For what it's worth, I came across this study that showed no difference in weight loss between the RNY and the ERNY. They are talking about these as a primary surgery.

I have a consult with the bariatric surgeon coming up as well as I am embarking on a new treatment protocol for the SIBO. It will be interesting to hear what the physician has to say, and I am hopeful for the results of the SIBO treatment.

Please know that shame may keep you from moving forward. I try to remember that if I did it once, I can do it again! You can too.

I was a successful lap band person for 11 years! Lost about 85 pounds. My surgeon committed suicide about 6 years ago and I had to find a surgeon to regulate my fills/unfills. I found one who happened to be good friends with my original surgeon. He took my insurance and all was well. Then my band slipped... not the kind where they unfill it and it goes back into place slippage either.... It had to be removed, emergency surgery. My insurance covered it. Doctor said no conversion until my stomach heals (it was in bad shape) 2 months... then the clock starts ticking and we have 90 days to have the revision to sleeve. Well, 2 months later (after kicking the office manager in the butt to file) I get denied... go to peer to peer and get denied again. Find out my doctor is actually now out of network (I didn't know he dropped my insurance) and UH will not cover bariatric surgery for an out of network surgeon period.
Now I am trying to find a new doctor and no one will even look at me because my BMI is 27 and climbing. Even though my surgery is supposed to be a conversion or revision. It was supposed to be easy my doctor said.
One office even had the nerve to tell me to start drinking protein drinks! WTF???
I am talking to another surgeon tomorrow to see if maybe he will have a conversation with my doctor.

I want to stick a fork in my eye as a struggle every day with food.

Mary

Thanks for the feedback guys. My benefits package states that bariatric surgery is not approved "for the purposes of weight loss". However, I do have GERD, and it worsened after the sleeve. In addition, there is something wrong with my esophagus, and I have a hiatial hernia. I know with gastric bypass, it can alleviate these symptoms. Often people get revisions for GERD. Maybe this is a loophole, maybe not. But I haven't submitted it. There has been a death in the family, issues in my personal life, and health issues. But I promise I will keep you posted. Maybe my journey can help someone else. Even if it is a denial, there is no harm in trying. Keep me in your prayers.

Thanks,

Kay

I still haven't submitted the appeal. I have been having health issues... and I think I have esophogitis. I go to the doctor soon. I can't swallow food and I have bad chest pains. May be esophagus episodes. I will keep you updated.