Safe and effective are two different things. The surgeon who did my original sleeve erred, I believe, on the side of caution and left me with a huge sleeve which I was, of course, blamed for stretching out. While it's true I had zero problems afterward, I never came close to the expected weight loss. I went back to him (Kaiser) and he offered to revise me to an RNY, but then I did some research and came to the conclusion that the DS would be better for me. Fortunately, another doctor at Kaiser does the DS and I was given no hassles about wanting a revise (which, to me, was a tacit admission that the first guy was too conservative).
Frankly, I wish the original sleeve had worked because the DS is still more draconian then I wanted to go, but it is what it is.
I can absolutely understand your frustration. Seems you have a few choices:
1. Explain you're out of money and ask the doctor nicely to do your revise pro bono (highly unlikely, but you can ask)
2. Sue the doctor to get your money back so you can get a revise elsewhere. Sometimes, the insurance company will settle as it's cheaper than going to court, but, of course, you probably need some claim. In California small claims court covers up to $10,000 and it's cheap, easy and lawyer free. Check with Diana Cox. She knows about all this (but I think that would be tough)
3. Save up some more money and get a revise.
4. Go on a paleo diet.
5. Accept that you're not where you dreamed of being, but you're in a much better place than you were.
Best to you...
MM