KAISER CALIFORNIA APPROVAL QUESTIONS

VSG is a new thing for Northern Cal. I wasn't even told about it before seeing Dr. Li. All the literature and orientations discussed RNY and lap-band only. From what I understand via Dr. Li, the sleeve is has been offered selectively in a trial/experimental way, not that its experimental any longer, but that many med groups are just beginning to offer it. My guess is that in another year, VSG will be on the menu of Kaiser options.

The SSF team, by the way, Rocks. Dr Li and Dr Alami, especially. I had complications (no one's fault, I don't think), and they were wonderful, both pre-op and in the months of post-op healing. If your friend wants to pursue the sleeve, maybe she can get a referral to SSF. It's not like it's a huge shift from Fremont.

Take care!