More of my story

Apr 22, 2009

This is my story.  I have terrible gastric reflux.  Not heart burn per say but alot of regurg.  some esophageal immotility. Asthma form the reflux. bronchial spasms from all the reflux irritation. I have severe sleep apnea. Cannot even take a little nap without stopping  breathing and gasping for air. Wearing the cpap has improved some of the symptoms of reflux. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis mostly in my hands. Big family history of Diabetes.   Anyhow, I saw a surgeon back in September because I was thinking about having Gastric banding.  I cannot have it due to the bad reflux. RNY was his answer. Or fundoplication (anti reflux surgery) .  I didn't feel it.  I researched and thought hard and long and said to myself.  You don't need surgery to lose weight. you can do this.  I was nervous about the malabsorption stuff. Losing my hair etc etc etc.  Months went by.  Didn't go to weight watchers, didn't lose any weight. actually have gained.  So then I thought "Sleeve".  Well, sleeve is contraindicated in people with Reflux and the whole insurance issue of it being experimental.  I have a very good insurance I refuse to pay out of pocket. Iam I guess what they call a light weight. 100pounds over weight.

SOooooooooo. I went to see my gastroenterologist.  Told him what I want to do. He too said RNY is the cure for reflux but wants me to talk to this old time surgeon. Head of Surgery at Temple university in Philadelphia.  Wants him to suggest what would be best for my condition.  DS, gastrojejunostomy or RNY.  So I wait until May 8th for this appointment.  Until then I want to learn as much as I can about  all the surgeries. 

One big question... Does insurance cover DS without too mcuh fuss??

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