M B.
RNY Revision - Overstitch ESG the process begins Aug-Sept 2019
Oct 15, 2019
I am not please with the ObesityHelp website at all. I try to add a blog and it times out - repeatedly.
I am 16 years post RNY. Weight 226
August 2019
In August I met with a specialized surgeon to review my required annual medical tests for a non-RNY related medical issue. During that visit, I told the doctor that I was disappointed that my 2014 intrathoracic hiatal hernia repair with mesh in 2014 disqualified me for RNY revision. I was sure that my pouch wasn't really a pouch anymore. I was elated when he said - "don't you know about endo-surgery?" "If you find a good surgeon, you could probably have this type of revision". I spent all of my free time researching the Overstitch procedure, surgeons, facilities and costs.
I subsequently met with my own doctor to discuss the revision, and with a bariatric surgeon. My doctor ran all of the usual annual medical tests which included bloodwork and an EKG. I was due for a cardiologist visit for a stress test and ECHO so I got that out of the way. Due to my other medical issue I needed a Flouroscopy and abdominal MRI. My insurance covered all of this.
I was referred to a bariatric surgeon by the specialist. He does not yet offer the Overstitch, but he knows my medical history, he is qualified to do Overstitch, and he could give me sound advice. After reviewing my tests and discussing realistic weight loss expections with Overstitch, he agreed that I was a solid candidate.
September 2019
I am a self-pay patient. My insurance doesn't cover Overstitch right now. I reached out to several doctor offices offering Overstitch. Many doctors have a two month plus wait for just a consult. Self-pay pricing ranges from $6,200 to $14,500. Some take patients who need to travel for the procedure, some don't. I found that programs affiliated with hopitals or hospital owned outpatient surgi-center ran $4k-$5k higher than the few physican owned surgicare centers across the country.