QuestionDoctor Pilcher,
I had Lap Band surgery three years ago. Within a year my band slipped, my doctor/surgeon removed the solution in the band and waited a while and I went back to start getting fills again until I started to get ACID REFLUX. It got to the point where it was interfering with everything I did on a daily bases so I went back and my doctor removed the solution for a second time. Just so you know I had paid for it as my insurance would not cover it and every time I had to go the other side of the state to get an x-ray to see that it slipped $700. each time.... Moving on with the rest of the story.... After the second slip I started going back to the clinic for fills and the ACID REFLUX returned with a VENGEANCE. I could not eat anything and everything I did try to eat came back up, I waited about a week to see if it would change, it got so bad I had to go back again for another x-ray at this time the doctor told me that it had slipped again. He removed the fluid again and said that he wanted to start again but slower. I have not gone back since (that was last year) I can't continue to keep going through this. I want it out of my body, since I have gained almost all the weight back he fills removing it is not the best thing. I REFUSE!!! I want to it removed - I called the hospital where I had the surgery, they told me it would cost me another $8,000 to have it removed. I have already spent $14,000. for the surgery, the adjustments, traveling across the state and for x-rays at the cost of $700 a pop.
I am wondering if you can advise me what it would cost if I went to your clinic to have it removed. I know I would have to make an appointment to see you and an x-ray appointment before you can advise me whether you can do it or not. I have two weeks off right now and am wondering if it would be possible to have this band removal done before the 24th of August and due to the fact that I have gained almost all the weight back and having issues with the port being pulled over by the band slipping further down my stomach - would it be possible to have my insurance pay for it as it is causing me pain??? If you are unable to perform this surgery can you advise as to someone who can?
Please advise,
Thank you,
Sue L.
AnswerSue,
Given what you have described, I agree it is time to give up on the Band in your case. For your complete information, it would also be reasonable from a medical standpoint to revise the Band to treat the slip - I am projecting this would not be the number one choice for you at this time because you are fed up with the Band and there would be a decent chance it could slip again even after surgical repair/repositioning.
At the time of Band removal, you may wish to consider revision to a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass to help you lose weight and become healthier.
I am not able to answer your question about whether insurance would cover Band removal - that is really a question for the insurance specialist in the surgeon's office with whom you are working. It is a possibility to be explored.
Generally speaking, it is best to complete one's care with the surgeon who started your care. If the original surgeon is really not suitable for you, I recommend you seek out a surgeon who has been designated as a Center of Excellence in your area. You can find surgeons on the web at the national review website:
https://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx
I prefer not to use this site and this service to recruit patients, so at this point I wish you the best of luck!
Dr JP
