Question:
I heard the VA in Los Angeles does the Surgery. Anyone had it done there?

I friend of mine told me that he spoke with some at the VA hospital in W. Los Angeles who undergone the surgery there. I would like to know if anyone has done the surgery throught the VA, if so I'm assuming it was free for Veterans. Also if you have had the VA do the surgery... will the VA also pick up the tab for post-op skin removal etc? John [email protected]    — John T. (posted on June 29, 2002)

December 30, 2002
I'll answer my own question! The West Los Angeles does the surgery. You have to have a BMI > 40 and ask your primary care physician that you want the surgery. My PCP was over at the Sepulveda VA and wasn't too knowledgeable about the surgery and initially told me wasn't sure if I would qualify since I only had a BMI of 50.1 or so and sleep apnea but no other comorbidity conditions. After he went to speak with his supervisor he returned and said I was an excellent candidate for WLS. The VA will also remove excess skin afterwards for FREE! Whooo-hooo! Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy! John
   — John T.