Hi Everyone, I am new to the site and am going to be with Kaiser through CalPers. I was in a year long process to have the Lap-Band procedure but after months of testing, dietary classes, food journals, loosing all the prescribed pre-surgical weight, and having a surgery date, the head of the bariatric unit of UC Davis decided that the Lap-Band was not up to snuff and canceled all Lap-Band procedures. Because I have IBS I am not a candidate for gastric bypass. He told me I am a great candidate for VSG however, my current HMO will not cover the VSG. I was devastated needless to say but I am switching to Kaiser this January. I wanted to know if anyone with Kaiser through the State of California has had VSG procedure? If you have will you please let me know. Thank you so much!

Michael:001_rolleyes:

This is why people go to MX. Rarely does any insurance pay for the VG. Most people are SP.

I would have checked with Kaiser, to see what bariatric surgeries they perform, before signing up with them.

If you would have selected the most expensive insurance option with CalPers, if just for a year, you might have had more luck. I think with PERS Choice or was it PERS Select? You could have gone out of network to find a good surgeon who performs the VG.

You're probably fortunate that UC Davis canx the Lap-band procedure, a lot of folks need a revision due to slippage, errosion. If anything, the VG should have been approved by most insurance co., not the lapband.

Dr. Almanez does the VG for 5K, including travel, I believe. A lot of folks here sing his praises.

Edited October 15, 200916 yr by Steph_123

Lorden - Welcome to our site, we're happy to have you as a member of the family. I can't answer any questions about Kaiser; however, I know there are members on here who have Kaiser and they may be able to help you.

Take care and keep us posted on your progress. We're here for you!

Hi Michael-

Kaiser has several Bariatric Departments in Northern CA. Each has its own policies. From what I understand the South San Francisco department will consider doing VSG on a case-by-case basis, but they do not talk about it in their classes or orientation. I would recommend calling some of Kaiser Bariatric Departments to find out if you would qualify for their program should you switch to Kaiser. I believe the South San Francisco Kaiser program is the biggest in the region and I've heard of people coming from Sacremento to participate. Kaiser also has Bariatric Departments in Fremont and Richmond. There may be more, but that's all I know of at the moment.

From what I know of Kaiser & CalPers, you should qualify for their bariatric program. Usually you need to get a referral from your PCP and then you go into their program. The program is well-rounded and provides an excellent level of care.

That's really amazing news about UCDavis cancelling all Lap-Band procedures.

All the best to you!!

I am glad to hear that the insurance co are finally turning around and authorizing the VSG..it's about time!

Michael - I have Crohn's and the Dr. I have with Kaiser said the only operation she would do for me is the sleeve due to the danger of the intestines and the medications I am on. I have been very happy with the Kaiser plan. I don't know if the insurance being through CalPers would have any impact on Kaiser procedures. I would think not, but call Kaiser and ask their benefits department. Best of luck to you, I am just getting started on this, I have 20 pounds to lose before being scheduled so I am working on getting my weight down. this website is great for info. Good luck!

Yes! I'm having my surgery done via Kaiser CalPers :-) 100% covered.

Hi Lorden,

I'm with the State and have Kaiser. I'm now 6 months out since surgery and 70 pounds lighter. Working through Kaiser was a breeze. I wasn't sure what my co-pay was going to be and was delighted that other than a few co-pays for my office visits - pre-op and post op everything else was 100% paid. It has been such a fantastic journey and I have absolutely no regrets. Kaiser sometimes gets trashed but I have nothing but good things to say about this experience. The doctors and the staff were AWESOME. Good luck on your journey.