same time as the band.
I admit I haven't been reading posts here for awhile,but I don't want to wait any longer.I am 41 yesrs old.  My 39 year old brother just had a heart attack and our family history for heart problems and cancer isn't good.  I am sick of living this way and if it doesn't work, I guess I will have to deal with it later. I just want the chance to HAVE a later.

I get all of that. . .I promise I do. I can't express that enough in written text.

Let me just say this, My " Later or After"  almost wasn't there because I nearly died during my revision. So, it's just a concern that I think should be shared.

You don't have to just read posts here, there's lots of medical information about the complication rates of the band, and the truly scary things that can happen with it.

I didn't want bypass either and flat out refused for my revision. I told my surgeon "once you get in there, if you can't give me a sleeve, take out the band and I'll stay fat". That is how serious I was about not having bypass, so I get all of what you are saying. I'm not using scare tactics, or trying to tell you what to do.

Like I said, we all go in hoping to beat the odds, well unfortunately, more and more of us are barely making it out alive. And, some of us are not so lucky. I personally have permanent nerve damage, have chronic pain in my port incision area.

Just make sure the insurance covers complications, and do not excluse surgery in the future if it's needed. That is a very common problem that is plaguing so many band patients these days.

They NEED to have the band out, yet their insurance doesn't cover it, or have the exclusion.

This is long, but if you want some real factual information, here's some medical statistics for your review:

And here's one personal story of a very successful bandster who is now having to revise after just 4.5 years with her band. She wrote a book about being a successful band patient, talk about following every rule and it still screwing a patient. This is real life, hardcore truth. We share these things because we don't want anyone to suffer through what we have experienced.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4504450/Band-to-sleeve-revision-due-to-esophageal-dilation-amp/

This is directly from the band manufacturer:

http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_information/
Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function****urred in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing****urred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery. In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications.
Adverse events that were considered to be non-serious, and which occurred in less than 1% of the patients, included: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), hiatal hernia (some stomach above the diaphragm), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), abdominal pain, hernia, incisional hernia, infection, redundant skin, dehydration, diarrhea (frequent semi-solid bowel movements), abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence (gas), dyspepsia (upset stomach), eructation (belching), cardiospasm (an obstruction of passage of food through the bottom of the esophagus), hematemsis (vomiting of blood), asthenia (fatigue), fever, chest pain, incision pain, contact dermatitis (rash), abnormal healing, edema (swelling), paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, *****ly, or tingling), dysmenorrhea (difficult periods), hypochromic anemia (low oxygen carrying part of blood), band system leak, cholecystitis (gall stones), esophageal ulcer (sore), port displacement, port site pain, spleen injury, and wound infection. Be sure to ask your surgeon about these possible complications and any of these medical terms that you dont understand.
Back to Top What are the specific risks and possible complications?

Talk to your doctor about all of the following risks and complications:

• Ulceration
• Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue)
• Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation)
• Heartburn
• Gas bloat
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Weight regain
• Death

Laparoscopic surgery has its own set of possible problems. They include:

• Spleen or liver damage (sometimes requiring spleen removal)
• Damage to major blood vessels
• Lung problems
• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• Rupture of the wound
• Perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is not always possible. The surgeon may need to switch to an "open" method due to some of the reasons mentioned here. This happened in about 5% of the cases in the U.S. Clinical Study.
There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the LAP-BAND� System:

• The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them.
• The band can slip
• There can be stomach slippage
• The stomach pouch can enlarge
• The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked
• The band can erode into the stomach

Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by:

• Food
• Swelling
• Improper placement of the band
• The band being over-inflated
• Band or stomach slippage
• Stomach pouch twisting
• Stomach pouch enlargement

There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by:

• Improper placement of the band
• The band being tightened too much
• Stoma obstruction
• Binge eating
• Excessive vomiting

Patients with a weaker esophagus may be more likely to have this problem. A weaker esophagus is one that is not good at pushing food through to your stomach. Tell your surgeon if you have difficulty swallowing. Then your surgeon can evaluate this.
Weight loss with the LAP-BAND� System is typically slower and more gradual than with some other weight loss surgeries. Tightening the band too fast or too much to try to speed up weight loss should be avoided. The stomach pouch and/or esophagus can become enlarged as a result. You need to learn how to use your band as a tool that can help you reduce the amount you eat.
Infection is possible. Also, the band can erode into the stomach. This can happen right after surgery or years later, although this rarely happens.
Complications can cause reduced weight loss. They can also cause weight gain. Other complications can result that require more surgery to remove, reposition, or replace the band.
Some patients have more nausea and vomiting than others. You should see your physician at once if vomiting persists.
Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of:

• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Related complications

It is possible you may not lose much weight or any weight at all. You could also have complications related to obesity.
If any complications occur, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need to return to the hospital later. A number of less serious complications can also occur. These may have little effect on how long it takes you to recover from surgery.
If you have existing problems, such as diabetes, a large hiatal hernia (part of the stomach in the chest cavity), Barretts esophagus (severe, chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus), or emotional or psychological problems, you may have more complications. Your surgeon will consider how bad your symptoms are, and if you are a good candidate for the LAP-BAND� System surgery. You also have more risk of complications if you've had a surgery before in the same area. If the procedure is not done laparoscopically by an experienced surgeon, you may have more risk of complications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, should be used with caution.
Some people need folate and vitamin B12 supplements to maintain normal homocycteine levels. Elevated homocycteine levels can increase risks to your heart and the risk of spinal birth defects.
You can develop gallstones after a rapid weight loss. This can make it necessary to remove your gallbladder.
There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND� System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND� System may not be right for you.
Back to Top Removing the LAP-BAND� System

If the LAP-BAND� System has been placed laparoscopically, it may be possible to remove it the same way. This is an advantage of the LAP-BAND� System. However, an "open" procedure may be necessary to remove a band. In the U.S. Clinical Study, 60% of the bands that were removed were done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that after the band is removed, the stomach returns to essentially a normal state.
At this time, there are no known reasons to suggest that the band should be replaced or removed at some point unless a complication occurs or you do not lose weight. It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point. Removing the device requires a surgical procedure. That procedure will have all the related risks and possible complications that come with surgery. The risk of some complications, such as erosions and infection, increase with any added procedure.

Lap Band Failure

Are you looking for information on lap band surgery failure rates and long term success rates?

Lap Band surgery has only been in existence a relatively short time, approximately 10 years.  Initial results with lap band were very positive with respect to weight loss and morbidity.  Not many long term studies have been done.  Here are the results on one eight year study.  The study defines failure as losing less than 25% of excess weight.  Average age of the patients was 38 years and included 50 men and 270 women.

Complication	Percent affected
General Complications	33.1%
Erosion	9.5%
Slippage	6.3%
Port Problems	7.6%

Thirty three percent, fully one third of all patients developed complications such as erosion, slippage, catheter or port problems.  Twenty two percent of the patients required reoperation to fix failures of the lap band.

Now for the disheartening results, only about 60% of those banded that don't have major complications maintain an acceptable excess weight loss in the long run.  That means of those without complications only 4 in 10 are going to be successful.  Did your doctor tell you that?  Did you ask him?

In five years 40% of lap bands fail and only 43% have lost 50% of excess weight after seven years.  The study concludes that LGB (Laporoscopic Gastric Band) should no longer be the surgery of choice until they figure out a way to either screen out those that have complications or eliminate the complications.  The study indicates other longer lasting procedures should be used.

If you would like to read more about the study, here it is.

A reader writes regarding this study...

OK, as somebody who has been banded 6+ years, I have to say that at least 60% of the people I know who were Banded around the time I was Banded or soon after no longer have their Bands. I know that if I post something like this in the General forums... I get a lot of hands over eyes and mouth saying "no no no ... that can't be true..." because most newly Banded people do not want to hear this. I can't find any concrete statistics from Inamed/Allergan.. nor do I think they keep them (or want to keep them)... but I did find this study:

You can read all of it, or just the conclusion I've highlighted from this article
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16839478&ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
 

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Since its introduction about 10 years ago, and because of its encouraging early results regarding weight loss and morbidity, laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) has been considered by many as the treatment of choice for morbid obesity. Few long-term studies have been published. We present our results after up to 8 years (mean 74 months) of follow-up.

METHODS:

Prospective data of patients who had LGB have been collected since 1995, with exclusion of the first 30 patients (learning curve). Major late complications are defined as those requiring band removal (major reoperation), with or without conversion to another procedure. Failure is defined as an excess weight loss (EWL) of 50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used.

 

 I agree with USAwife, make sure they will cover you if you have complications (things like CT scans, x-rays, Upper GI series and fills under fluoroscope as well as just your regular fills that you will need to get and maintain weight loss). I got lucky and my insurance covered everything including my removal and revision, but I almost didn't get a chance to take advantage of it b/c my band almost killed me. 

Seriously you are better off having no surgery than the lap band. I lost a whopping 25 lbs with mine and I followed every rule to the t but the band is just NOT a good weight loss tool. I'm afraid all you will get is alot of disappointment.