Question:
I am seeking approval for the BPD/DS with Dr. K in Delano, however, I am hoping that
he will do what he stated at orientation which is begin performing lap procedures. I don't want an open scar am I crazy? Also, if he can't realistically perform this procedure (for i.e. not enough training or not in good enough time frame) can I ask for a referral to an out of network Dr., such as Rabkin? Third, what are Rabkin's fees for? Do you think my insurance will go for it. Dr. K is the only one in Delano Med Group who does BYpass. — A V. (posted on April 20, 2001)
April 20, 2001
Hello. you didnt list if this was Delano Ca. or not? I had open rny
wls on 11/13/00 in Fresno, Ca. there are lots of great doctors in fresno.
Are you preferring that
type of wls? My incision is only 3 inches long. lap rny's are great too.
email me ok? [email protected]
— LISA K.
April 21, 2001
I have heard wonderful things about Dr. K., and would not hesitate to have
the open procedure with him. I would not be hung up on the lap vs. open
option. I am fortunate enough to live in the San Francisco area, and used
Drs. Jossart/Rabkin. I went with lap because they are quite experienced
(Dr. Jossart is the Chief of Laproscopic Surgery at the hospital). I would
be a bit hesitant to do lap with someone who didn't have the experience,
and would not have traveled just to get lap. The open is a bit more
awkward initially, but that's it. The scar fades dramatically after 6 - 8
months. With respect to your other questions, you can ask for a referral,
but I would doubt your insurance will approve it since you already have a
surgeon in plan capable of doing the surgery. Dr. Rabkin's fees are
described as being for his after care program (currently they are $3,000
above and beyond whatever insurance pays). Please be aware that I believe
he is now charging most patients up front (except for those in his own
medical group - Brown & Toland), and then you need to seek
reimbursement from insurance. I believe he charges $11,000 up front, and
then you're on your own with insurance. - Kate -
— kateseidel
April 21, 2001
I just had an "open" BPD/DS on 4/11 and my incision is only
6" long. I had a LAP procedure done in Aug. 2000 and I can honestly
say it was easier having the open in regards to pain and moving around.
Instead of 5 or 6 little incisions all hurting while I twist or turned I
only had one. Check with the Dr. on how big his "open" is. I had
no drains when I can home or anything.
— Linda M.
April 23, 2001
One thing that preops dont consider is the possibility of plastic surgery
after you lose your weight. I've known many, many Lap postop patients who
didn't want the scar, who, two years later, get abdominoplasty, and/or
breast lifts and wind up with scars from breast bone to pelvic & hip to
hip. If you can get approved with Dr. K... I would NOT hesitate to have
surgery. You will not find better care ANYWHERE! Their team of surgeon,
nurses, clinical coordinators, nutritionists, are the best I have ever
seen. (I had surgery with Dr. Anthone in L.A.) I love his care, but
again, nothing is as good as the team in Delano!!
(http://www.mywls.com/discus) --->>
— [Deactivated Member]
September 9, 2001
Although it's been 6 months since you asked this question, I just have to
post because of the irony of the situation: I am in the exact opposite
predicament of you--stuck with Rabkin because of The Network, but wanting
Keshishian because he and his staff are SOOOOO WONDERFUL!!! Forget the
scar; go where you will be best cared for--Delano.
— Chris T.
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