Question about cost going from band to sleeve in Texas

I have been banded for 8 yrs now, and having tons of reflux and waking me up at night. I am looking to get the band out and get the sleeve.

I have 2 appointments within the next 3 weeks, and one of the prices is $16,500 to take out band, do sleeve.

the other one is $7,000. to take out band and another $14,000. to do sleeve. OUCH!

Looked into Mexico and husband is totally not on board.

Any advise would be great.

I had my surgery in Mexico and it was the best hospital experience I've ever had.  I'd go back in a second.  I just had the sleeve, and it was $6800.

Jane

Have you checked in the Dallas area?  I know Barker and Alexander do revisions.  Dr. Stewart is the one I'd recommend, but he died of a heart attack last week.  He has a partner though, so you might want to give his office a call.

I was sleeved by Dr. David Kim in Dallas at Forest park...Loved him! 4 lbs away from goal.

I was self pay $13K for the sleeve, not sure how much the revision aspect adds to that.

Good Luck!

If reflux is the main / only reason you're wanting the get the sleeve I encourage you to do a lot of research and talk to your Dr.  Sleeve / Band have similar reflux outcomes...  I have GERD preop and have had a three day barium swallow study, 24 hr impedance study, etc...  My surgeon and GI Dr have both advised me against the Sleeve.  I do have a hiatal hernia my surgeon is planning on repairing during surgery; however he has informed me there is still a chance my reflux will get worse with the sleeve. It's just a crap shoot.  He and my GI Dr have both told me if my reflux gets worse I WILL have to be revised to RNY, as this is considered a surgical cure for GERD. Unfortunately, there is just no guarantee and everyone is different; however, there is a very real chance if the band is causing you real problems with GERD, the sleeve may do the same.  I really encourage you to talk to a Dr.  I'd hate for you to go through another surgery, pay all the money and still have the same problem...  Good LUCK!!!  I hope no matter what you chose, you get fixed!  Reflux is no joke and can be dangerous! 

I agree with the previous poster, talk to your surgeon about the reflux issue. My revision from band to sleeve was covered by insurance (with a healthy co-pay) and the hospital portion (I had to stay 3 days) was $23,000; The surgeon was $7000, they refused to pay for the surgical assistants, though they never billed me; and I forget what the anestheologist was. Then I had radiology for the UGI leak test. I couldn't even afford my co-pays and am still struggling to pay our portion. Fortunately my surgeon accepted what the insurance paid but no one else has.

Honestly, get good estimates for your area, then look back into the Mexico thing. Keep in mind that revsions are tougher to do that having a virgin stomach. I had massive swelling from the band removal. Another thing to consider would be to have the band out then save for revision. Use the things you learned from living with your band to help you avoid gaining in the meantime.

Good luck,

Sue