Revision

I want to get a revision. I have been thinking about for about two years. I had surgery 2002 . I weighted 368lbs and loss down to 210lbs and stayed. No matter what I did the weight just wouldn't  fall off. In the last 8 months I have gained 25  pounds and it climbing!!!! I just can't take it. Everything is going wacky. I now have plantar fasciitis on one foot and posterior tibialis on the other and I am thinking it's due mainly to the weight I am carrying !!!!!.  I am in pain 24 -7 and it getting worse day by day. The weight gain, the stress, the sleepless nights and the pain are killing me!!!! I consulted Dr. Alexander and he would do the revision but I have Aetna Insurance and they are telling me no, no, no....  I just don't know what to do. I am open to any suggestions anyone may have.

Why is Aetna telling you 'no'??  Is it, 'no, we wont cover the revision' or 'no, you need to jump through all these hoops before we will cover it??'

on the plantar fasciitis, you need to get a drinking size  water bottle, fill it 3/4 of the way full of water and freeze it....do several....when its good and frozen, take it out of the freezer and put it on the floor and roll your foot over the top of it...until its so cold you cant stand it anymore....

I was on crutches for 6 months due to PF, i started doing the water thing and i also had ultrasound treatments done throught the chiropractors office ($20.00 a pop) that was my saving grace....

My ins. BCBS Fed told me no....not yet....it took me about 1 1/2 yrs to get mine done but i had alot of support and OH ppl telling me not to give up....im almost 4 months out and ive lost 54 lbs as of this am....its worth it and im telling you dont give up!!!!

Good luck  to you!!!

No,  Atena does cover gastric bypass period according to the policy I have.

that is because of the choices that your employer chose on their plan.....

I have Aetna and it covered mine back in 2007.

what surgery did you have in 2002? Can Dr a find a way that the surgery failed you? I have Aetna and had to follow a very strict pre op program before they would approve. Including psych exam,  3-6 (I forget which) month Dr supervised diet program ( you do not just weigh in you ghave to sit and discuss how the plan is working and what you are eating and he has to make notes), 4 nutritionist visits 30 days apart one being a consultation etc... They approved me since i followed their requirements and your Dr should help you acheive this. They have to give a reason you are being declined find out the way and I bet Dr A will help you overcome it!
Meggie
p.s. I fought for 2 yrs to get my surgery, make sure you follow the program to a tea and don't cut corners. It is easier to follow the program than buck the system.

I had RNY in 2002. My best friend  and I had our surgeries on the same, by the same Doctor, and our surgeries both failed us. We were committed and determine to reach our goals. But it didn't happen for her like it didn't happen for me. Our doctor was Julie Leverton. She is no longer allow to do gastic bypass surgery. My friend did get a revision by Dr.Barker and has reach her goal. After her surgery we found out that we did fail the surgery, the surgery failed us.  There have been others who had Dr. Leverton and had to get revisions because the surgery failed. Thanks for the info.I will contact my Dr tomorrow and see if we can get the ball rolling. I  am willing to do what ever I have to do to get a revision.

 
Are you looking to have your RNY "repaired" - so to speak - or have a revision to the DS?

There is a wonderful WL surgeon near you in Denton.  Dr. Daryl Stewart.  

Best of luck in your research.  May you find the right WLS and surgeon for your success. :-)

Julie

I would second the notion that Dr Stewart would be much more knowledgable and experienced in revisions, and beg you to look into getting revised to the DS.

Now, IF your insurance specifically excludes ALL WLS, well, then you'll have to self-pay. Dr Stewart has VERY reasonable self-pay prices, some of the lowest in the US. But I believe Dr Ungson in Mexico also does revisions and is about $8-10k cheaper than you'll get in the US.

Feel free to keep asking questions and don't give up, no matter what!

 I would "third" what Julie and Larissa said ..  It certainly wouldn't hurt to at least have a consult with Dr. Stewart to see what he thinks  ..  He's not that far from you in Rowlett ..   

  As Larissas mentioned, if you do have to cash pay, Dr. S. is also one of the lowest-priced DS surgeons in the U.S. at present, fortunately, at about $20K for open and $21K for lap ..   You can also consider going outside the U.S. for it to a reputable DS surgeon like mine in Brazil ..  He currently charges $11.5K U.S. for all meds ..  Allow about another $1.5 K for plane fare and $1.5 K for hotel fees ..    (not sure if either surgeon charges more for a "revision" though) 

  Good luck on whatever you decide ..