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ESophyx - new endoscopic procedure for heartburn - anyone have the procedure

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Posted 9/21/2007 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
I had a consultation today with Dr. Shawn Garber in New York who is one of the first surgeons in the US doing this new esophyx procedure for GERD.  He told me that 85% of patients in Europe or off their heartburn meds and that it is done endoscopically through the mouth with no incisions.  Does anyone know of anyone who has had this procedure done.  i am having the procedure in a few weeks and will keep everyone posted.
Posted 10/1/2007 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have read a lot about esophyx procedure on their website
http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=EsophyX&category=about_EGS&submenu=Esophyx

I have even contacted the EndoGastric Solutions to get more info but this procedure was not approved by FDA in the US until
very recently (don't know exactly when).

All the best and good luck with this procedure. Good thing about it is that is reversible.

Is your insurance covering this procedure (since it is new)? And, did you have to be pre-qualified for this procedure? I mean, did you
undergo any testing before Dr.Garber recommended this surgery to you.

Please answer the questions above and let us know how your procedure went.

WISH YOU all the best and good luck!!!!
Posted 10/1/2007 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes the procedure was approved by my insurance company.  I had to undergo an endoscopy and a Bravo pH probe prior to having the procedure.   I will keep you up to date about how things go.  I really trust Dr. Garber.

 

 

 

Post edited...

Stacy, I edited your post because it is against the rules to give out the website of the doctor you are talking about.

Please, feel free to continue to share what you are going through, but please, do not post his website.

You can email other members with that information if they ask for it, but you cannot post it on the forums.

Thank you for understanding!

Post Edited By Moderator (TammyGrl0528) : 11/2/2007 2:00:52 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/2/2007 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Stacyb. I had an edoscopy which showed an inflammed esophagus, hiatal hernia, and mild gastritis.

Just had esophageal manometry last week and 24 HR Ph monitoring. Waiting for results this week.

What did Dr.Garber tell you about the recovery time? How long do you need to stay in the hospital?

Any particular consequences after the surgery is done - i.e. no exercise, diat watch (I imagine), etc.

Thanks.
Posted 10/2/2007 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
You either go home the same day or sometimes spend one night in the hospital. There is no recovery. He said I can go to work the next day because there are no incisions. He said I need to be on a soft diet for a few weeks after the procedure only. Normal activity. Keep in touch.
Posted 10/2/2007 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks and best of luck for your procedure.

Unfortunately, my insurance Care First Blue Choice does not list Dr.Garber on the list. I don't know whether an insurance would make an exception if I contact them
provided I am qualified for this surgery.
Posted 10/2/2007 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
You should contact Dr. Garber and ask for Stephanie. She is very helpful with insurance issues and see what she says.
Posted 10/15/2007 5:49 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Stacyb. Just wanted to ask how are you doing esophyx? Hope your procedure went well.

Posted 10/15/2007 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
The procedure went great.  I just had a little sore throat after the procedure.  I have been off my nexium since the procedure and have NO heartburn at all.  I have to be on a soft diet for couple of weeks while things heal.  Dr. Garber really was amazing and kind.  I recommend him highly.

Posted 10/15/2007 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Great news. Hope you will feel like that forever. Have doctors recommended Nissen to you? Esopxys sounds like much less invasive procedure. All the best.
Posted 10/15/2007 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
I originally looked into the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication but didn't like the idea of having surgery. I was also told the Esophyx had much less side effects than surgery.  So far I recommend the Esophyx highly.  Keep in touch

Posted 10/16/2007 1:19 AM (GMT 0)

Stacyb:  How severe was your heartburn before having this surgery?  Did you find relief with meds? 

I am currently only 80 mgs of Nexium and supplement with mylanta from time to time.  I pretty much can't eat anything that triggers GERD: fat, tomatoes, citrus, caff.; etc. 

I recently had an endosopy that showed esophagitis and a small hiatal hernia...this procedure looks like it may be the ticket for relief. 

