gastric sleeve

• By rudownwithjc
• Reply 3439503
• October 7, 2012 at 8:10 pm
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I have not had it done, but I know that insurances won't cover it, so I have to wonder why??? I had a dr. tell me it is because it is so new, but then not sure I can totally trust this dr.

Anyway that is all I know, but apparently a lot of people willing to pay cash out of pocket for it have it.

Best wishes,

Cindy

• By cajngrl
• Reply 3439747
• October 7, 2012 at 10:06 pm
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I have not had it done but a very good friend of mine did have it done and her medical insurance definitely covered the procedure.

• By MARYCORINNE
• Reply 3439945
• October 7, 2012 at 11:51 pm
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I have a lap band that has been a disaster. The conversion from the band is to have the sleeve. Be wary of the procedure. They remove quite a large portion of your stomach and you cannot un-do this procedure. It is permanant. Some people experience mal- absorption issues and other problems with their GI system after it is done. Research this and check out failed sleeve sites on the internet. I am in the process of removing the band and wish I NEVER had this placed on my stomach. I hate it and feel the band has been detremental to my health. No weight loss and many side effects. Sorry, but there are no quick fixes and the best weight loss is the old fashioned way thru diet & excersize. My brother had the gastrc bypass and you cannot tell he even had it done, as he is bigger then ever!! These procedures do not address the lifestyle issues that people need to make to maintain a healthy weight.

This is my truth, sorry but i am just saying!!
Good luck, MC

• By cotedazur
• Reply 3440600
• October 8, 2012 at 9:42 am
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I have a lapband which has cause me virtually NO trouble at all. But then, I have been very cautious and never had it really TIGHT ever. Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati does the band, sleeve and gastric bypass. The sleeve seems to be really GREAT.... as there is no need to go in for adjustments/fills. If ever I need a revision from the band I will go with the sleeve. There IS a couple year "window" of great restriction with the sleeve but sooner or later the stomach gets larger. As with ANY weight loss surgery, it is ONLY A TOOL. It is still all about what is in your head and a strong committment to lifestile change. You might want to read about it: www.obesityhelp.com. They have boards for all the different types of surgery. I believe that insurance covers several of the procedure for people with BMI greater than 35.

• By pphockeygirl
• Reply 3440750
• October 8, 2012 at 10:35 am
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I just had it done in August. I have lost about 100 pounds. My cardiologist and other specialist were behind me. It has helped my over all health. The dr who did the surgery only gave me a 20% survival rate because I was so high risk cardiac, and lung issues. I agree it is not a quick fix and not easy but, denifitly worth it. My insurance paid for it. I have Chf and it has helped.

• By rudownwithjc
• Reply 3441577
• October 8, 2012 at 3:13 pm
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Ok, there is definitely a difference between the the gastric sleeve and a lap band procedure. Lap Band is covered by Insurance but the sleeve is not. This is factual as of earlier this year. Bariatric services is where I got this information.

Best Wishes,

Cindy

• By cotedazur
• Reply 3441716 · In reply to 3441577 by rudownwithjc
• October 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm
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Apparently it may be covered on a case by case basis by Medicare. And on the "Failed Lapband board" on www.obesityhelp.com there are discussions and/or directions on how to get it covered by people who have managed to get a revision from Lapband.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Obesity/33539

• By kbla06
• Reply 3476333
• October 21, 2012 at 12:18 pm
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Ok got excepted in Mexico for gastric sleeve scared but ready for it...

• By cotedazur
• Reply 3476456 · In reply to 3476333 by kbla06
• October 21, 2012 at 1:20 pm
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I actually got my LabBand by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey MX. And I had a friend who had her revision from LapBand to Sleeve somewhere in MX. It does seem a bit scary to go to MX for surgery, but I had a great experience when I went for my Lapband. I had it done on a Friday morning and was able to fly home to Cincinnati and get through the airport in Dallas/Ft. Worth 48 hours later. I truly believe in weight loss surgery for those of us with heart issues. I wish you an uneventful surgery and recovery... DO post and let us know how it goes!

Nancy

• By kbla06
• Reply 3476572 · In reply to 3476456 by cotedazur
• October 21, 2012 at 2:24 pm
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Thanks i will keep you all updated