So...the endoscopy. The band has completely eroded into my stomach and must be removed. Despite how that sounds, it's not posing any significant health risks at the moment and since I'm asymptomatic, there's not rush to have it removed. That being the case, we're going to wait until the new year so that the new insurance can kick in.
I'm not particularly surprised by the results. I applaud my new lapband doc for testing for this scenario despite no symptoms outside of the rapid weight gain after having been so successful. Emotionally, I'm a bit of a wreck. I can't seem to get over this feeling of failure or hopelessness in regards to my weight loss journey. I'm trying to just push past it and not think of that too much.
What I found particularly interesting is that the endoscopy doc (endoscopist? lol) says they can remove the band via endoscopy. I had never heard of this and just assumed that it would be removed the same way it was put in. I have a follow up appointment with the lapband doc December 11th to discuss further and find out what my removal options are. I'm also going to inquire as to revision options. I had such a hard time getting the lapband originally approved through insurance that I don't have much hope that a revision would be approved. I suppose I could start looking into it. My husband is considering a revision to a gastric sleeve. His band is fine but he's been unsuccessful with it to date. SIGH. We all had such high hopes when we were banded. It's disheartening to see so many of us back at square one.
After my follow up, I may be back in research mode and looking for blogs of others in my same scenario. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the holidays with my family. I got all my Christmas lights up over the weekend and I've got them all set to music which is pretty cool. It was also my youngest daughter's birthday over the weekend. It's so hard to believe my baby is 7! Some pics...
8 comments:
I haven't been blogging about my band removal and revision mainly because of time and little because I need some time to process but I would be happy to chat with you about it if you like. We are in similar situations in that we were both banded along with our spouses. (My hubs was revised as well. ) My email and # are still the same if you want to reach out.
Wow, What a bummer. Looking forward to reading about your research with a revision.
Crazy... I wouldn't have imagined it could be removed via endoscopy. My assumption is that they would then leave the port?
I was revised 2.5 months ago. Although insurance pulled some BS on me and I didn't get the revision I wanted, I am so freaking happy to be unbanded!
Ok, I must say that having it removed via endoscopy sounds freaking wonderful! You don't have to get cut open and have all of that recovery time! Of course, all of the feelings that go along with removal are not so good - but I think we all know that eventually, (who knows when?!) all of our bands will go bye bye. Thinking of you!
Still here, still reading. Still caring about how you are doing. Please keep us posted.
Oh, Manda
Please stop feeling like a failure right now. I can't think of a single scenario where YOU could have caused a band erosion and I'm a surgeon so trust me. I'm 9 days post op from a revision to sleeve and I feel great. I felt like a failure too so I understand. I was terrified to have more surgery but I reached out to fellow revised bloggers and they were so helpful. I'm happy to help. I'm at bariatricfoodforlife@Gmail.com and bariatricfoodforlife.com Your surgeon will be able to get the removal surgery covered as a complication and then document your initial need for WLS and your continued need for the benefits of a revision surgery. Enjoy your holiday. Tracey
Hi, Manda! I'm so sorry to hear that you have to have your band removed, but I'm so glad to know you're being so proactive with your doctor and about your health! I hope that they will find a way to get insurance to cover the revision for you.
Loved the photos -- looks like a very happy b-day girl!
I agree with Tracey, please don't blame yourself. Seriously, what could you have done to cause the erosion? Add in, that most insurances are covering revision surgeries and you have the medical necessity portion due to the erosion. Have faith, this happened for a reason and you will get back on your weight loss journey.
If you'd like to chat or read my own story... I recently had my band removed and revised to the sleeve on 11/4/2014. Unlike you, I didn't have any issues with my band other than... I didn't lose but 35 lbs a most with it. My insurance covered the revision with me having no issues with it. So if it was possible for me, it can be for you too... so many things have changed since you got your band.
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