Revision?

[NewChiGirl 84]

Hi all!!

I had the band removed and was sleeved on 5/2017. I immediately had bad reflux but was told to just keep taking the meds. Here I am today 17 months out with extremely bad reflux. I’ve regained about 20lbs because only crackers and bread don’t give me flare ups. I’m choking nightly even while sleeping on three pillows and can’t eat anything without acid attacks.


I switched surgeons offices because I kept getting the runaround from the sleeve doctor. So far in the past 6 weeks with my new doctor I’ve had an endoscopy which showed a hiatal hernia, esophageal weakness, I’ve had the 96 hour Bravo ph test which showed severe reflux. Tomorrow I am having post prandial esophageal manometry to check pressures and such. My current doctor is an esophageal specialist and has already suggested he cant do much in the way of help except changing meds which he has already done. He did suggest at my next appointment with him to also meet with his bariatric partner to discuss surgery.

If they suggest RNY, is that considered reflux surgery or a bariatric revision in the eyes of insurance?

Thanks!!

[elcee 3,342]

I have a band, recently went to see my surgeon as it is no longer helping. He told me that a band to sleeve revision would not be recommended as there is a very high risk of reflux with a sleeve, apparently reflux is rare with RNY.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

A revision from sleeve to rny for severe reflux is considered medically necessary, hence all the tests to establish the necessity. It is not considered weight-loss surgery by my insurance.

[NewChiGirl 84]

Elcee I had reflux with the band as well so I’m not really sure why he chose sleeve for me, I wasn’t really given a choice. I’m really upset because I did so well with the weight loss and now if I don’t get the reflux under control somehow It’ll be a waste.

[NewChiGirl 84]

Orchids&Dragons I am hoping that is how my insurance will see this!! Thanks for your reply.

[JacquieK 12]

Just had revision October 1st to sleeve, had lots of issues with band, it hasn’t been to long but so far so good.