Hi everyone.:biggrin: Yesterday I went to the Veterans Hospital as normal for routine testing. Found out I have what is called NASH...Non Alcoholic ???? of the liver. In layman's terms Fatty Liver which can be a pre cursor to liver disease down the road, this is in addition to my high BP, high cholesterol, diabetic ... great, as far as I am concerned its just one more reason I need the surgery. And my doctor agreed. Here is the problem, the Veterans Hospital in Philly, as I found out yesterday, will only do the VGB procedure and I only want the Lap Band procedure. So I am a bit :frown:depressed and irritated. Makes me feel like I ever get is second best and as usual have to compromise. Ya I know its the depression talking. So my plan B is to try to tap into my civilian/HMO insurance. The problem with that is the civilian Dr. has never meat me, has no clue about me. The VA is very happy to send my files and test over to the civilian doctor to help out. I called my HMO yesterday and they have no provider who will take my NJ HMO over at the University of Penn in Philly (where I wanted the Lap Band done), in NJ since its a form of Medicaid.

Can they recommoend another VA hospital or civilian hospital in NJ for you to go to? At this point you need the surgery, and if you have to travel and stay in a hotel somewhere else in the state, that might be your best option.

Good luck and hang in there, something good will come about.

Can they recommoend another VA hospital or civilian hospital in NJ for you to go to? At this point you need the surgery, and if you have to travel and stay in a hotel somewhere else in the state, that might be your best option.

Good luck and hang in there, something good will come about.

Well I am registered with the MOVE program, the VA's version of weight loss program. So needless to say the nutritionist wants me to LOSE weight and of course as soon as I do that my BMI will fall just enough to not qualify for the surgery. Yes I realize exercise will be a big part of the after care, and I HATE exercise but I will have to do what I have to do after surgery. I did have a great conversation with the liver Dr. yesterday and he did put in a referral for me to see the VGB doctor, which is more then the weight lose lady did. She is trying to reach Pittisburg VA to see if they do Lap Band there? But I don't think this is a priority for her, just my opinion. I did make an appointment with the civilian Dr. on my HMO policy for mid March. But since they know nothing about me its a stretch to think they will just say O.K. and refer me. I will be getting copies of my VA health record to give to them. Hoping that will help it along.

Sorry to hear about your problems, Chell. Many insurance companies will pay your travel expenses.

Good luck.

Many obese people have a fatty liver and that's the reason for the pre-op liquid diet... to shrink it. I hope everything works out for you... fingers crossed!