Thank you for replying to my post.

Congratulations on finding the right surgeon to do the band to RNY in one procedure. Thanks for pointing out that a doctor's ability to do everything at once could be a determining factor for me.

I am in touch with the two doctors' offices now and will see if Rabkin or Jossart seems easier to get along with.

It also appears that Rabkin only does sleeve and DS, so I would have to go to Jossart for RNY.

i feel like I am starting from zero even though I had a band installed in another city. The discovery process is actually kind of fun so far.

Hello,

I am also in process of revising from Band to RNY. My surgeon does it in one surgery but another I looked at does it in two surgeries. I prefer 1 surgery so I'm glad I went with this guy. That may be what your determining factor is when deciding on a surgeon since they seem to vary. Good luck to you!!!

Hello.

In 2007, I had a band installed and visited here often. It doesn't seem quite as busy now as it did then, but still informative.

I live in San Francisco and was just referred for a revision by my GP to either Dr. Rabkin or Dr. Jossart because of regain. Both docs have great reputations, so I am not worried about finding a doc.

I am hoping to revise to a DS or RNY since I need more help than a restrictive procedure can provide. I anticipate that the docs will help me decide and tell me whether they can remove the band and do the second procedure all at once, or if I have to visit the OR twice. Has anyone had a revision band to RNY or DS revision done all at once?

I am most worried about money. I don't think my insurance company will go for this. Does anyone know what these revision procedures cost if you are a cash patient? I am willing to spend a lot, but San Francisco is extra expensive in all other areas, so I imagine surgery is pricey, too.

I am very excited to be getting started and would love to get some feedback.

Just adding to this post. I have Highmark BCBS and my policy states I have a "one per lifetime benefit" restriction. I had to have my lapband removed in January due to failure/slippage/hernia and GERD.

The Dr. wanted to wait 3 months after band removal to heal them do the RNY. The insurance paid some of my band removal claim and denied a portion within the same claim for the Operating room time stating that I used my "one per lifetime benefit" stating the 2 codes used were weight loss related. How crazy it this???

So I haven't had WL surgery and my band removal is considered my one benefit per lifetime. Of course I am appealing but not sure how this will shake out.

Frustrated!!

Julie

I had Lapband 6 yrs ago and after I gave birth to my twins it never worked again. Just got a scope and band has an erosion and small hernia. I am revising to DS Loop but because of issues from the band I will not be doing the sleeve portion of the surgery (can be done at a later date) Has anyone had 1/2 of this procedure and been successful without doing the second sleeve portion?