Help, Legacy Self Pay

Hi, I am getting prepared to have my wls anyday now. My appt. with Dr. Hong is tomorrow. When I first started this my plan was bypass, however the nutritionist told me she "panics" when she hears that self-payers opt for bypass. So that leaves lap-band. The surgeries basically cost the same. So I just want to know if anyone has had to make this descion, and what they chose. Also with bypass through Legacy, how long were you in the hospital? Any help/encouragement would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Kelly! I had my bypass with Dr. Hong in May ... I was in the hospital for 2 nights. My insurance only covers RNY but if I would have had a choice, I still would have opted for the RNY. Just my personal opinion! For me, the RNY offered me the greater restriction that I knew I would need. I am very happy and confident that I had this procedure! I know a lot of people have had great luck with the lap band too though. I think you just need to decide what would work better for you for the long term. Why did the nutritionist panic? Was it Kelly? Anyway, just curious why she panicked about choosing bypass! Deanna

She said that there are just so many "what ifs", and if I ever had any medical issues related to the bypass, my insurance would exclude it(because the surgery was an exclusion on my policy to begin with). Have you had any comlications? How is your weight loss going? I feel like I am a great canidate for bypass, I am 26, no co-morbidities, and have only been morbidly obese for 3 years. I guess I am just nervous that with bypass something will go wrong. Yes, it was Kelly.

Hi there Kelly! Hee, hee, I figured it must have been Kelly you were talking about. That poor woman sees so many patients, I don't know how she keeps them straight! She is such a sweetheart, I really like her! I haven't had any complications. I've lost just over 100 pounds and I'm feeling terrific! Best thing I ever did for myself was to have the surgery! If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask! Good luck to you!!! Deanna

The nutritionist is not a doctor and, in my opinion, has stepped out of her area of expertise to advice you on what surgery you should have and whether your insurance will/will not pay for future problems. You may not have the same insurance over time or insurance may evolve in what they cover. I don't get how what surgery you are having has anything to do with cost or her "panic." Let her panic. You and your doctor should decide what is best for you. tee

It sounds like Kelly was offering up some valid concerns HOWEVER did she also mention the potential problems with the band? If my band fails me or causes almost any type of complication, it may not be covered under any type of insurance. There are also issues of pre-existing conditions with any WLS. I've managed to fluster the poor girl, myself. I actually quite enjoy it (I'm not losing weight and I'm not eating that much. I had a good time at my last appointment, lol. I think I had her seriously considering her training). I think she may have just been trying to be helpful. She'll support you regardless of your decision (and do a great job at it). If you don't want to get the band, don't. You just might not be compliant, either (you know, that defiant child syndrome). The whole clinic is great about letting you have a choice. I knew going in to be banded by Dr. Jan that if there were complications I'd come out RNY instead of lap banded. Maybe you could have a similar arrangement w/Dr. Hong. If it looks physically like the band would work better than RNY, then allow him to do it (instead of waking up after surgery without anything being done and having to go back under surgery again). The recovery time is a little better after lap band and the risk is a little lower but is it better? Only you and Dr. Hong can make this determination. Good luck -- and Kelly meant well. Lori

I love my band ! But I also support ANY weightloss surgery that will help you live longer and healthier. I searched the Oregon Dr.'s license board and found a bariatric clinic in North Bend www.northwestbariatrics.com I went down there a 3 hours drive from me, and it saved me $10,00O ON MY BAND. It was so worth the drive. Im two years out now and have no complaints. I know he is running a special for the band for $10,000 I havent checked his prices for the by-pass but it would be worth the call. Good luck Gail

Hi Kelly, Actually there is another option. It's the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I had my VSG 5 weeks ago and it is the most awesome option there is. It has been done for 20 years as a preliminary procedure for the super morbidly obese in order for them to lose enough wt for them to proceed with the bypass. They found, however, that so many did well with the VSG alone, that they did not need to do the bypass. Now the VSG is being offered in a few places around the country and in more places world wide to those of us with lower BMI's. I was 43.5 or something close to that..... The reason it is not being offered more, is that insurance companies are calling it "experimental " because it is now being done as a stand alone procedure. And we all know that insurance companies rule the world. I had my procedure done in Puerto Vallarta, MX with Dr. Armando Joya. He has advanced training in laparosopic surgery in Miami, Fl as well as advanced training in oncology at another hospital in Miami. www.drjoya.com . I was also self pay, despite the fact that I could have had the R-NY paid for in full by my insurance, but because I'm an RN and have seen many problems with the R-NY, did not want anyone rearranging my bowel. With the VSG the opening into the stomach remains the same as does the exit from the stomach. The surgery is done laparoscopically, and has the normal risks of any surgery, but no problems with nausea/vomiting from a too tight stoma into the stomach, no malabsorbtion issues, so no need to take quantities of vitamins, and no issues with fills and unfills. I was considering the band, but because I need to take NSAIDs was not a candidate for it and then when I found out about the VSG I was so grateful that I was not a candidate for the band. Dr. Joya's total package, including airfare, 3 nights in the hospital and two nights in a resort across the street from the hospital was $11,000. I was seen each day by Dr.Joya and his assistant Dr.Espinoza and by Dr.Espinoza everyday at the hotel. The only out of pocket expenses were for items I bought in PV, tips and cab fare back to the airport. Transportation from the airport to the hospital and to the hotel were also included. Here's in a link that will give you much information about the VSG. I am down 30 lbs 4 weeks post op and haven't weighed since... will weigh again this week. I try to avoid the scale.. it has never been my friend. Click here: Click here: www.Unofficial VSG FAQ.com You might also want to check out the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy forum on OH. I hope you will find this helpful. Jane H.

Sorry Kelly, the web site that I gave you for the FAQ didn't work. Please try this one. There is a wealth of information there as well as a video showing the VSG. Follow this link to the FAQ. I hope that works, or you can get to it from the VSG forum. Blessings, Jane

Hi Kelly, I had lap band surgery on 4/7/06..........live here in the Portland area, but went to Dr. Neal in Olympia because he was so highly recommended. I love my band. Have had no problems, have gone from 234 to 183 in a little over 6 months...........and plan on losing anothr 35 - 50 lbs........I'm in a local on-line group that also meets monthly and there are several bandsters in the group that are at goal and are doing just great.........terrific inspiration for me and the others. The weight loss is a bit slower than bypass, but I do believe we catch up eventually! It is not magic.......you do have to follow the "band rules" most of the time to make it work............there is no malabsortion.........good and bad...............if you'd like to ask any questions, please feel free to contact me. Betty from Lake Oswego, OR Lap Band - Dr. Neal, Olympia, WA 234/183/134 (?)