Question:
Has anyone had a vbg covered on one insurance, then gotten a revision covered?

I had a vbg in 1997 and I have only lost maybe 30 lbs, and that was in the beginning. I am starting to even gain that weight back. I think a rny would have been a better option for me, but my doctor back then only did vbg's. I work for another company now and have a different ins. Does anyone know of Aetna HMO covering a revision? Also, any good doctor in Houston who performs this surgery? Please help! Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 13, 2001)

February 13, 2001
I had a VBG in 1996...I lost the wight but eventually developed a restriction in 1999 and my wieght fell down to 88 lbs I was so happy to be skinny that at the time I did not realize the danger I was in..When I entered the hospital in ICU from malnutrition..I had an emergency takdowne of the VBG...Well now its 2001 and here I am with all the weight back plus a few pounds after having another baby...I recently started looking into having a new procedure I decided on the RNY..My insurance which is a different policy approved me very easily within 3 days...It seems like you should have no problem getting approved with the fact that your procedure didnt result in your weight loss....good luck...I hope all goes well...
   — Angela K.

February 13, 2001
VBG 1984, RNY 2000. Two separate policies, no problem with approval.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 13, 2001
Hi, I had a VBG done in 9/97 by Dr. Harberg. I had it revised to an RNY last May by Dr. Ferrari. He has done many VBG revisions and I have absolutely no complaints. Both of my surgeries were covered by United Healthcare although I had to appeal the revision because they initially denied it. I suggest that you contact NeWeigh because they are the experts in getting insurance approvals, especially for revisions. Both Dr. Ferrari and Dr. Jaykumar are associated with them and assist each other during the surgery. NeWeigh's number is 713-795-0200. Good luck and feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.
   — Kellye C.