oklahoma or texas

Hey guys,

I am just starting my research on which WLS I want to have. I was decided on Lap-Band at first but the failure rate after research is to much. I have BCBS Federal Employee and was wondering if anyone had any info on getting MGB covered by insurance and/or if there are even any Drs. in Oklahoma or Texas that do the surgery.

Thanks

Eric

Hi,

I would contact Dr Rutledge's staff at http://clos.net and find out the status on insurance coverage and surgery locations.  It's a great procedure and worth every penny if they don't take insurance.  They have a couple incentive programs that you may fall into but you will need to check with them.  Good luck!

I am a Medicare patient as primary; however, I have BCBS Fed as secondary. 
They both approved my MGB.  I am in Virginia and Dr. O. Anez was my surgeon
at Fair Oaks Hospital, Fairfax, VA.  Praise to both insurance and Dr. Anez, I
am alive today!  I had my surgery 4 Nov 08 and have lost a total of 152.  I am
a new person!  Best of luck to you and be blessed!

I'm in Oklahoma City, honestly i dont know a thing about the Mini, but I was wondering why you wouldnt want the full shebang?

Have you talked to any of the area doctors?
I actually am going tomorrow to see Dr. Keith in Norman for my labs/ekg and such because i am sceduled for Feb 22nd for Gastric bypass.

Good luck to you either way :)

I would actually like to know the same thing.  What is the deal with this MGB?  I have seen tons of people on YouTube that have had that.  I am having my surgery (RNY) on 2/11.  We are very close in our date.  I am actually already on partial liquids trying to lose 20 lbs. before my surgery.

How are you doing?  Are you getting excited.  I am very much.  So much so that I can't sleep very well.  I am too busy researching and finding new ideas on how to be successful.  I am anxious about it all.  

I hope we can be of help to each other and stay in touch.

 

"What is the deal with this MGB?"  The big difference between the mini and the full GB is the size of the stomach left intact.  The stomach is made smaller and the intestine is re-attached like the RNY, but the stomach pouch is larger (not thumb-sized).  The research I have read shows that the weight loss benefits are almost identical to the RNY.  However, because you have a larger stomach left functioning, there is less dumping, fewer side effects, eating is a LOT easier, and there's better vitamin absorption in the long run.  Dr. Rutledge in Las Vegas invented the procedure (see www.clos.net) and patented the term mini gastric bypass.  He wasn't taking insurance for a long time (it was self pay only for 17k).  In reading some of the other blogs, this may have changed.  It also seems that other doctors are doing the procedure but call it a simplified gastric bypass.  A co-worker of mine had it done and she loves the results.  I was scared about the RNY.  When I heard about the MGB from her, I knew it was for me.  I'm in the process of setting my surgery date now.  :>) 

Dr Wade Barker in Dallas, TX may do it or Dr John Alexander.