Uuuuh not sure what to do...doctors, surgeries, countries and choices

[genepha 47]

Hi all!

I just found out that Dr. Corvala, who was my front runner is going to charge me closer to 10K

to remove my band and do the plication. I had been told it would be around $8,500 but with the

band removal, it'll be more

I can have my band removed here in Cali by my band dr. and my insurance will cover it but then

I have to have another surgery later for the plication in TJ...which I really, really don't wanna do.

I, of course, will have to self-pay for the plication in Tijuana or with Dr. Watkins.

Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana can also do the plication but I don't think he uses the Endoflip which I really want.

Dr. Rod is also quite a bit cheaper than Dr. Corvala or Dr. Ortiz (also in TJ).

Finally, Dr. Cottam in SLC also does the plication and my insurance will pay for the band removal but I believe

he charges closer to 12K.

I hate making medical decisions with money in mind, but that is the reality of my situation.

So, not sure what to do, which dr. to choose or where to have my surgery.

I have an appt. here in Cali on Nov. 9 with a dr. who is considering doing the plication so I will

know more after that.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for letting me vent!

genepha

[Cknorte 7]

Ugh what a pain....having said that....I've heard that sometimes 2 surgeries are required because the band has done some damage and it takes a little time for your stomach to be able to have anything done to it, something to do with adhesion or scar tissue....so check with your Dr. for band removal here....just in case...the last thing you want is to be in with Dr. Corvala and have him remove the band and have him ask you to come back later for plication.....don't take my word for it, I didn't have the band....but have heard this happens with the traditional vsg......

I loved my experience with Dr. Corvala.....so I am biased....but have heard wonderful things about both Dr. Watkins and Dr. Cottam.....you may talk to their office and see what they can work out with your insurance, perhaps the insurance will cover anesthesia, and band removal and all you'll have to pay is the difference in cost to the surgeon....won't hurt to ask...their insurance people are used to dealing with the insurance companies....

On the other Dr.'s in Mexico, I don't have any information...so no help there.....

Vent away.....the process is so much more painful than the actual surgery.....

[DrWatkins 13]

Hi all!

I just found out that Dr. Corvala, who was my front runner is going to charge me closer to 10K

to remove my band and do the plication. I had been told it would be around $8,500 but with the

band removal, it'll be more

I can have my band removed here in Cali by my band dr. and my insurance will cover it but then

I have to have another surgery later for the plication in TJ...which I really, really don't wanna do.

I, of course, will have to self-pay for the plication in Tijuana or with Dr. Watkins.

Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana can also do the plication but I don't think he uses the Endoflip which I really want.

Dr. Rod is also quite a bit cheaper than Dr. Corvala or Dr. Ortiz (also in TJ).

Finally, Dr. Cottam in SLC also does the plication and my insurance will pay for the band removal but I believe

he charges closer to 12K.

I hate making medical decisions with money in mind, but that is the reality of my situation.

So, not sure what to do, which dr. to choose or where to have my surgery.

I have an appt. here in Cali on Nov. 9 with a dr. who is considering doing the plication so I will

know more after that.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for letting me vent!

genepha

We have done four cases of simultaneous band removal and plication. This can be done at the same operation. I also have a few cases scheduled where we are going to reposition the band (for dilated pouch) and leave it in place (deflated) and do a GPS. In this way, the patient will have a GPS and a deflated band in place. In this way, if needed, the band could be adjusted in addition to the GPS.

Brad Watkins MD

[Sadie S. 0]

how much is just the plication with Dr .Watkins ? I am so confused I am getting the plication done at the first of the year come hell or High Water but I am just not sure where ?! this is a long process but I am so excited !

[genepha 47]

We have done four cases of simultaneous band removal and plication. This can be done at the same operation. I also have a few cases scheduled where we are going to reposition the band (for dilated pouch) and leave it in place (deflated) and do a GPS. In this way, the patient will have a GPS and a deflated band in place. In this way, if needed, the band could be adjusted in addition to the GPS.

Brad Watkins MD

Dr. Watkins,

Thanks so much for your response. I appreciate the time you take to answer our questions and help us.

I did not know that the band can be left in place (if possible). That seems like a very smart idea

as a reliable back up, just in case. There is a doctor here in CA that is just beginning to do the plication

so I will be seeing him next week. If it doesn't work out, I am seriously considering going to Chicago.

Thanks for the info.

genepha