Any Veterans out there? I was in the Air Force and am wondering if the VA would pay for lapband surgery. So far, looking at VA websites, I don't see any exclusions. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience getting this done by the VA. I have United Healthcare where I work but my HR dept has excluded WLS so I doubt that I can get it thru them. I live in Missouri so Kansas City VA or whatever they have at Columbia might be an option for me although I don't mind traveling farther if I need to. Thanks for any input!

I've heard people mention that they went to Walter Reed for banding. Wish I could be of more help.

Thanks, WasABubbleButt! I am going to get registered at a VA center next week and see what happens next. I don't care where I have to go, it VA will cover it, I will do it!!

I'm a 100% service connected...many don't know what that means but I'm sure you do.

All the research I did thru the VA resulted in banding can be done if you live in a ZONE that does it. VISN...I think they are broken down into zones. Do a search thru the va.gov site, facilities, and each one lists their specialties...you will see bariatrics. If you don't see it, call and ask...they will tell you straight up.

After I found this information I tried to get in... NOPE. Move program was implemented w/ the VA and it's a year long program or more.

The VA doesn't mind doing spouses...but I've found it difficult to get them to do a vet.

I gave up after 2 years of trying. I went to Mexico for $7,000. And let me tell you...I wish I would have done it sooner. The VA isn't all it's cracked up to be. I steer clear of them when I can as I don't feel they provide adequate or efficient treatment to vets.

Good luck!

Oh, just to add....

some VAMCs work in conjunction w/ university medical centers

Like Durham VA w/ Duke

Salt Lake City w/ USU

Boston w/ ...I can't remember the name of their school...sorry.

Check out VAs and the university connection.