Dr. K. - program fee - out of pocket?

Yes, this is something I have planned. $2,000 in my flexible spending for labs, follow-ups etc plus I will have Aflac kick in for an additional $800-$1600 depending on the number of days in the hospital. This will take care of the extra expenses in the first year... I even have the clothes planned for =D I have lots of clothes in 10s, 12s, 14s (from past diets that worked short term) and my sisters will set aside smaller clothes for me when needed (I have 4 sisters who are all size 6). But most important, I have hope that things will turn around for my hubby and that business will pick up (anything he makes is "extra" for us at this point, since we are managing on my salary)...
sorry, that was long-winded!

Just wanted to also let you know Dr. Simper in Salt Lake City, UT only charges a $500 program fee. He is also a center of excellence which I know BCBS likes.
here is the site
http://www.utahbariatrics.com/

he does is lap and has all fee's posted on the website.

i just realized...I don't know if Dr. Simper does revisions??? Something you might have to call about.

I doubt he's an option for RNY to DS just yet.

I am actually a lapband to DS. Please correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding after talking to Dr. K's office was that a lapband revision is much "easier" than an RNY revision as the lapband surgery does not alter any of the "plumbing".

Ah okay. Yes, that's the conventional wisdom, although there's no telling how it will go until the surgeon actually gets in there and sees firsthand what damage the band has done.

Thank you for the information! That is affordable to me and I have noticed great reviews for Dr. Simper as well. I am trying to choose a doctor as close to home as possible since I have a new baby and driving long distance (or flying) is still a little difficult. My plan it to have a list of 3-4 doctors and go over that list with my PCP.

Dr. Simper does do RNY to DS revisions.  I actually flew down to Salt Lake City in October for a consultation with him.  

There are a few vetted surgeons who do DS revision.  So if you cant get in with Dr. Crookes, you may have to look at travelling.   I totally understand and sympathize with you over the $4k fee.  Im in the same boat you are when it comes to that.  Good luck to you

Thanks for the info! I am doing lapband to DS so if he does RNY to DS, lapband should be no problem. Congrats on having a date! I'm only slightly jealous lol... I am just starting out and that seems pretty far away... I still need to go through the whole approval process.
Are you getting a revision? If so, do you have any tips on getting insurance approval?

Yes, Dr. Keshishian does have the $4,000.00 program fee.  Sine I am trying to get a revision from my RNY to DS -- Dr. K is one of a VERY SMALL handfull of experienced RNY to DS revision surgeons. 


Good LUCK!!!!!!
-Jamie in Alaska