RNY revision to DS. Have BCBS & live in Missouri...

Hi,

I had RNY surgery on April 12, 2000. Went from 380-180, but past several years I have ballooned back up to 280 (I turned 40!)....I'm scared. I decided I want the DS, since I have read so much about it being THE surgery to have...but I can't find a Missouri Dr..I haven't gone any further than online searching, so I know I may find one if I call....I just wondered how big of a fight I would have with insurance company? I have pernicious anemia...I sometimes have low-blood sugars, but haven't monitored them to know how often...what do I need? Can I start keeping a journal, marking the times of problems and such? Or just go to the dr and let him fill something out for me? I never go to the dr....haven't been to my wls dr since a year out..:( ....So, does anyone know about Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and what do I need to declare to get the revision? Thanks so much!

Have you looked on dsfacts.com it't the best starting point for location surgeons.

These are the ONLY surgeons to consider when looking into a RNY to DS revision.  There are others listed on dsfacts.com....that list is of vetted VIRGIN DS surgeons, not RNY to DS revision surgeons.  This is the most complicated of revisions and requires a highly experienced surgeon.  Not just any DS surgeon will do.  Unfortunately, there is no one from Missouri.  You will have to travel for a revision to DS....as most do.

Dr. Keshishian, located in California

Dr. Rabkin, located in California

Dr. Stewart, located in Texas

Dr. Simper, located in Utah

Dr. Elariny, located in Virginia

Dr. Roslin, located in New York

Dr. Buchwald, located in Minnesota

Dr. Sudan, located in North Carolina

Dr. Greenbaum, located in New Jersey

Dr. Kemmeter, located in Michigan (http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/4583840/dont-write-a-surgeon-off-because-hes-not-on-the-short-list/)


Of course, the above doctors are in the United States 


Dr. Baltasar, located in Spain

Dr. Marchesini, located  in Brazil

Dr. Gagner in Canada

 

 

**Disclaimer..... Gagner & Greenbaum have had some problems (like recent patients not getting a true DS [receiving an ERNY/Distal RNY instead], or questionable practices with billing and such......) PLEASE do your DUE DILIGENCE and research, and POST questions!!!!!!

Here are links to look at...........

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/4462656/lapband-to-what-ds-or-rny/#36915162

AND

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/4447254/RNY-to-Distal-Gastric-Bypass-not-as-happy/#36775292

You will have to travel. I did and its doable. All insurance policies and coverage are different. You'll have to look at the requirements of your policy.

Good luck.

I'm not sure where you are at in Missouri, but my husband works as an ICU nurse at Heartland Medical Center in St. Joseph, MO.  He recently attended a WLS Class that was hosted by a doc that is new to MO (Can't remember where he came from).  Anyway, I am 99% sure he does the DS, but not sure about revisions.  If they are at all close to you, you might give them a call and at least find out. 

I had a virgin DS done a few weeks ago, but traveled to Mexico for surgery.

Good luck!