Fremont Kaiser....

I had a surgical consult last friday with Dr.Hahn.  He said they don't do the VSG cause they consider it "experimental".  Does anyone know FOR SURE if Kaiser Richmond, or So.San Fran DOES offer the VSG as an option?  I know that Los Angeles does, butt I don't think Ms. Shell wants me campin out on her floor......

Iam also checking out the DS, and DO know that I'll need to asppeal it with kaiser, and I've been getting help in that area.

I've been at this WLS stuff for over 2 yrs. now, and just am too tired to go into allota details here...

Thanks for your help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm confused are you trying to get the VSG or the DS? The DS isn't considered experimental and you don't have to have a BMI over 50 or 60 to get it. My BMI is 46ish and I got approval through the DMHC on 12/30.

I know some insurance companies still consider the VSG experimental, but there are some that are approving it. If you have a condition that contradicts getting the RNY or DS. If you want help appealing the DS I can help you with that, if you're interested, but I don't have experience with the VSG. There are a couple of people on the insurance board who have been able to get their VSG approved by BCBS and I know there have been a couple on this board who have been approved through Kaiser. Best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me if you need help.

I've heard stories about Kaiser... it seems to be a crapshoot if you can get them to give you the VSG up here in NorCal. It also seems to matter which surgeon you get, what story you get.

As for the DS, it doesn't matter what they say because the DMHC will make them give it to you, if you want it. But I don't think they'll make them do it in two-parts, so it's not a way to get the VSG out of them.

I was kind of annoyed when I found out that my medical group only does bypass, but now that I've been around the block a bit, I'm actually glad they are honest about it instead of dabbling in other surgeries while pushing everyone they can to the surgery they want to do.

I had my rny in july 2008, at that time at group they informed us that Kaiser Fremont would begin doing vsg and some of the group folks were waiting for it. on the kaiser fremont online support group, someone is on there letting us know that Dr. Dutta is going to do her vsg (posting as of 9/2008) so I'm wondering what the heck is going on? did kaiser change their mind about doing vsg?
EDIT; i just went to the kaiserfremont yahoo group and read that the lady had her vsg in november 2008. so don't know why they told you no!

Hi,  Ya they are doing the VSG, but only if one has a medical reason as to NOT have an RNY.  The lady who got it in Nov. had adhesions....Thanks so much for your reply.  Could you tell me how to get to the kaiser fremont online group?

 

sure here's the link http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Kaiserfremont/  Rosemary from the support group is in charge of the online forum.

Maybe you have a family jistort=y of arthritis and will need NSAID later in life, or pain meds. Those would be acceptable medical condition to get the VSG

Thanks Mobile...I tried, nada....lol