Looks like I might have to Self Pay for my DS - Switch only

I am of the view that the DS is still an excellent choice, even if you still eat too many carbs.  One would usually do better with it going low carb, but, for those *****fuse to live low carb, it usually still leads to substantial permanent weight loss (that is, even after bounce-back), one will certainly weigh less than if one didn't have the DS (except perhaps if you have a DS and consume a diet of only sugar), due to the malabsorption of calories that aren't simple carbs.  I am very sorry your insurance is refusing to cover your revision.

I have the same insurance. My Fed BCBS paid for my surgery (I was a virgin DS) but the nurses tried their damnedest not to get me covered. My rep that I was in contact with was very helpful and really got after the nurses. I am sorry that they have info on you to deny you :(

My advice is get the carb monster under control. This surgery is the 'best' tool to fight obesity but it can only help you so much when it comes to simple carbs. For us being obese and mentally taking on this problem is very very tough and I know if you set your mind to it, that this surgery will do wonders for you. I am very happy you are not doing the RNY. To be honest it would have probably led you to another revision! Last thing you need is a 4th revision. WOW! That is a lot of surgeries! Dr. Steward is awesome! I am glad you are going to a good surgeon because you might have some major scar tissue and maybe other problems because you are a revision on your 3rd surgery. The switch part of the surgery is the easier part of the surgery, since you have already had your sleeve done. So that is comforting. I wish you the best of luck! Remember 22-25K is cheap for having a healthy and longer life. Just think of it as an expensive car lol This car will get you more mile though :)

Hi determineddanni,

Thanks for your advice and concern.    

If I had to self pay and I lived in OK, I would go to Dr. Ungson in Hermosillo MX.  It would probably cost 1/3 of what you will pay here.  And it costs nothing to check it out.  He is a vetted DS surgeon too and has quite a few patients around here.

Hi PattyL,

I appreciate the advice.  

I am a lap band to DS revision that self paid.  I live in Utah-my surgeon is Daniel Cottam.  I paid $13.5K.. This included the band removal, hiatal hernia repair and my awesome DS.  My recovery was uber smooth and I went back to work at 2 weeks.  I would do it again in a heart beat.  I am four months out and have lost 60 lbs. I weighed 255 (39 BMI) and am now out of the obese BMI (just overweight)  I eat 120 grams of protein, 100 grams of fat and 100 grams of carbs a day and lose 2 to 3 lbs a week.  My insurance would have paid for RNY but I had researched enough to know the long term results were not as stellar as the DS.

Julie

Hi Noodle65,

That was an awesome price!  

Thanks for the reply

I have great insurance through my employer, and had surgery in December.  I am still getting the bills, but my out of pocket is about $6,000. So, your self pay price sounds amazing!  

Ok, thanks for replying.