No More Band Fills...ever

Paul, Does your insurance require a referral?  If not I would just call his office and ask to visit with him, but also have your records sent to him so if he can review your case first.

Here are a couple of links for you, Paul. Be sure you call the number given on the second link and talk to Danette. She is Dr. Buchwald's assistant. Explain to her your situation and go from there. She'll probably want to know how your insurance policy reads on revisions but you can cross that bridge when you get to it. Don't worry about the records and referral right now. Follow Patty's advice of getting that band unfilled to your esophogus can heal and call Danette today to talk this through with her and get a date to see Dr. B. He's in office on Wednesday's. http://www.umphysicians.umn.edu/min_about_us_objectname_bari atric_surgery.html http://www.surg.umn.edu/surgery/Divisions/General/Bariatric/ contact_bariatric.html

Paul, I am so sorry to hear about this it does not sound pleasant or healthy in the long run.  I too have Health Partners and at least the version I have does not require referrals.  I would contact the lovely people at Health Partners and tell them what is going on and get a feel for if and how much they would cover then I would use the info Amy posted and contact the U of M.  I do hope you are able to get a healthy resolution that will help you become the healthy person you are meant to be.  Way to be persistant though as someone else said many others would have simply given up.  Stay strong and fight for what is best for you!  ~Nicole

Paul, Geez, this sucks.......I think DS might be a good way to go. At least check into it. As Amy said, I wouldn't wait either for something to happen, that's scary. Let us know what you find out. And good luck, I'll say a prayer that everything will turn out for you. Kelly

That's really too bad.  I am investigating a band over my RNY and it's hard to predict any complication.  I am with the others, get unfilled pronto.   Like Amy suggested, Call Danette ASAP.  Not sure about HP and if your plan needs you to get a referal, but if you  had HP and they covered your band revision, the policy is only one WLS per lifetime so you'd have to appeal for surgery but plenty of people have.  They have their own pre surgery requirements like most insurance companies but nothing outrageous. It's easy enough to request your records, you just call up HCMC and ask for Medical records or Health Information or whatever they call it, they will want you to sign a release to have it sent to the U and that's it.  Dr Buchwald is the ONLY surgeon you should let touch you.  He'll want tests done for sure, an endoscopy and probably an upper GI to see what's going on in there. And my 2 cents, you really need to look long and hard at the DS vs the RNY.  I think, and plenty of other people think, the DS is really your best option, but it's your life and your body, don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want.  Just work out what happened first go round and see if that helps with your decision.  Good luck and keep us all updated!

Thanks, I've already had RNY AND Lapband.  If I am allowed to get the DS on top I will be in a highly unique class.  I've been in contact with Dr. Buchwald's office.  I'll let you know what happens.

Hi Paul, Sounds like you've already received a lot of good advise. Glad that you are getting on top of this.  Your health comes first. Let us know what happens next. Good Luck my friend!!

Sorry to hear about all of this! I don't know what to say except that I hope whatever is in store for you in the future will be more rewarding than what you have had to deal with so far!

I'm sorry you are having troubles Paul! I would definitely pursue Dr. Buchwald at the U of M and see if he can help you.  I was very close to having the DS and had it been possible (insurance wouldn't cover) it would have been my first WLS option.  Dr. Buchwald is very skilled at what he does and has a passion for helping people who struggle with weight issues - and is just a great person to talk to which is a bonus.  They require you to go to his informational seminar and then you meet with him after the seminar.  I see others who have Dr. B. have given you some good information so good luck with everything! (((hugs))) Michelle

I have not had this happen, so I can't really speak to it....but I can imagine  you are horribly frustrated.  I guess the most I can do is suggest options that may or may not work for you: --Try another clinic and see what their thoughts are -- Get counseling (if you do not already) for your head hunger -- Unfill the band and start from the basics. See if it gets you anywhere Good luck Paul! I really hope things work for you. Either way, you are losing weight -- getting healthier... so that's a plus.