Alot has happened...

Apr 19, 2009

Alot has happened since my last post.  I've been having major reflux problems for the last 6-8 months.  I appear to have a small hiatal hernia that went undetected prior to my band surgery.  My band has been empty for most of that.  I gained 10-12 lbs back and I'm not a happy camper.  The empty band helps with the vomiting but not so much with the regurgitation in the middle of night.  I wake up choking - it's very scary.  About 8 weeks ago I decided to get just a small fill - I was so disgusted with the weight gain I was desperate!  About 4 weeks ago I had to have it removed - the regurgitation was crazy!!  After much discussion with my surgeon, we decided a revision was in order.  I did so well with the band, and I was afraid that without it I would be back in the same boat again.  The hernia needs to be repaired, but in order to do that the band has to be removed and most likely won't be able to be put back on due to scar tissue (I also had my gallbladder removed, so there will definitely be scar tissue).  First I decided to go with a Vertical Sleeve.  I knew deep down my insurance company wouldn't approve it, but it was worth a shot.  Got turned down.  After a few more weeks of suffering, I decided to go with RNY.  My surgeon was sure that procedure would get approved.  He had just come from a conference where the main subject was revisions and felt confident he could get an approval.  Sure enough - he did!  Actually, it appears they are leaving the type of revision up to him, so if I still wanted the sleeve he could do it but he doesn't think the sleeve is going to resolve my reflux issues.  If I'm going for a revision, I want EVERYTHING corrected, so it looks like it's RNY for me.  I'm scheduled for 19 May 09.  I'll try to keep up with my postings!

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