Hope you are doing well,

Lindsay

Posted 10/17/2007 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Nexium twice a day as well which worked most of the time but also had heartburn at times even on meds. I hated taking the meds and now since Dr. Garber did my esophyx procedure I am off all of my meds and have not had one episode of heartburn yet. I recommend it highly. Keep in touch.
Posted 10/29/2007 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
I've done some reading about this and it does look very promising. Does anyone know of anywhere else in the US this procedure is being performed? I'm in the North Carolina area and would love to find a doctor who is doing this or looking to in the future. It is so wonderful to read this success story. Thanks for posting.
Posted 10/29/2007 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Do any doctors do this in the western US? I live in Idaho....I'm looking for something a bit closer to home :)
Posted 10/31/2007 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
hi there sounds promising i might get that done myself as i,m thinkin about it thanks for the update
Posted 11/2/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I just want to give a reminder to everyone... Please do not give out specific websites for doctors. If you are interested in knowing more about a specific doctor someone is using, then please, contact eachother through email privately. Thanks guys for understanding!!! Please though, keep sharing experiences on certain procedures and things.
Posted 11/6/2007 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
My surgeon and I discussed this procedure before I decided on the Nissen. He did offer it as as option so that I would be fully informed of what was available. He recommended I not choose this procedure because it has not been proven to last and often needs to be redone. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade; just thought I'd share the reason I did not choose to take this less invasive route.
Posted 11/6/2007 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your insight on this procedure HappilyWrapped. I think everyone needs to hear the good and the bad about everything, rather than only just the good! That is my opinion, and I appriciate your opinion!
Posted 11/7/2007 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
I have two children - both who suffer from GERD.  My son who is 3 1/2 had the nissen done a few months back and is still refuxing..  He is in chronic pain - doesn't sleep - coughs - just suffers his whole life.  Does anyone know if this can be performed on children or, if it can be done post nissen?  I also have an 11 month old who is on the same track my 3 1/2 is on...  Thanks so much - I am going to try to call this doctor in New York and ask him for any information...

Posted 12/7/2007 9:30 PM (GMT 0)

Stacy, how is your esophyx procedure as of today. Any side effects? Can you eat normally now or you can only eat small meals.

I just had esophy procedure done 2 days ago in Oregon and I am in some pain right now. I also experience stomach cramping after eating liquid diet. I like to know how is your post operative result.

John

Posted 1/8/2008 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I have children that suffer from GERD boys 10 and 5 my 10 year old is very limited and could have a better quality of life if this new procedure
esophyx can be done on children. Right now were in contact with a few Dr. But I have not had confirmation that it can be done on children, does anyone have that info? The member gtwsmommy can contact me to share info or just support. It sounds like we have the same path/road to go down
JMN
Posted 1/8/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Johndo...can you definitely keep us posted on your procedure?!?!  It honestly sounded to me like Staceyb worked for this Dr Garber...just my opinion.  So, if you are being honest, please keep us informed on your progress, side effects, etc.  Are you on your feet and working the next day for real?  That too sounded suspicious from the previous poster.  Thanks for any info you can give! 

Posted 1/9/2008 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Medicine and foods can cause GERD. I have found eating dry whole wheat foods (like tricutts) cause me to get GERD; especially if I do this just before bedtime. Prednisone increases my GERD attacks. As the medicine leaves my system, my GERD disappears.

I do not believe everyone who has GERD is going to get cancer or has cancer. I didn't want that procedure done because I think it's just a new piece of equipment that doctors are trying to pay off. I did just the colonoscopy because my father died from colon cancer and also lots of people get this kind of cancer.
Posted 1/9/2008 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ceres thanks for your thoughts. I too agree that everyone who has GERD is NOT going to get cancer. People need to worry less about cancer, and go with the flow. If there is reason to worry about the cancer, doctors will tell you. I am not saying NOT to worry about it, just people shouldn't jump to that conclusion right away, ya know what I am saying?

Wishing everyone the best!
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