Hello and thank you for being here.
In 2021 I had Gastric sleeve surgery. Everything went very well and I have had success with my weight loss and overall health in healing and recovery.
This past year, I started feeling a little acid reflux. At first it seemed to be manageable but with medication. I then started to come off the medication because it really isn’t meant for long term use (past six months for surgery) and then it is a two week treatment as needed. It stopped working for me. The acid turned to burning and cramping. It has gotten so bad that even a plain glass of water can trigger the burning and pain. I can’t sleep without two heating pads on front and back to help calm cramps and sharp shooting pain. I have other issues this is causing as well.
After careful evaluation, examination and different treatments, methods of healing, unfortunately it has become worse.
My surgeon and two other respected surgeons have given me the same opinion, to have the ROUX-EN-Y revision surgery.
My insurance will not cover it. And surgeons won’t perform the surgery because they are referring me back to my surgeon. I’m very pleased with my surgeon and need to see him as soon as possible.
I am trying to set up this procedure for the end of May.
Everything is out of pocket. The total cost for travel, procedure and maintenance for two weeks post operation to heal is $10,000.00
If you are able to assist in any way, I would really appreciate it. If you’re unable to donate, I completely understand, please share this. You never know who is able to assist.
Revision to a past sleeve can also help alleviate symptoms of reflux or GERD. Studies show there is a higher percentage of sleeve patients who have heartburn / GERD after surgery, even if they never symptoms before. If the reflux is so severe where medical management is not adequate, then the standard of care is to convert the sleeve to a gastric bypass in an effort to divert acid / bile flow away from the stomach. Untreated the patient can develop Esophageal Cancer.
Thank you so much for reading and being a part of this journey. I’ll be sharing everything on my social media platforms- Facebook and Instagram.
Much Love and Appreciation
XO
Maria
