Rabkin-Keshishian-Husted-Greenbaun-LONG

I know from the very beginning that these are the doctors everyone suggested for revision. I agree with everyone here on this. Money is just really tight for us because about a year ago DH was laid off for 6  months. It took everything we had to keep our heads above water. Money is still very tight because he took a big  pay cut when he did get work again. I haven't worked in 20 years because his job keeps us moving every 6-12 months a year. Crappy way to live but lucky to have work! Also different employers every 1-2 years, different insurance too. This is the first insurance since 1999 that even covers bariatric surgery. I am not even sure I can get revision because of once in a life time insurance. I do know that the take down will fly for sure! My DH and I are pretty sure we can get his employer to back me on revision. I just have to get someone to say they will do it and get paperwork submitted to insurance.  Since I wanted to let you know my  cir****tances I will ask my questions. With each surgeon listed can you tell me which ones charge an additional fee beyond insurance? How much? How much additional money was paid out for travel? Did you just submit info via fax and the once you where approved go for surgery? Or was more than one trip required? I had already talked with Dr. Husted before but that was when he was in transition. I was suppose to fax info to him. Should I go ahead with him? Greenbaum has to long of a wait and I am not even sure if we would have this insurance then. All I can think of for now except to say a BIG THANK YOU!! to everyone who posted about the GASTOJEJUSTOMY post earlier to day. I was defiantly surprised at that answer from Kemmeter and the fact that Anthone never got back to me once insurance said I was he was out of network. I mean none of these docs are in network but according to insurance booklet it pays the same whether in or out of network. Just insurance quoting wrong info! What a surprise! 

"I mean none of these docs are in network but according to insurance booklet it pays the same whether in or out of network. Just insurance quoting wrong info! What a surprise! "

From what I've read, both Rabkin and Keshishian have program fees.  Certainly they deserve them, given the expertise and skill required to do what they do.  However, if money is tight...

Given the fact that none of the docs are in network, but you can petition for them anyway with insurance, doesn't this mean you could go back to Anthone afterall?  I wouldn't hold the "never got back to me" against him... I'm sure there is a "pecking order" in terms of things that have to be completed and checked off before the surgeon and the patient talk to one another. 

Anthone would be the closest, has no additional fees, and would keep the costs down in terms of follow-up visits too.  Not to mention he has an impeccable reputation as well.  We're lucky to have him in the Midwest.

Just some thoughts....

Thank You! I might just try him again and see what kind of answer I get!

I hate to bad mouth, but....if you left a message with Christy, it's not a big surprise that nobody got back to you.  Sometimes she's not so good at returning calls.  Call the main number again, and if nobody answers, choose the option to schedule an appointment.  Tell whomever answers the phone that you've left messages and that you'd like to speak to the office manager.  She will get the ball rolling for you, and answer any questions you may have.  I found out the hard way that you'll have to do some of the leg work yourself if you want things done in a timely fashion, though.  Have all of your ducks in a row, and then call the office manager.  Dr. Anthone is a wonderful physician.  I can't say enough about him.  Unfortunately, I just can't afford his self pay prices, so I had to go elsewhere.  I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Keshishian's program fee for revisions is $4,000.

I am not saying he's not worth it, I am sure he is maybe more but I sure can't do that now plus travel expenses. WOW I think I'm in trouble then! My insurance makes me pay the first $1000.00. Plus I still have my deductible. Oh well! That's Life!

It definitely is a lot of money.  I completely understand.  I had to pay $3,000 and I don't regret it but I also didn't have travel expenses and all that to consider.

Revision options are very limited though.  I'm sorry.

I have a tiny favor...could you use bigger font?  I have 20/20 vision, and I'm squinting over here!

Seconded!

Just curious or stupid but I chose a larger font. Is it really to small or to big? Barb