Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forum

Jean M.’s Posts

Jean M.
on 4/10/12 5:14 am

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Thanks for your kind words. It must've been so frustrating and scary to gain weight with your band, only to learn that it was infected. I'm glad things are going well for you now. I'm happy to report that BC/BS approved my band removal and VSG revision surgery and I'm moving closer to getting a date for it.

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

Jean M.
on 3/1/12 8:30 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Yes, the sleeve is my preference.

Jean M.
on 2/27/12 9:16 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

That's encouraging news. Do you know if the classification change is throughout all BCBS programs, not just yours?

Jean M.
on 2/25/12 9:13 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Audrey,

I'm so glad you liked Bandwagon!

I know how you feel having no restriction now. After my complete unfill on Feb. 20th, my physical hunger came back big time.

Good luck with your revision to the bypass.

Jean

Jean M.
on 2/24/12 10:39 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Tamara,

My surgeon's insurance coordinator is checking into that. [It's virtually impossible for a subscriber to get to talk to a human being at Anthem BC/BS.]

I thought about a bigger band, but I don't think my surgeon will go for that, not because she's anti-band but because it would be asking for more trouble now considering the way my body has reacted to my 4 cc band....I may be more vulnerable to esophageal issues now.

I'm thinking that Anthem will probably cover the band removal, and if they won't cover the sleeve, I might be able to afford to pay for the sleeve part as long as it's all done in one surgery (so I'm only paying for the surgeon's fee and not the anesthesia, etc.). Worse comes to worse, and Anthem will only pay for a bypass, I suppose I'd go with that if my surgeon can make the intestional bypass part as minimal as possible.

Thanks,
Jean

Jean M.
on 2/23/12 6:41 am

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Most people came to WLS because they were unsuccessful maintaining weight loss with diet alone.

I would never want to battle weight with a full size stomach ever again and I feel badly for those who find themselves in such a situation.

It's funny that you said that, Lindsey, because just 3 minutes ago I finished trying to explain to a friend who's never struggled with weight why I just cannot consider removing my band and winging it alone for the rest of my life. So for me, the only sensible choice is to revise.

Jean M.
on 2/22/12 2:40 am

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Cheryl,

Actually, I don't consider my band a failure.

My symptoms started with a night cough, then occasional night reflux, then occasional regurgitation of food I'd eaten hours before.

Jean

Jean M.
on 2/21/12 11:21 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Cheryl, I'm thinking of revising to the sleeve. Of course it will have to be something my insurance company approves of.

Jean M.
on 2/21/12 8:03 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

Thanks, pal! It's so puzzling and frustrating to have this come out of blue. God must have come up with a brand new list of lessons for me to learn!

Jean M.
on 2/20/12 10:38 pm

Topic: RE: Revision from band to ?? due to achalasia?

After 4-1/2 years of Lap-Band success, and not a single band-related problem in the past year, I have developed severe esophageal dilation and achalasia (literally out of the blue). My surgeon is convinced that my 4cc band is too tight, and that it will still be too tight now that it's unfilled to treat these problems. She says that the scar tissue from my band makes me a poor candidate for either types of surgery to correct achalasia and strongly recommends removing my band. I'm OK with that provided I can revise to another WLS procedure, preferably the sleeve. We have a fairly good chance of convincing my insurance company to pay for it because I'm a well-documented medical mess.

Has anyone else had a revision after esophageal dilation and achalasia? Were you able to have the revision done at the same time as your band was removed? How well (and quickly) did your dilation and achalasia resolve?

Thanks!
Jean

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Jean M.’s Posts

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Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forum

Jean M.’s Posts