Revision

Has anyone been approved for a revision with UHC POS (I known it really depends on your company)?  I'm making an appointment with Dr. Michael Williams in Alpharetta. Any feedback on him?

OMG...!

I just had an appointment with him last Wednesday.

I really liked him, and well worth the trip from Douglasville!

I've got an appt with him this Tues, for him to go down my throat w/a scope to "see what's going on"  After he looked at my surgical notes (from 11-22-99 GBP) he said that the stapler they used on me, they don't use anymore, because it's known to fail.

But he won't know exactly what's going on until he goes in.

So I'm have an E.????something er other, and an upper GI.  They will knock me out for the scope.

I have UHC Choice Plus (don't know what the difference is) but haven't went down that road just yet, as I'm in the beginning stages.

Couple of tips...make sure you have at least 1 weight from a docotor for all of the past 5 years.  Only has to be 1 a year.  And WRITE down every "medical" problem you've had.  I got in there and could only remember, knees, back, and feet.  I forgot about the irregular periods, the in ability to become pregnate, the hair falling out, the brittle nails...etc (I have a throyid problem too!)  So my main tip is to have everything wrtten down so you don't forget.

He's a small (short) very soft spoken man. Seem very very friendly.  So far so good. 

Good luck!
Diana

Hi Diane, thanks for responding.  I had my RNY in May of 2004.  Here I am 4 years later still over 200lbs. I've never gotton under 200.  I am very disappointed. I know some of it is my doing but I don't think it is all me.

How long did  it take you to get your first appt with Dr. Williams?  Who did your first surgery?  Please keep me posted on your process and I will do the same.  You are having an Endoscope and Upper GI? Did he have you request your surgery notes before scheduling your appointmet? I guess that would be helpful.  Best wishes.

Yolanda

First, I filled out the BOOK they wanted me to, but wouldn't give them any money until I knew if the Doc would even see me.

I sent the paperwork in on 9/18 (even sent my surgical notes from Dr. Robert Rout-Shand's Teaching Hospital in Gainesville, FL).  They told me that the doc would look them over and they'd have an answer for me (if he'd see me or not) in a couple of weeks.  Sure enough, before the end of Sept, they called me for an appointment.  They wanted to schedule in a couple of weeks, but we were in "inventory month" in Oct, so I had to wait unit Nov.

He didn't request my surgery notes, another doctor did in my past, so I got a "on hand" copy at all times...well in my file here @ home.  I wanted him to have everything to make a decision if he would help at all.

They (Dr. William's office) did send me a letter requesting the weights.  So if I were you, I'd plan on going ahead and getting them.  I have UHC though GPC (Genuine Parts Company) and they require the 5 year history.  Most ins co. do from what I understand.

11-22-99 309  I TOUCHED 209 for about a day and 1/2, then maintained around 221 for 2 1/2 yrs, went through a divorce, put on depression meds, gained 28 lbs in 30 days. and it's just went on from there....(joined Weight ***ers...gained 16 lbs in 4 wks)  Today 11-9-08 282.5

When I was 221, I wore a size 14/15 could wear size Large "regular" clothes, I was ok @ that weight.  Perfectly happy.  My goal is 180, but my doc's goal I'm sure it's more like 145, I personally think I'd look like skin and bones....but 180 would make me ecstatic!

I will keep you informed..you do the same K?

Diana
 

If you are looking for a revision from RNY to Extended RNY or a DS - Dr Williams will NOT do it... if you want a StomachX or something like that (where they basically shrink your pouch, which hasn't been had a long tern success rate) then Dr Williams Office says they do them.  unfortunately, insurance doesn't pay for them yet.

You have options:
Extended RNY - Bypass more intestines.. this will cause weight loss because of mal absorbtion.
DS - tighten pouch - change shape to a banana and bypass more intestines.
Band over Pouch - exactly what it sounds like.
StomachX - tightens the pouch with more staples / pleats ...

I would suggest getting your post operative notes - reading it and taking it to see any doctor you are looking to have a revision with... I have chosen Dr Procter Sr in Gainsville and *******  He will do an Upper GI with small bowel follow through as well as a scope to measure the size of your pouch and Stoma (hole that leads to intestines).

I have Guardian PHCS and they are paying 100% after my deductible for a revision from RNY (July 2001) to DS or ERNY.. I really want the DS but with all of the abdomen surgeries I have had we really don't know if my stomach came be reshaped.. if not I will be HAPPY with the ERNY so I can lose this weight that I have gained since having two babies.

Good luck - Check out the Revision board and RESEARCH!!  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just need support!

Emily
 

I had Dr Williams for my RNY (although it was not a revision surgery) and he's wonderful!  I love him and his staff!  I'm always gushing about them...lol   They are always so nice and helpful!