kaiser

Hello my job is having open enrollment and the only plan that covers weight loss surgery us Kaiser. I want to have a revison to the VSG. Does it take long to get approval through Kaiaer?

There is a list of criteria for the band, RNY or sleeve through Kaiser.  Revisions will most likely be based on a "medical need".  Has your band shifted or had other major documented issues?  You'll likely need documentation about your band.  Wait on WLS through Kaiser can be lengthy at times, depending on the number of people waiting on their surgery. DAVE

Your HR department may be able to field some questions to Kaiser on your behalf.

I know that when Kaiser did my surgery, they said it was a one shot thing.  They wouldn't cover revisions or second chances.

Just like they are very forcefully upfront about not covering plastic surgery after WLS

You certainly want to confirm this with them before you decide to switch.

It depends on your area. In mine, from reviewing the packet I got when I started the bariatric program, they do cover revisions but they have separate criteria for it. In one of the classes they mentioned that they have done several band to RNY revisions because of people not losing much with the band or the band causing problems.

I second the suggestion to call HR. Find out what the plan your company has with them actually covers and what it requires. Where I am you have to do a structured 6 month program and meet a goal weight to get referred to the surgeon, but I know from reading blogs that other people with kaiser have been able to skip that if they have a recent history of supervised attempts to lose weight (here it doesn't matter, EVERYONE does the program).