Lap Band Removal / Revised to RNY

Apr 17, 2022

Wow, it has been almost 20 years since getting the adjustable gastric lap band.  It was a good run up until about 2016 and then I could not keep anything down, not even water.  All restriction was removed in July of 2016 and I wanted it removed.  Unfortunately since there was evidince of band erosion on the upper GIs (I had 5 between 2016 and 2019), the insurance would not pay. I decided to look into having another weight loss surgery as a means of having the band removed (and covered by insurance). I started the process in 2021 hoping that I'd have the band removed in one procedure and then a revised weight loss surgery a few months later.  When I went for the endoscopy in Jan of 2022, horrific erosion was found. I had to be on 3 antibiotics for close to 3 months and my surgury date is now set for 05/09/2022.  The band removal and a RNY will be done at the same time.

I am nervous and ready for the band to be removed. My surgeon's name is Kevin McGill and he's covered by my insurance.  The good news is that his wife is partners with my first surgeon, Scott Steinberg, so I feel like I'm in good hands.

More to follow...

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