Question:
Anyone have Rochester, NY Blue choice and gotten approval for Duodenal switch?

I have an HMO that considers DS experimental insurance yet are really good about approving WLS as long as it is RNY. Anyone ever taken Blue Choice on and had a success with going out of network for surgery and hospital? Help! Thanks.    — Faith M. (posted on September 8, 2002)

September 8, 2002
I don't want you to take this the wrong way but I was wondering why you would want to do the DS rather than the RNY? I am only asking because I have heard so many bad things about that type of surgery vs. the RNY. Although bad things can happen with that surgery too, I think the frequency is much higher with the DS. I just read a profile the other day of a woman who had to have a reversal recently with that type of surgery because she couldn't stop losing weight. Just something to consider before you make up your mind.
   — Laurel C.

September 8, 2002
I agree with Laurel! The lady she mentioned has really suffered bad. Personally I don't think the DS is worth the risk. I don't know if I'll ever get to goal with the RNY... however I feel I have a reasonably good chance of maintaining most of the weight I've lost. And I have had plenty of nutritional problems (Potassium, B-12 and possibly iron) with the RNY. I sure would'nt have wanted surgery more extreme than the RNY.
   — Danmark

September 9, 2002
I think it is personal choice....I am planning on the DS because I DO NOT want dumping, marginal ulcers, and a part of my stomach inaccessible. I have no will power now, and I doubt I ever will. I also do not want to worry about the possibility of gaining weight back, as RNY patients frequently do (higher percentage than with DS), and I want to be able to eat more like a normal person without having to chew a peice of meat for 20 minutes...eeck! Yes, we all know there are risks with any type of surgery. And everyone is quick to mention about "the lady who had DS and suffered" but what about the numerous patients who "had the RNY and suffered" or "had the RNY and decided to have a revision to DS after they gained a lot of weight back". Anyway, I will get off my soapbox. You did not ask RNY vs. DS. Obviously you are aware that the DS is far superior to RNY..or as I've heard with RNY.."the gold standard is getting tarnished". I am going through the approval process too, so I wish you the best of luck. My approval is being sent in the end of this week after my second consult with my surgeon. Here are some terrific sites for you to check out. These were given to me by a friend and a patient of my surgeon's who is fighting BC 1st Priority for a DS. Please email me if you need anything else. Again, good luck! http://www.gr-ds.com/Comparison_Table.htm http://www.growley.com/mywls/appeal/research-appeal.html
   — Brenda L.