Revisions?

How does one know if they need a revision and is it hard to get the insurance company to pay for one.....and one more question does the same surgeon that did the first wls HAVE to do the revision? Thanks!!

You should have diagnostic tests such as an upper GI or endoscopy to see if there are any mechanical failures to your original surgery that will warrent a revision. Well with that said...what type of revision are you speaking of exactly? From the old stomach stapling to the new RNY, from a band to a RNY, just fixing a RNY, from RNY to DS...revision is kinda a vague term. Once diagnostic tests are done and if there are problems, will depend on how difficult your insurance will be to deal with. If it's like a rupture staple line...it's very medical neccessary and needs fixed. Other matters like stretched stoma, etc...companies may have their own protocol for coverage. And to the last, no the same surgeon does not. You might even want to find a surgeon more experienced in doing revisions. Sarah

I agree with Sarah Margaret -- there are all sorts of revisions for all sorts of reasons. I would start with a good surgeon experienced in doing revisions. There are several people on the DS board who have had revisions from either lap band or RNY to the DS you might want to post this over there and see what they have to say. There is also a revisions forum here on OH you might want to post your question there. Red

Helen your profile states you received an RNY. And it went well. Do as Margret suggested, get those tests done. If possible by aother Surgeon if you think something has gone wrong inside for that fact your Primary should be able to get you those test. Before deciding on using the same surgeon or another one. My friend Fatima, just had her RNY Revision done yesterday as her Staple Line disrupted from ten years ago. As back then even with the re-routing they just stapled without seperating the old stomach and the new pouch. She is doing well so far. But in ICU for the night due to low breathing. But she started improving once she saw that I was there by her side to watch over & take care of her. Dr.Rehnke did her reveision as her RNY was done by a surgeon in Boston,MA.