Having GERD. Will insurance cover revision if BMI IS 31?

[KeishaJolene 3]

My revision surgery was April 19, 2023 and I also have BCBS.

my original sleeve date was 11/2016 and I lost 100 lbs the first year and half. My lowest weight was 135 and I’ve maintained that for the last five years. Around my second year post sleeve I developed acid reflux and heartburn daily. When I would eat, shortly after I’d need to either throw up the acid trying to come up or I’d have to sit and tolerate the acid burning until it subsided. Daily omeprazole and tums did very little to counteract the symptoms. If I ate, it was happening.

2020 I had another EGD performed that showed Barrett’s esophagus had begun to form in my esophagus and there was a hernia. The surgeon wanted to move forward with a bypass revision but because I didn’t want to lose any weight or have another major surgery I asked for other medications to try before we went straight to surgery.

2023 in March I had another EGD performed that showed three ulcers, the hernia and worsening Barrett’s. Nothing had worked so far and my quality of life just wasn’t good. Considering I love to cook and eat, I knew I couldn’t just live with this much longer. I agreed to do the surgery.

The doctor sent over an EGD result, CT scan and upper GI to BCBS who approved the revision surgery. (My plan has Bariatric benefits) if your plan doesn’t have Bariatric benefits I would check with your insurance coordinator to see if there is another option.

I am now three days post revision- no heartburn or acid reflux at all. Painful, but on the mend.