My GERD test is normal now what?

[nikki19rl 15]

Okay. So I had my sleeve done back in October of 2017. I was doing really well and went down to 185lbs. I’m now back up to 235lbs. August of 2018 my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed in May 2019. So I feel of track and 7 days after he passed I found out I was pregnant which was very exciting and yet extremely difficult and I suffered from severe depression and just kinda gave up. I have always had reflux and issues with being sick to my stomach. My pregnancy made it worst and I have yet to lose my pregnancy weight and I feel stuck. So I have been seeing a surgeon about a revision. I’ve had several test done. I had a swallow study which said my esophagus isn’t emptying properly and a gastric emptying study done that came back as saying I have rapid gastric emptying, and my sleeve is only retaining 8% of what I eat in under 60 minutes. My Fluroro was normal and so was my EGD except for some mild gastritis. I just finished my Bravo test ( Ph test) for GERD and it came back as normal . I haven’t seen the surgeon yet, but was under the impression that if this test was normal then I won’t qualify for insurance to cover my revision surgery . I have BCBS Medicaid of Sc. I was wondering if anyone else had similar issues and were still able to get a revision or had any advice? I’m over the reflux and I’m shocked my test is normal.. HELP!..

[mae7365 372]

I have Aetna, and the BRAVO test being positive is what I needed to get approved. But my actual EGD showed chronic gastritis and esophagitis which was also necessary for diagnosis. My esophageal manometry and swallowing study were both normal. So maybe you don't have to have all the tests abnormal for insurance approval?????

[GreenTealael 24,905]

15 hours ago, nikki19rl said:

Okay. So I had my sleeve done back in October of 2017. I was doing really well and went down to 185lbs. I’m now back up to 235lbs. August of 2018 my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed in May 2019. So I feel of track and 7 days after he passed I found out I was pregnant which was very exciting and yet extremely difficult and I suffered from severe depression and just kinda gave up. I have always had reflux and issues with being sick to my stomach. My pregnancy made it worst and I have yet to lose my pregnancy weight and I feel stuck. So I have been seeing a surgeon about a revision. I’ve had several test done. I had a swallow study which said my esophagus isn’t emptying properly and a gastric emptying study done that came back as saying I have rapid gastric emptying, and my sleeve is only retaining 8% of what I eat in under 60 minutes. My Fluroro was normal and so was my EGD except for some mild gastritis. I just finished my Bravo test ( Ph test) for GERD and it came back as normal . I haven’t seen the surgeon yet, but was under the impression that if this test was normal then I won’t qualify for insurance to cover my revision surgery . I have BCBS Medicaid of Sc. I was wondering if anyone else had similar issues and were still able to get a revision or had any advice? I’m over the reflux and I’m shocked my test is normal.. HELP!..

Wait and speak to your surgeon because they may have a way that complies the results to get insurance approval (hypothetical example: insufficient weight loss + gastritis + esophageal emptying issues)

But just so that you're aware if you are converted to RNY (not DS or SIPS), the gastric emptying time may be quicker because the pyloric valve is no longer used (unless your surgeon does a pyloric valve sparing procedure - I'm not sure those are perfomed for revisions but that's something to discuss with your surgeon).

Good Luck ♥️

Edited December 23, 2020 by GreenTealael

[nikki19rl 15]

I have blue choice Medicaid of Sc . Not sure if it’s harder to get approval with Medicaid or not. But I don’t see why insurance wouldn’t cover it? It’s so confusing. I had my appointment and now my surgeon wants me to have a 24hr Ph test where I have to have a tube down my nose and it monitors stomach acid and liver bile?? She said it’s more accurate than Bravo? I feel like she’s just milking me for money at this point. I guess my surgeon said the issue with my other test is proving my sleeves caused them. so she’s claiming I need the Ph test to come back saying I have acid reflux or bile reflux to get approval? It’s frustrating... I’m hoping it comes back as saying I have reflux or I’m afraid they won’t try to get me approved.. maybe I should get a second opinions