My Waiting Game Continues

May 13, 2010

I was scheduled 2 different times for the Lap Band, but something unforseen happened to run interference.  The most recent interference was when I went for my pre-op consultation with the doc.  He told me he really feels that the VSG is the best choice medically for me & wished I would reconsider my decision to have the Lap Band. In my case, I would have to have an upper-endoscopy every year to monitor the gastric polyps.  He told me that in light of that, I would have more maintenance issues down the road because every time I have the endoscopy, I would first have to have the band adjusted to permit the scope access to my stomach, then after, I would need the band re-adjusted. There are some other lifestyle issues that are pertinent and we discussed those items at length.  He told me he feels it is just a matter of time before the VSG is as readily accepted & approved as the RNY or the Band.  I sent an e-mail to my kids & close friends, and the feedback from them was in agreement with the doc...so I called him 2 days later and told him I had decided to hold out for the VSG after all.  Most of my testing is valid for 2 years, so I am hoping to see some real progress within the next year.  My morale has really been on a roller coaster ride because so far we have appealed 4 times and received 4 denials. Will see how much longer it takes.

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