VSG to DS ?

If you get the VSG and you need a switch to DS how does that work?  Do they have a BMI requirment to do the switch, or will you be able to do it if you havent lost much weight?  How much does a switch cost? is it more or less than just getting a full DS?

 If you post this same question on the DS board, you will get your answers.   I haven't seen anyone so far posting on this board who has revised from a VSG to a full DS, but there are many people on the DS board who have revised from other surgeries.

Hi I was just revised from a VSG to a DS.  Had my VSG in Dec 2006, lost some weight, but started regaining. I didn't regain all my weight, so I was worried no doc in the states would do the DS with my now "low BMI".  It depends on if you are self-pay or trying to get insurance to cover.  If you are self-pay, and regaining after VSG, you'll have no problems finding someone to do it.  If insurance has to cover it, you have to meet their criteria for BMI, co-morbids, etc.
My surgeon didn't charge me the full DS price, because I already had the VSG, and we were just adding the DS to it.  He charges $26 000 full open DS if the VSG has to be redone as well.  Open DS only, no stomach dissection was $14 000 all inclusive.

Hope that helps!!

 Oh this is good to know.  I am sure I will never have insurance that will cover it.  I was worried that they would still expect like a BMI of 40 or something.  How have you been doing with the revision?

I am doing as well as expected.  Just had the surgery on Oct 27th, pain isn't really the issue, it's more the fatigue.  I go back to work Monday, I wish I could take more time but it's not really an option for me.  Kinda worried about next week, but we'll see.  Thanks for asking!

Where is your doctor?

He's in Bloomfield Hills Michigan.  Oakland Bariatrics is the name of his paractice.  He's a great doctor!!

 Good luck with work!  Hope you feel better quick! :)