Will insurance cover revision due to GERD if WLS is excluded?

MarinaGirl
on 9/27/18 4:58 pm
On September 27, 2018 at 7:21 PM Pacific Time, Jester wrote:

This is a really interesting topic that I don't recall coming up in the past. Please make sure to keep everyone posted as I'm sure your experience will be useful to others. I had an RNY initially (partly do to existing GERD issues), but I'm still very interested in your outcome. Best of luck!

There are lots of posts on OH from post-op patients that develop GERD or it worsens after VSG surgery. As well, many people have insurance that doesn't pay for more than 1 weight loss surgery or their insurance changes after their first surgery, which makes getting a revision difficult. This is why a number of people have to self-pay for WLS.

Liz WantsHealthForAll
on 9/27/18 12:47 pm - Cape Cod, MA
VSG on 03/28/16

I'm sorry you are dealing with this Gwen. I hope I don't end up in the same situation some day. Really good question!

Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish

Sparklekitty, Science-Loving Derby Hag
on 9/27/18 3:35 pm
RNY on 08/05/19

Same answer as you've provided to many newbies over the years:

Others' personal experiences don't mean a darned thing. Call your insurance company and ask :)

Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!

Gwen M.
on 9/27/18 3:36 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

Others' experiences definitely don't tell me what my insurance will do, but they're still reassuring and informative for me to hear!

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

hollykim
on 9/27/18 4:55 pm - Nashville, TN
Revision on 03/18/15

my insurance would not cover revision from VSG to bypass because of GERD.

 


          

 

Gwen M.
on 9/27/18 5:47 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

What reason were you given for the denial?

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

hollykim
on 9/27/18 6:09 pm - Nashville, TN
Revision on 03/18/15

my policy excludes bariatric surgery, period, for any reason.

 


          

 

Gwen M.
on 9/27/18 6:10 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

Interesting. Thanks!

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

LeslieWesleysyxx
on 10/2/18 5:30 pm
Revision on 03/14/18

My insurance does not cover weight loss surgery, but because the GERD was deemed medically necessary, it was the exception to the rule. My doctor submitted all the paperwork showing all the different options we tired before deciding on revision. This included an upper GI study and EGD as well. After everything was submitted, it took about a week to get an approval. Hope that helps.

Gwen M.
on 10/2/18 5:32 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

Thanks! That's reassuring!

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

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