MEDICAL UPDATE CHAT | VLUNE DAY 26

[@natashasanders8785]

Hey Emily! I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia when I was about 23 years old (I'm 41 now). So I understand some of what you're going through. For me, the tip of my stomach is pushed up into the bottom of my esophagus. At first the doc thought it was gallstones because I had pain in the diaphram area. I've been on 3 different prescription medications (over time since I was diagnosed) but eventually quit when I decided to focus on eating better--which meant no strong coffee on an empty stomach and not overeating. 😣 And for me, that made a world of difference. I'll have bad flare ups when I eat tons of fried foods or too many tomato-based meals in a row. With the political and racial tensions in the world, I was getting so stressed that I wasn't sleeping or barely eating and the pain came on with a vengeance. I had to get back on meds and thankfully they're working. I am going to have to adjust my eating again going forward and work on my stress levels. And probably sleep at an angle on a wedge pillow for quite a while longer. 😭 I really hope you find the combination that works for you to heal/correct the problem. ❤

[@oodledoodle]

I'm a super long time lurker of yours (like years and years and years haha). I appreciate you sharing your health journey with us. Hoping for you that the medical weightloss will help. I remember my mum telling me once that she felt like she was having a heart attack but it ended up being a combination of reflux and indigestion. So I really feel for you, seeing her in that pain was really scary. Really love your videos Emily, and your vlogs have kept me going during lockdown! Lots of love from the UK xx

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Thank you for watching and lurking 👀

[@planwithelizabeth]

our healthcare system is so frustrating, I hope you find relief through your next steps and journey

[@rachelgibson1858]

Hiatal Hernia is where part of your stomach comes up through your diaphragm. Meaning the natural hole in the diaphragm where the esophagus goes through to your stomach below is enlarged and allows the stomach to come up above diaphragm causing it(stomach) to be herniated.

[@momof2momof2]

I'm not a medical professional either, but I am a Mom. There have been times when a doctor has wanted to do something that was just wrong. One was concerning my daughter when she was a child that would have harmed her for the rest of her life. Be careful, be very, very , very careful when it comes to doctor's opinions. I would get another opinion, and maybe 3 or 4 more. As far as going to Mexico, You have absolutely no recourse if surgery or care goes bad there. There are plenty of cases where this has happened. My Mom advice? Cut out the taco Bell, tomatoes in all forms, and any other high acid, high fat or strong foods, try a bland diet with plenty of fiber for a month and see how you feel. I think trying a more natural approach is a much better way to heal yourself. Stepping off my soap box now lol, I wish you all the best.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

I have tried all those things. But that you for your opinion. I have seen several medical professionals for my stomach issues and they have ALL said that this surgery is the only things that will help me in my current situation. :)

[@takemetothebeach2001]

I know it is frustrating but it could be a blessing in disguise. Having had this procedure, I am shocked the doctor is recommending this surgery (even though they say it's the cure all for your issue). I am assuming the insurance company is strongly basing their decision on the fact that you likely don't meet strict guidelines for it. I think you would lose way to much weight and possibly develop other issues. Not trying to be a Karen but just wanted to give you perspective from another person who had the surgery. The insurance company has good reasons behind their decision I'm sure. I know it's frustrating though. I would research the keto way of eating personally.

[@takemetothebeach2001]

And...the simple hernia repair doesn't have the same repercussions as the RNY. Way more complex.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

@@takemetothebeach2001 Yes. I completely understand. The physicians would not have let me into the program unless they were confident that this was the last resort. I went thru the entire process and learned about everything. After several months I made my choice as an informed patient.

[@emilybannon1943]

That sucks! The American system is definitely flawed. It doesn’t make sense if you pay premiums and it’s medically necessary. I empathize as much as I can with you as someone who lives in Canada.

[@JeanetteMoser]

I just recently discovered your channel, so this is the first video related to your health that I’ve seen. That sucks so much about your insurance! The fact that they would cover one procedure but not the other is so frustrating. The silver lining is that It does sound like you have a great team of medical professionals who are on your side. I hope this medical weight loss option proves to be helpful for you!

[@ka6309]

Gosh, that sucks! So sorry you have to deal with both the health and insurance problems.

[@kfisher008]

I’m so sorry it didn’t get approved. US insurance is for the birds. Hoping the medical weight loss helps and you get an approval the first of the year. Sending positive vibes.

[@TheLisaMarie0505]

I am so sorry. This surgery sounds super promising and I have a few ideas? Maybe contact the health authority for your state and make a complaint. I know complaining to a body the insurance company reports to often forces them to reevaluate their denials. You can appeal the decision. You can get an attorney and prepare to sue for denial in bad faith. Good luck ❤️

[@winkelmann248154]

I’m so sorry that migraines, er visits and multiple side effects are still “cheaper” than the surgery that would help. It took me 3 years to finally get Botox approved for my migraine treatment. My friend had hiatal surgery and it’s already “undone” basically so it didn’t even work for her and she said it was incredibly painful 😱🤭🤭😭

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

I'm so sorry your friend has to deal with that. Sometimes the standard surgery fails over time

[@winkelmann248154]

Favorite Daughter Emily yea and like a month later she was in a car accident and broke her wrist and needed surgery so I’m sure that didn’t help at all

[@Jen-lo8zp]

There's a lot of medical reform needed in this country. I am sorry this is your experience. Have you considered shopping for a different insurance during open enrollment? Best of luck on your new avenue and I hope it provides you relief.

