lap band for awhile and then RNY

Remember the fella that posted a few days ago and said his doctor suggested a band first and then RNY, I accidently ran across documentation supporting that - it's brand new experimentation. Follow this link for the read: http://www.asbs.org/html/patients/horizon.html According to this link, if I read it right, the band/belt reduces the dangerous weight, reverses some of the co-morbidities first in order the RNY could be done with less risk.  Wow, I wonder if it's double the price?

The issue with 2 WLS is that unless your planning to self pay, it is very difficult to get insurance to cover it.   In some cases, people on this forum struggle for years (not months but years) just to get their insurance companies to fork over money for a life saving WLS.   While we're in it for our heaths, unfortuantely insurance companies are in it for bottom line profits, and 2 surgeries are always more expensive then one.   I was going to have the DS in 2 parts, so that I could have the whole thing done Lap. instead of open.  No one could guarantee me that the insurance would pay for part 2 of the surgery, since the VSG (the 1st part of the DS) is a stand alone WLS.   So I opted for an open sugery, and having the DS done all at one time.    It's just something to consider, would it be double the price?  My guess would be yes.   Every time you go into OR, you have to pay for OR time, and all the specialists and nurses that accompany your surgeon, and thats not including additonal days in the hospital after the operation.  Scott

Hi Bob,

Sounds like it could be good. You could have the band's smaller stoma (permanently) and the RNY's weight maintenance capability. Although, one of the benefits of having the smaller stomach is decreased appetite and positive effects for sugar tolerance (I think). I think with double OR rental fees, you can count on at least double the price...

Dave

Take a look at the VSG forum adn read what they say over there. Also read the Lapband forum alot of issues there. If you're going to do both go with the VSG over the band as it removes the hormone that causes the hunger. It can be done as a stand alone option as well. After much reading I am leaning toward the VSG over the RNY at this point. I must also warn alot of insurance companies don't cover it yet.