Revision Consideration?
First let me say that this decision is in no way a reflection of how successful or not I feel that I've been.
Not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I've done great with my Lap Band friend. 108 pounds lost in this 18 months together. Sometimes she and I don't get along because she can be a fickle little bitch, but overall, we've really connected. I learned to chew chew chew, take smaller bites, what I can and can't eat. It's been a beautiful union, and I think my decision, when I made it, was the right decision for me.
Do I think I can get to my goal with this band? Hell yes I do!
So what's the problem?
It seems more and more insurance companies are having issues with the band or WLS in general. They don't want to cover this or that, and those of you who are banding can understand that the lap band is a LOT of follow up.
It is for any banded person, but especially for me with my leaking port.
When I was in the process of accepting my new job, I did some insurance research and was thrilled to find that UHC is a decent company for WLS care. AWESOME!
Until I get here and find out that my company has specifically excluded WLS from their plan.
WTF.
So... my solution? I've chosen that for the rest of 2014, I will purchase insurance outside of my company.
$334/month.
That's not chump change people.
So what does that mean?
I NEED to be at goal by the end of 2014. I need my band to require less aftercare for financial reasons.
So, my port needs to be replaced. I already need surgery. I guess the question will be what kind of surgery.
My options right now are to replace my port and have plication done at the same time. I actually wanted this when I was originally banded but my WLS office did not have IRB approval for it at the time. They just received approval quite recently (less than 3 months ago). For anyone who doesn't know what plication is, they fold the stomach on top of itself under the band, which creates a "sleeve-like" effect.
Option number two would be complete revision to VSG. I think I'd prefer the band plus plication right now, but I will talk to my PA and get her opinion.
I don't think a complete revision to RNY would be available to me right now due to the amount of weight I've already lost. I'm not sure my BMI would be high enough. Current BMI is 35.1.
I guess I will have more information after Thursday, but I wanted to put all of this out there. If any of you have input/advice, or questions I should ask my PA, I'd love to hear it!
Not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I've done great with my Lap Band friend. 108 pounds lost in this 18 months together. Sometimes she and I don't get along because she can be a fickle little bitch, but overall, we've really connected. I learned to chew chew chew, take smaller bites, what I can and can't eat. It's been a beautiful union, and I think my decision, when I made it, was the right decision for me.
Do I think I can get to my goal with this band? Hell yes I do!
So what's the problem?
It seems more and more insurance companies are having issues with the band or WLS in general. They don't want to cover this or that, and those of you who are banding can understand that the lap band is a LOT of follow up.
It is for any banded person, but especially for me with my leaking port.
When I was in the process of accepting my new job, I did some insurance research and was thrilled to find that UHC is a decent company for WLS care. AWESOME!
Until I get here and find out that my company has specifically excluded WLS from their plan.
WTF.
So... my solution? I've chosen that for the rest of 2014, I will purchase insurance outside of my company.
$334/month.
That's not chump change people.
So what does that mean?
I NEED to be at goal by the end of 2014. I need my band to require less aftercare for financial reasons.
So, my port needs to be replaced. I already need surgery. I guess the question will be what kind of surgery.
My options right now are to replace my port and have plication done at the same time. I actually wanted this when I was originally banded but my WLS office did not have IRB approval for it at the time. They just received approval quite recently (less than 3 months ago). For anyone who doesn't know what plication is, they fold the stomach on top of itself under the band, which creates a "sleeve-like" effect.
Option number two would be complete revision to VSG. I think I'd prefer the band plus plication right now, but I will talk to my PA and get her opinion.
I don't think a complete revision to RNY would be available to me right now due to the amount of weight I've already lost. I'm not sure my BMI would be high enough. Current BMI is 35.1.
I guess I will have more information after Thursday, but I wanted to put all of this out there. If any of you have input/advice, or questions I should ask my PA, I'd love to hear it!
I dont know much about the band with plication. I will have to do some research on that. It seems like as long as you have the band you will have some sort of follow-up requirements. I have been doing a lot of research into the sleeve lately, and I think it might be the right choice for me. I will look into the plication.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for doing all the research Holly. You have done great with the band. I'm sorry about the insurance issue. :-( But I'm so glad you decided paying yourself, prioritizing it, was worth it. I've never heard of plication either - it sounds like a potentially interesting option. I'd be interested (like with any surgery) in knowing what the options are if you needed revision or of anything went wrong, etc. Keep us posted what you learn.
ReplyDeleteWelp girl you know me. I love my band with plication. I honestly think the plication has helped me out a TON. But with that said I never had just the band, Ive always had both combined :)
ReplyDeleteI have the same issue with with my insurance through my work, they excluded WLS as well. Smart girl doing all the research. That alone tells me you will make a great decision!
ReplyDeleteHmm... I've never heard about the band with plication. I am going to be researching that tonight. I know you will make the correct decision for yourself, and of course with assistance from your doctor. Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI'm only 1 week post op from having my band revision to sleeve. I had a lot of issues with my band so leaving it in wasn't an option. You do what's right for you ;)
ReplyDeleteYou know you have my full support whatever you decide. You know yourself best and I have no doubt you'll make the best, informed decision. :)
ReplyDeleteGirl, IMHO, sleeve is the way to go. Had mine in 2011, and haven't had any of the complications the band can have. But, I have had my moments where some things don't agree, etc. But not the follow up requirements, adding/removing fluid etc. If you're going to go under, may as well make it worth the time and $$
ReplyDeleteThis is such a personal decision and you are VERY wise to do all your research. I know that my surgeon NEVER does JUST a plication it's always a band/plication. I know for many people it is a good choice. However, please just keep in mind that you will still have a "device" inside you that can later fail. I know you already know that. If it was up to me and knowing how I feel about the VSG I would personally go that route. For me it was the idea of "one surgery and done" without the physical maintenance of a band. Permanently reducing the size of my stomach has helped me tremendously in the battle of the bulge. Good luck Hollee, you will do whatever is best for YOU!
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