[@moniquehowell6610]

We are in similar situations. August makes 1 year for me as well dealing with globus sensation of unknown cause. I have had an endoscopy, and now doing the esophageal motility/pH testing soon. Have tried various acid blockers with no success. Also went to the ER twice in the last few months with chest pain. It's so scary. Praying for you, because I know how frustrating all of this GI stuff can be. Hugs!

[@NickNicks-jc4vd]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this! And I hope you feel better! Did anything help? I’m going through the same

[@MacsGoldenLife]

I’m sure you’ve been asked this before but have you thought about a Plant Based diet? It’s pretty strict but it might help you feel better. You might ask your Dr about it.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

I have tried eliminating things from my diet and nothing has helped so far. I'm sure we will be working on a super strict diet moving forward

[@makes-allsorts]

Of course wishing you luck sweetie and everything crossed 🤞 that things workout xx

[@kimberlyminsu7613]

The RNY has saved a lot of lives!

[@emilydufresne2432]

Bummer you didn't get approved. I just don't understand why your insurance company doesn't see that having bad acid reflux is a quality of life issue like you don't want to live like this forever & surgery would help & to prevent any further damage to your esophagus & stuff.

[@lenat946]

I'm sorry😔 i hope u will request the credentials of the medical board who denied u this procedure. Good luck with the upcoming weightloss journey ❤😁

[@hannahcrichton7116]

Awk Emily this is rubbish, i hope the medical weight loss helps ypu feel better, it upsets me do much here people in the US not getting the help they need because of insurance or people who have enormous bills after ending up i the hospital. It really makes me appreciate living in the UK. As much as we complain about the NHS and wait times at least treatment for the most part isnt decided by cost. I hope you do feel better soon x

[@sherrye3462]

Sorry to hear that you didn't get the news that you deserve. Good luck with the medical weight loss.

[@carriewalker1088]

To save you some money, Medical Weight Loss is basically low fat keto plus not very appetizing supplements. I've done it twice and gained the weight back. I'm not telling you not to do I'm just offering my experience.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

These appointments are covered by my insurance. So sorry that it was not successful for you.

[@carriewalker1088]

@@FavoriteDaughterEmily I never knew insurance covered it or at least mine didn't. I'm glad it's covered for you. It's very restrictive that's I think it didn't work for me.

[@laineybugger]

I’m sorry friend, how frustrating! I really hope this helps, at least to make you feel more comfortable until you can appeal again after the first of the year. I have my surgical consultation Monday about removing my ovaries.

[@xmardi.louisex1057]

I’m not sure how the insurance system works in the US as I’m located in Australia, is it an option to move to a different insurance company that may cover it? In Australia we have “waiting periods” before being able to utilise a particular part of the insurance, would that potentially be an option? I’m so sorry to hear you haven’t been approved, it amazes me the difference in the medical system between our countries :(

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

There is no option for me to move to a different health insurance company at this time. I had my HR department at work look into it.

[@dawnnakamura8971]

Hope you are doing better. I am watching this late

[@dianeb9435]

I hope everything works out well for you

[@MacsGoldenLife]

Oh by the way, love the shirt!

[@sportsgrl42]

Also you should be able to request an independent review NOT thru the insurance company. It would go to a company like mine.

[@gailevans2635]

ah man, Im so sorry to hear this. I was really hoping you would get approval. So this may be a weird suggestion but due to a situation my family was in I emailed our states governors office. I was so shocked when I got a reply in just a matter of like an hour or so and they got the head of the states medicare office to get in touch with me also almost immediately. The governors office is really in the business of assisting citizens with issues. Maybe they could help you figure out how to get some help. Now Im in Ohio and yes this all happened while the governors office was balls deep in Covid stuff. Just wanted to make a suggestion as a last ditch effort, perhaps of putting some pressure on the insurance company...I dont know...I dont think you have anything to lose by sending an email plea for help/assistance. Im not a big "prayer" person but I am sending you good vibes and hoping you get some help. Frankly I'd "Karen" the shit out of this.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will consider it, if the new treatment is not successful :)

[@iamdanamarie]

Have you sought a second opinion on whether the hiatial hernia surgery would actually work?

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Yes. I have seen several medial doctors regarding this issue and they all this the surgery is the best option considering my specific case

[@jadejoseph-bular8246]

😞 I’m sorry to hear this, friend. Ugh I was hoping you’d get better news.

[@jenp4316]

I'm sorry, Emily. It's a shame that insurance companies have so much control over people's wellbeing and quality of life.

[@ashley6777]

That’s makes no sense they won’t do surgery. I’m in Canada and they hardly ever do surgery. Meds aren’t working for me and ph showed acid. I was offered surgery NF

[@volcompunk58]

I have crazy reflux as well. Things that irritate me I just stay away from but sometimes I just want to eat something so I suffer. Tums are my best friend. Sorry you got denied. I don’t want to go to the doctor for it cuz they will just tell me things are normal or to lose weight too. Like gee thanks doc. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@sportsgrl42]

You can request a retrospective appeal for medical necessity in January. I work for a company that handles medical appeals if you choose to pay out of pocket for the surgery. I will send you an IG dm if you want more info.

[@mandyonabudget568]

Ugh insurance is the worst especially when it comes to quality of life issues.

[@yvettepritchard3983]

I am sorry honey I have issue with it to .

[@gericheng3156]

Such a flawed system. So frustrating.

[@angietexian1125]

Eat healthier and meditate to reduce inflammation in your body ...