I am seriously considering VSG instead of any other of the weight loss surgeries. Gastric Bypass seems too drastic, and the Lap Band to much maintenance. My BMI is 42 so my medical insurance will pay 80%. I would like to know if anyone has experience with any Drs in the Sacramento area and can tell me about what it costs. Your help is greatly appreciated.

I'm insured by Western Health Advantage with UCD Med Group. I'm having my sleeve done by Dr. Pierce at UCD Med Center. My insurance is covering 100%. I'm very happy with their staff - very diligent. The head of the department is Dr. Ali, who is the other lead surgeon. I've met him as well and was very impressed by his passion for his job.

I had my sleeve done at UC Davis Medical Center by Dr. Ali. Blue Shield covered it 100% so I do not know the cost. I am very satisfied with the outcome.

how do you add a ticker to a profile?

Dr Ali, UCD Med center... My insurance, WHA pays for 100% after my $2500 deductible + hospital fee.

it looks to me like UCD is picking up speed doing sleeves! I am so glad! When I was getting ready to have mine done, none of the nurses even knew that the Docs did the sleeve at all, many had had RNY, and loved Dr Ali and the whole staff. I was the only sleeve patient I met the whole process, although I was told that other sleeves had been done at the center. I was told that they(the sleeve) were on hold for a long while because of insurance regulations in California. I was told that many insurance companies did not cover the sleeve in California, but that is changing. There are "fellows" on staff that had assisted with sleeve surgery out of state for a few years though. I would not hesitate getting surgery there, LOTS of experience with Lap, robotics and RNY. I love teaching/research centers too. Dr. Pierce recommended I consider getting the sleeve, even though he was not performing it at the time, so Dr Ali agreed to do it for me.

Dr Ali, UCD Med center... My insurance, WHA pays for 100% after my $2500 deductible + hospital fee.

it looks to me like UCD is picking up speed doing sleeves! I am so glad! When I was getting ready to have mine done, none of the reception nurses even knew that the Docs did the sleeve at all, many had had RNY, and loved Dr Ali and the whole staff. I was the only sleeve patient I met the whole process, although I was told that other sleeves had been done at the center. I was told that they(the sleeve) were on hold for a long while because of insurance regulations in California. I was told that many insurance companies did not cover the sleeve in California, but that is changing. There are "fellows" on staff that had assisted with sleeve surgery out of state for a few years though. I would not hesitate getting surgery there, LOTS of experience with Lap, robotics and RNY. I love teaching/research centers too. Dr. Pierce recommended I consider getting the sleeve, even though he was not performing it at the time, so Dr Ali agreed to do it for me.

I have Kaiser for my insurance and they too, are paying for my sleeve, so I do not know the cost!

However, I can tell you that the Kaiser Richmond Bariatric Dept. ROCKS!! My Dr. is David Fisher and he is AWESOME! The Bariatric center in Richmond is ranked #3 in the nation for Bariatric Surgery. You can't go wrong with them!

Best of luck to you!

Kelly

Beachwithbabies, what was the process here at ucd with western health advantage? And who was your pcp I'm wanting to start the process?

Beachwithbabies, what was the process here at ucd with western health advantage? And who was your pcp I'm wanting to start the process?

Im not sure if she is still on the site. Talk to your PCP, ask them to recommend you to the bariatric unit. If s/he will do that, then you are on the road. Lots of hoops to jump through, then it gets done.

I am responding to the original post because someone else might gain a benefit from my response.

Dr. Ali (UCD) did my sleeve and I cannot say enough nice things about him. He is very skilled and very personable. I've seen a lot of doctors over the years and I can truly say he is one of the best. Because UCD is a teaching hosptial, they are always looking to improve their technique and procedures, which I think makes a difference.

I have Blue Shield of Califiornia HMO and they paid 100% of the cost of the procedure. I am responsible for paying for co-pays for both the office visits and the prescriptions. I do not have a deductible.

Dr. Eslami at Slimlife Solutions in south Sacramento was really great! The team is so motivating and knowledgeable. They are awesome!!! Dr Eslami is no nonsense and knows his stuff. I have Blue Shield HMO and had my surgery at Methodist Hospitol and it was a wonderful experience. I am 4 months out and down 56 lbs! I was so scared to go through with my sleeve but Dr. Eslami made it flawless.

Stephanie

Auburn CA

Just to tag on if UCD is not covered by your medical group. Dr. Eslami/Methodost Hospital is a center of excellence and has a really great support group that meets twice a month.