For an exclusion...

Does anyone know the first steps? I hope I can find those who have been through this.

as with all insurance companies you start a letter writing campaign. You have to break through the secrecy with Kaiser and find out for your area who are the doc's that are on the panel that approve or deny requests. Keep in mind every thing you write will live in your file forever. Consider carefully why you were denied. Tread lightly if it was for phsyc reasons. This is typically a battle you cannot win.....also make sure your primary is on board with your cause. He/She can also champion your cause. I was initailly denied by Kaiser, but then 3 months later without an appeal I was approved. I did not ultimately do my surgery there, but I am now back for the fills. This is not a good palce for lap banders. The RNY'ers I know however are all happy with Kaiser