Change of plan?

 My insurance has denied VSG surgery. My surgeon will call tomorrow to discuss options. I think I can get RNY approved, so I am asking for opinions on the change. We settled on VSG because I have lots of abdominal scar tissue and arthritis (may need to take Advil in future). Has anyone else had to change surgeries? 

 Wendy, I'm really sorry that you were denied.  I'd say, don't give up on the VSG.  I think I read about someone on the VSG board that helped someone write and appeal letter and it worked!  I'd stress heavy on the arthritis angle.  Do you have any other comorbids?  Please don't give up easily if you want the Sleeve.  If you're willing to change, there are lots of RNY's here in the LW forum that are doing fabulous.

I agree with Lee, let's keep hoping for the surgery you have chosen for yourself and not be bullied by insurance to go with one you didn't choose. If the time comes when you have to make that decision, cross that bridge then. The good news is that LWs can be successful with most all the WLSs depending on their particular issues.

Good luck!

--gina

Keep fighting for what you want....it sounds like you have an underlying condition that warrants VSG....if not, RNY is still a great choice!  Good luck!!

I wanted a sleeve for some of the same reasons you do.  When insurance said not, but they would approve RNY or band, I went with RNY.  I just didn't want to wait any longer to get on with my life.  Then actually my A1c from my pre-surgery lab shows diabetes which I never knew I had so I had the correct surgery for me. 
With regards to scar tissue, my surgery took an extra 2 hrs to remove a bunch of it.  My arthritis is better, of course, I'm not running yet or anything and my have to get my exercise in the water until I get more weight off, but I haven't really hurt so bad that I have taken ANYTHING.
So good luck with your decision, but RNY is a good surgery and may meet your needs just as well.

Wendy, how are you doing?  Keep checking in with us.  Disappointment is difficult to deal with so stay close as you figure out what to do.

Sorry to hear your VSG was denied.  I would see what you could do to appeal if that is the surgery you want.  You will not be able to take the Advil/Alleve with RNY.

Our insurance would not cover the sleeve when I had surgery, but I'm pretty sure it is now covering it this year.  So maybe with an appeal you can get it approved.

I'm happy with my RNY, but I didn't take alot of NSAID's.  I do have some arthritis in my hands but have had a thumb joint replacement and don't have to take anything now.  I also had 2 C-sections and open Gall bladder removal, but did not have much scar tissue so it was not a problem for me.

Good luck.
Linda