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But apparently my band has slipped. It did it without much fanfare. I've haven't felt sick or had any major problems except I have had a lot of smelly belching. An upper GI scan confirmed the diagnosis.
Since it isn't an emergency, there is a chance they can go in and put it right again. Right now I am jumping through all sorts of hoops. I have had an EKG (which has to be followed up by a cardiologist because it was abnormal). I see a nutritionist next week. I had blood work done. I also must have a psych-exam to make sure I'm sane enough for weight-loss surgery, I guess. A little late, right? Since I went to Mexico for my first surgery, I didn't really have to do any of this stuff before so it is kind of strange.
It is also very expensive and all of the appointments are in Portland, about 100 miles from my home in Eugene, Oregon. So I'm taking time from work, spending money on gas, and hoping it will all be resolved soon. I do not believe my insurance will cover converting the band to a sleeve so I will either end up band-less or the band will be put back into its place.
Yesterday when I scheduled the nutritionist appointment, I was told, "You have to meet with them to see if you have been following instructions. They have to test you before your surgery can be authorized." Test me? I was pretty upset after the phone call. It was very dehumanizing. I'm not sure if she was trying to suggest it was my fault the band had slipped or if s̶h̶e̶'̶s̶ ̶j̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶ ̶b̶i̶t̶c̶h̶ she chose her words poorly.
It has also occurred to me to simply leave the band the way it is. It continues to work well for me. They even took all of the fluid out, but it is positioned in such a way that it didn't make a difference. The belching is pretty gross, though, and all the stomach acid disturbs my sleep. It isn't acid reflux in that it doesn't come up into my throat, but it does gurgle around and I have to burp to feel normal.
Here's a recent picture so you can remember what I look like.
3 comments:
Hi Amanda
You look GREAT!
So sorry you are going thru all of this....what a hassle!
Please continue to post so we can all be better informed on the... why's and what if's!
Best of luck
XO
The band slippage is a complication so the insurance should cover it. You could make the case with your insurance that you were successful with the band and that your obesity dysfunction is an ongoing disease so further WLS would be indicated. However, I had VSG surgery 5 weeks ago and I'm in a WTF was I thinking mood at the moment. I kinda wish that I could get my stomach back. VGS and bypass are difficult and irreversible. That being said, only you know what's best for you and it's possible to continue to eat like you have a band after it's removed. I'm available if you need support. Tracey
Sigh. I should probably have a the doctor look at my band...heather thinks there is something wrong with it...mainly bc I sometimes get reflux at night. It probably wouldn't hurt to have someone look at it since I am nearing my 6 year mark. You may have motivated me.
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