I think it depends on the group you are working with, but I know the group in Portland, Casco Bay Surgery has a med DR on board that just specializes in that. Dr Ahmann (I think I spelled that correctly) is his name. Great group, that's where I had my work done and have been very happy with them..Good Luck.

Hi Jewlz,

We followed each other back in 2008!

You are the consumer here, they are the providers, their product failed you. You have the right to a revision if you want it.

Good luck, stay strong, advocate for YOU!

Kate

Thank you, Simon, for your response. I haven't been on OH for a while, and apologize for not seeing your message sooner.

Back in 2008, lap band was still the popular choice. My main reason for choosing it was because it was the least invasive. Fast forward to today, I wish I had done further research on some of the specific complications. I've learned the big issue I have is esophageal spasms. It happens if I'm stressed, very hungry, getting enough water to drink, and first thing in the morning can't drink cold water. It really sucks. I thought for the longest time that I was not chewing enough or eating to fast. But, after several months of instances where I've been really hungry, I would sip some water before eating - thinking it would help lubricate things. The water would seem to get stuck. How water not even go through? The band isn't too tight - I actually had to have a little removed after my 3rd fill, so only have about 6.25 cc's in a 10 cc band for the last 7-8 years.

Continued frustration lead me to look this problem up to figure out what was going on, and it brought me to a bariatric journal article from Sweden (I think) written in 2006. Two years before mine was put in! It described the low long-term success and growing numbers of complications. It concluded that the lap band was a not a good choice for long-term weight loss in morbidly obese patients.

I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was astounded - how could all these surgeons still be endorsing and performing this surgery? They had to have seen this article, and other's like them? Right?

Guess not.

So, now I have a referral in for the revision and will probably have a consult some time in August or Sept. Not a 100% I want the RNY yet, but definitely want this band O U T! I'm so beyond done with it.

Thank you again for your encouragement and support :)

Hi I was wondering how long the process was for you? I am going in may for the patient orientation class and I'm nervous and excited. Thank you ?

Hi

I'll be starting the Bariatric program on August 4,2016 and i'm wondering how long doess it take to go through the program and how long does it take for Mainecare to approve it?I have a BMI of 43.1 and i have severe sleep apnea and high blood pressure.I've been on the Bi-pap machine for 6 yrs now and hoping that having the RNY gastric bypass will cure it.Has anyone had any troubles with Mainecare approving the requests?

Thankyou