2 complications in 2 years

Feb 21, 2011

Sorry for the extreme gap in time line, allow me to summarize. I was feeling pretty restricted and having a lot of vomiting in Aug-Oct 2010. I was afraid I might have an obstruction again, like I had experienced in Oct 2009. After being sent for the upper GI, I was told I had a dilation of the esophagus above the band. 1.5 ccs were removed from my band in mid October. I returned to the Dr in early January 2011. Another xray confirmed the dilation had gone down, but during this time I had gained 15 pounds. Dr Nease put 1 cc back in the band which I believe brings my current fill level to 5.5 or 6 ccs. I have been exercising religiously and not eating after 7 or 8 pm. I have since lost almost 10 pounds of the regain. I am currently at 185 which is exactly 100 pounds below surgery weight and 123 below my highest recorded weight. At the January appointment it was discussed that if the dilation returns (there will be an xray in April to check) the band will have to be removed and some other WLS would replace it. At first this sounded like the worst possible thing in the world. But I have since been reading posts and info on VSG aka "the sleeve" and it sounds like a really good option. I don't want to have another surgery, but if I do I have decided I want the sleeve. My biggest concern is if insurance will be a problem. Blue Cross covered the first surgery at 80%. It can be medically proven that the band needs to be removed, but what about the second surgery. I am no longer morbidly obese and have no medical problems, would I have to regain weight to qualify or is it considered necessary when removing the band?

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