How to get DS after VSG 3 years ago ONTARIO

I had a revision with Dr. Gagner from a VSG to DS, however I was a heavyweight and my surgical plan was always a two stage approach.  He is an amazing surgeon and nothing against Dr. Hong whom gave the greenlight to have my surgery in Montreal, I went with the experience that Dr. Gagner has.

A lady who was there having a revision the same day from RNY was not able to get a DS as her intestines were not long enough so rather than disappoint her he decided to give her a BPD-DS I believe?  She was happy to have something instead of nothing.

I do not know where the various surgeons in Mexico are.  My mother went and has a VSG done there with Dr. Aceves (my recommendation) and she has done quite well.

It is doubtful that you would need to have your stomach touched.  Dr. Gagner did not touch mine as he said it was absolutely the perfect size at near three years post-op from my VSG.  

But staying within Canada will be the costlier option overall as others mentioned.  However Dr. Gagner is certainly worth it if experience is the top concern.

Thanks so much. Lots of info there. Do you think US surgeons would be cheaper than Gagner? Is it worth investigating?

Honestly I am not sure.  I want to say no, but I have nothing to back that conclusion up with.

If the aforementioned Mexican doctor is in the same area as Dr. Aceves it might be something to at least look into from a cost perspective.  As I mentioned my mother went and had her sleeve in Mexico and had nothing but positive things to say on her experience, but again I have no idea where these two surgeons are geographically.

And to be honest even having surgery within Canada does not guarantee post-op follow-up care will be easily accessible within Ontario.  Perhaps I've just fallen through the cracks, but I have not had any from a surgeon or bariatric centre.  I actually had to send a letter to a Ministry of Health office almost demanding that some action be taken.

And I still have no idea if the surgeon who agreed to see me in Hamilton for follow-up has any experience with the DS.  I realize that the RNY and DS are similar in essence, but metabolically they are far apart.

Personally if I were in your shoes I'd fight to even see if OHIP would cover such a revision regardless of the weight.  Your chances might be slim, but I know this could be a lengthy ordeal and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome.  I'm gearing up to battle the government over covering the costs of vitamins/supplements being that I am a low income earner and feel that ODB should cover the cost of bariatric supplements.  It's wonder how nearly 400lbs of weight loss has made me a much more assertive individual, lol.