Any light weights do the 2nd part of the DS my BMI is 35 I will have to self pay

My first surgery the Lap Band in 2008 (BCBS Fed covered) did not work for me. I also did not do my part following the prescribed nutrition and exercises.  I hated the band and I wanted it out, so I went for a revision from the LB to the Sleeve in 2009 (Self Pay)  I went with Dr. B in Edmound, OK. Dr. B asked me why the Lap Band did not work for me.  I told him food wood get stuck and I just did not want to go back in forth with fills and I also love to eat carbs.  So on my medical report Dr. B wrote patient did not follow prescribed nutrition and exercise.  Patient also stated " I love carbs".   

The Sleeve was not enough for me either I needed more than restriction.  So, I started looking for another revision.

At first I wanted a RNY then I decided to get the DS.  Only BCBS Fed would not cover the DS for me so I was trying one more time for the RNY.  

Back in 2011, I wanted to get revised to the RNY and to get my haital hernia fixed too.  The new doctor Dr. N in Moore, OK she sent out the paper work to BCBS Fed but they denied it saying that it was not medically necessary.   I thought they denied it because I had the VSG in 2009 and it was too soon for a revision.  

Last week,  I called Dr. N. again she said that BCBS Fed had also stated it was denied because it was not medically necessary and the report that was on my record with the LB in 2008 stated  I was  not in compliance and admitted that I love carbs.  

 I understand there are not many surgeon's that will do a VSG to RNY revisions.  Dr. G in OKC said it was so very dangerous to revise from a VSG to RNY.   Dr. K. in Norman, OK office said he has never done a VSG to RNY revision.  It may not even be possible to do.  I don't know how but Dr. N in Moore, OK thought she could do it, don't really know if that was going to happen.

 I'm not going to get the revision to RNY since nobody does them here in OK.  Since I'm going to self pay it might as well be  the DS.

So, guess what I'm screwed.  I will have to self pay for the 2nd part of the DS.  I'm so going to do this, even if I have to reach in my 401K.  

Today I called Dr. Daryl Steward and asked if he would do the 2nd part of the  DS switch (Self Pay), they guy asked me questions and when I told him my BMI was 35 he said I would be the first patient the doctor has ever done with that low of a BMI.  I told him about my Type II Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, GERD.  He would get back with me and let me know if Steward would do it.  The quote price is  $22 - $25K.

That's what's going on with me!  

Good luck! I hope you are able to get the weight off soon!

Thanks Lauren B.

Check with dsfacts.com

You may find someone closer but Dr. Stewart is an excellent option.

Going to a DS makes sense since you already have the sleeve part. If Dr. S is concerned (mine was) then suggest maybe a longer common channel. Mine is a 175 cm common channel and I'm doing fine. Since the intestinal part of the DS is the hardest part, it makes sense it costs as much as getting the virgin DS.

I understand there are not many surgeon's that will do a VSG to DS revisions.  Dr. G in OKC said it was so very dangerous to revise from a VSG to DS.   Dr. K. in Norman, OK office said he has never done a VSG to DS revision.  It may not even be possible to do.

That is HOGWASH!!! If they can revise to a RNY, which means rerouting the intestines, they can learn to do the intestinal part of a DS...they just do NOT want the learning curve required. And it isn't much but it does require some extra learning.

Good luck with what you decide. Dr. Stewart is one of the best.

Liz

Hi southernlady5464,

I had to correct my post what I meant to say was: 

I understand there are not many surgeon's that will do a VSG to RNY revisions.  Dr. G in OKC said it was so very dangerous to revise from a VSG to RNY.   Dr. K. in Norman, OK office said he has never done a VSG to RNY revision.  It may not even be possible to do.

That is another reason why I am going with the DS.  Nobody knows how to revise from a VSG to RNY.

Thanks for your input!

When I read that they said "it may not be possible" I'm scratching my head going "HUH"?  The DS IS the 2nd part of the VSG... and when I had my surgery (I had RNY) back in 2008, it was advertised that way....

Sorry to hear you have to self-pay - it's amazing what the insurance companies will pick up on to save themselves a few bucks.  Have you tried to appeal?  

Hi Jody,

I apologize what I meant to say was it may not be possible to revise from a VSG to RNY, (not DS).  I was in a hurry last night when I posted and did not catch it before submitting.  

With those comorbidities you should qualify. Dr Stewart is a good one and has one of the best self-pay prices going in the US. DOn't give up, keep contacting his office and if you get to talk to him, tell all about your research, you support network and the fact that you know the DS is the best chance you have to kick your diabetes to the curb.

Huneypie is a 2 part DSr. She's usually posts on Bites & Vites and Menus & Miles.

Good luck!

--gina

Thanks again MajorMom, Yes I'm not going to give up!

I don't understand why  you are being told that a VSG to DS revision is dangerous.  Unless you are having a re sleeve, which can be dangerous and a risk for leaks, the switch part is simple the 2nd half of the DS and I would assume that any experienced DS surgeon could do that with their eyes closed.  Well not really, but you get the idea.

Is there a reason you aren't thinking of going out of the country?  I am sure you could save thousands if you do and get just as good a surgery with a experienced DS surgeon.