Endoscopic Revision

I was following a previous thread on this topic (with Dr. Thompson). I came across an article by Michael Schweiztzer at Johns Hopkins alluding to this procedure. I think Tammi had this done and others are looking into it- can I get an update.... How are you doing ? Has anyone else consulted with Dr. Thompson?? Thanks, Wendy (RNY 1999 ; going up up up)

Hi Wendy, I made an appointment today with Dr. thompson in Boston, he does a repair going through your esphogus, can make your pouch and stoma smaller. I called my insurance and they said that my insurance would cover this if i had medical necessity. I just finished with my appeal process for a revision to a band around the pouch and stoma. My insurance denied me based on "One bariatric surgery in a liftime" I gave them the codes the doctors office gave me and they said yes if medically necessary. I could not get an appointment until the middle of May. I can't wait for my packet to come in will have more information. This just seems to good to be true. If I get anymore information, will post it. Thanks Donna /RNY 2003: 243/196 NOW 250

Donna, That's great news! I'm ready to go either route- although I did so well with my RNY for 4 years. If we can turn back the clock. I'm switching insurers right now - interesting about the "one bariatric in a lifetime" Which insurer? Anyway- I'm 3 steps behind you so keep me updated. I'm just thrilled that there is hope. Wendy RNY 1999 (lost 130lbs - gained way too much)

Wendy, I have insurance through QVC, we are self insured, but we go through Independent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania. The insurance is great, I know of at least 300 people where I work that has had the surgery, I am the first that has needed a revision. I started the appeal process at 7 months post op, they just have fought me for over 2 years, I even hired an attorney, which was a waste of time and money. Will keep posting as I find out more about this. Are you getting new insurance through work or on your own? Good luck with everything, maybe I'll see you in Boston. Doinna

Did you say 300 people wher eyou work has had the surgery? That's quite a lot!

Keep us posted. I'm glad there is hope. This is probably the up and coming surgery. I am 4 yrs post op and doing great but i work very hard at it. It is a lifelong battle. Please keep me posted regarding your revision.

Thanks so much for the up beat email, I need that. I will sure keep all posted about this surgery, The doctor must be very busy, cause I can't get an appointment until May and that is just for the consultation, I have heard from a couple of people who have had this procudure they are losing weight and said it was a piece of cake. Thanks again, Donna Boney

HI DONNA IF YOU CAN GET MORE INFO PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED ALSO...YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT [email protected] OR CONTINUE TO POST HELPFUL INFO ON THIS MESSAGE BOARD. I READS IT EVERYDAY THANKS KAREN MASON

I live in North Carolina, and wanted to know if a Baratric surgeon can do this endoscopic revision?? My insurance will not pay for the lap band., Toni B

Toni, I think this is a fairly new procedure, and I think Dr.Thompson is the only one that does this procedure, it is different from a revision in that it is non- invasive. My insurance will cover this but not a revision to anything else, or I hope so. I have my appointment in 4 months just for the consultation, if your interested, I would make the appointment right away, he is very very busy. Hope this helps. Donna B