RNY vs DS

I was just wondering if anyone has had a DS with Dr Sax. Does anyone know if insurance covers it? I've been doing research on both and I'm seriously thinking about it........Thanks!!           Kim

Hi Kim,

I had seriously thought about doing the DS myself as one time. Dr. Sax is the only one in the State that I could find who performs this surgery.

My insurance (Tricare) doesn't cover the DS. I'm sure, if you contact your insurance company, they will let you know what, if any WLS procedure, they do cover.

If I really wanted the DS bad enough, I'd have paid for it myself. However, I really like my surgeon and would only really have considered the DS if he performed it himself.

The DS is just too dramatic for me in terms of malnutrition. And I don't like the idea of being able to eat pretty much anything I want. I wanted a surgery that was going to 'make' me concentrate on eating all the right foods and cause me to 'dump' if I ate the wrong foods. I can't possibly stay away from fats and sugars if I don't fear getting really sick.

In short, I'm glad that I had RNY instead of the DS for what ever reason.

A good place for you to ask questions would be the DS surgery forum. Talk to your Primary Care Physician. Make a consult appointment with Dr. Sax. Visit a nutritionist/dietician and get their feedback.

Bottom line....what ever you decide....be sure YOU are comfortable with it!

I hope this has helped some.

Please let us know what you decide.

Jules

Kim ~ Hello.  I can share some information with you regarding my brother's experience in pursuit of having a DS.  He has a history of a seizure disorder and Dr. Sax wants him to have the DS vs. the RNY, so he won't face as many issues with malabsorption of meds.  Dr. Sax felt the insurance company (my brother has Healthmate Coast to Coast) probably won't approve on the first submission but on the second pass with support letters from primary doc, surgeon, etc. , he'll most likely get approved. 
Not sure if that helps any, but wanted to pass it along.  Wishes of wellness on WLS pursuit.
~ Sandy

Thanks for both of your input. I saw Dr Sax today for my dreaded colonoscopy and asked him about it. He said I really wasn't a candidate because I only need to lose 80lbs.......ONLY!!!!!! Anyway, Julie what you said is exactly what I thought from the beginning. I need the aversive part of RNY to keep me eating the food my body does not need to live. Not just anything I can shove in my gullett. That isn't changing my behavior. I want to be responsible and learn to eat well and excersize and make that a part of my life. Thank you both!!!!!          Kim

Kim ~ Sounds like you've got a great attitude for making the changes for WLS success.  Be sure to keep visiting here for questions, support, etc.  There are so many kind, caring, smart people on the RI Forum.  They were certainly helpful to me when I started this journey and continue you to be as I progress on.
Will look for you at one of the support groups to say hello in person.
~ Sandy