Would you risk this?

JeanneC · 06-10-2008, 12:00 AM

I have a second slippage and have to have surgery soon. The only problem is that I can't decide what kind of surgery to have. My doctor told me I could either get the newer band (I can't remember what it's called) that is supposed to have fewer slip issues, an RNY or a sleeve. The sleeve would be his (and my) first choice, but my insurance doesn't cover it. He (and the insurance specialist in his office) seem to think that if they go ahead and do the sleeve and request coverage after the fact that it *should* be approved. I am in no position to pay the $20,000+ that this procedure would cost if insurance didn't pay. Do you think it's worth chancing it? Or would you have one of the other procedures done? If so, which one?

I've got to decide soon. I *need* to have my band out soon, but I just can't decide what I want to do and can't schedule anything until I do.

mandi78 · 06-10-2008, 12:21 AM

I don't know who your insurance is through but I would certainly not count on the fact that the dr said it "should" be covered. In my experience, insurance companies are going to do what they can to get out of paying for things. Despite this, dr's seem to be very naive in thinking that insurance will pay for certain things. I would say if you don't have the $20,000 and can't afford the payments to finance the surgery, don't risk it.

Sarah.R · 06-10-2008, 12:42 AM

Wow I've never heard of a second band slippage, I guess it just depends on how much you've actually lost with this band before it slipped? If you didnt loose any was that because it slipped almost straight away? Personally I would be more in favour of the band just because its less invasive but you have to weigh which suits you more and which you can afford. If you think the sleeve will help you overall maybe ask if they do some kind of insurance payments with your particular hospital/surgeon? Either way good luck!

drew05 · 06-10-2008, 04:11 AM

My personal opinion is go for another band. If it slips again (which I'll bet dollars to dimes it won't) it can always be replaced. If your sleeve stretches, the only option you have is an RNY, which I think most of us are avoiding

But it comes down to your call. Only you can make it. From a medical student, I like the band. Least invasive and safest option.

Applex100 · 06-10-2008, 07:29 AM

I've had three slippages,and two different bands. I guess the band is not suitable for everyone. I really miss my band, and would love another one because my weight is going up again. I had reached my ideal weight, and was very happy with my band when it slipped, but am afraid to get another one in case the same thing happens again.

Jodieleigh · 06-10-2008, 08:25 AM

Any idea what caused the slippages each time? Also, what does it feel like when it has slipped?

Applex100 · 06-10-2008, 09:31 AM

Having a slippage is the most horrible feeling,you will not be able to eat and probably will be only able to drink a few sips if at all. You may vomit up old blood. I did the first two times and at night time you will have to sleep sitting up as you could aspirate your vomit into your lungs. The pain is unbelievable. My third slippage happened after eating chicken that seemed to stick in me and after vomiting up the old blood I aspirated the band myself because it was the middle of the night and my surgeon lives in another country. I knew that this was the correct thing to do, after contacting my surgeon he said he would operate the next day. So after flying to Europe, he operated that evening. I had a big anterior slippage of the stomach with symptoms of incaration through the gastric band. there was also an obstruction of a loop of the small intestion by the tubing of the gastric band.
Please don't let my experiences put anyone off getting a band. It did work for me in relation to losing weight but I had to have a lot of surgery and spent a lot of money to get to my ideal weight, and now that I have no band I am afraid that I will go back to my orginal weight ( weight is slowly creeping on again). I would get banded again tomorrow if I had any guantee that it would 100% not slip on me.

Froggi · 06-10-2008, 12:00 PM

what do you mean you aspirrited the band? o.o

socalgal3 · 06-10-2008, 12:26 PM

Personally, I couldn't financially afford to take that risk. I would stick with the band.
As far as how a slip feels, it varies on the severity of the slip. Obviously Applex had a bad one, but some people have minor symptoms like heartburn or suddenly eating more or less than before. Sometimes an unfill and doing liquids for a few days-weeks can resolve the slip. Mine was fairly bad and I was unable to keep solids down at all. Liquids hurt and I had back pain. I never vomited blood. It turned out fine in my case as I had my band repositioned and haven't had problems since. Best of luck with your decision JeanneC and let us know the result!

Applex100 · 06-10-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggi1985

what do you mean you aspirrited the band? o.o

I meant that I took all the fluid out of my band by putting a needle into my port and withdrawing all the fluidwith a syringe. I only did this because it was an extreme emergency and there is no surgical back up were I live, only general surgeons who would have taken me to theatre and performed open surgery.

teacherofk · 06-10-2008, 01:43 PM

Ok I have a question. My surgery is on the 17th an thankfully my insurance is covering it. My question is if I have a slippage or other problems is my insurance BCBS going to cover those types of things. Does anybody know? Thanks and good luck to everybody.