Cost of revision from band to DS?

I was banded 9 months ago. I lost 25 pounds during the first 3 months, but despite following the rules and exercising I haven't lost a *($^&* thing is the last 6 months.  Just keep bouncing between 189 & 194.

I would like to have a revision to DS, but I don't believe my insurance will cover it.  I know the cost varies by location, but could any of you tell me how much you paid for revision?  Also do you know of any Doctors in Missouri or surrounding states that do DS.  My surgeon only does band & RNY.

Thanks

Karen

I'm sorry the band didn't work out for you. I hear that often, and many on the DS board are revisions from other surgeries, so I'd ask this over there. There are also a few people who are particularly sharp and helpful with insurance issues, and I'd ask about that too. Good luck!

Thanks Bearmon, I'll give that a try.

KJL

 Hi,

Bearmom is right, check out the DS forum. I was a revision from the VBG but went to Brazil because I was a self pay and we don't have surgeons in Canada in the West who do the DS. There are lots on the DS forum that can help you steer the  WLS waters. Good luck,

Heather

Thanks Runnergirl.  I hope I don't have to go all the way to Brazil to get mine done. 

KJL

Karen,

I only lost 16 lbs on the lap band, then gained back 13 lbs.  Had my surgery on 04-04-08. 
On this website, check under Forums, go under surgical forums then go to Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forum.  I'm sure someone on that forum would be able to shed some light for you.  I too am getting a revision from lap band but I want a RNY, according to Dr. Gorospe in Tulsa, Ok, he has done over 4000 surgeries, RNY is the gold standard for WLS.  I have BCBS Federal I know they are going to pay for the revision.  Best wishes to you.





    

Sorry to hear it's not working for you either.  I'm going for DS because I apparently I need the malabsorbtive aspects of the surgery to get rid of the weight and because I want the doctor to actually remove the unused part of my stomach so it won't keep sitting there saying "I'M HUNGRY". That part of the stomach is left in with RNY.

Good luck with your revision.

KJL

Karen,

I'm also seeking a DS from a 2001 RNY.  I have an appt. with a surgeon on Feb. 3rd. 

I agree about posting on the DS board - those gals and guys know their stuff!!! 

Best of luck!

did anyone answer the original question the cost please! why is that when this question is asked everyone always freeze up or change the subject or acted like it's ancient chinese secret hun! lol lol lol lol!

 Hi Karen,

I don't know if a revision from Lap Band to DS is more or less expensive than the revision I had, but the self pay cost I was quoted was $34,000.00 by Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. I got revised from a 1980 gastric bypass which is what RNY was developed from. My stomach was stapled but not separated, but I had all the classic RNY problems ie; dumping, getting my stoma plugged up, couldn't take Ibuprofen or any other NAIADS etc. 

Anyway, my actual costs were about $40,000.00 because I had some complications; had a second surgery and stayed in the hospital an extra 4 days. All in all, the $40k is probably the best spent money I've ever spent and the best investment I've ever made. My surgery was on Sept. 17, 2008 and so far I've lost 67 pounds and I feel great, my only regret is that I didn't get revised to DS years ago. I love my DS

Kerry