Dr. in So Calif, Health Net HMO???

I am not sure if he does, you would have to ask the office about that.  I know he does the Lapband, the RNY, and revisions.  Lemme tell you, he is one doctor I felt completely comfortable about putting my life in his hands, I owe him my life.

I don't think he does the VSG. have not seem or heard the name before. I sturggled with my HMO and even told them exactly whom I wanted them to refer me to, Dr Crookes, they refused adn wanted to send me to a different Dr in Torrance who didn't do the VSG. I talked to the Dr adn explained exactly what I wanted adn she said I don't do it BUT I had to go for the consult anyway. I never did. I switched to a PPO and got to pick my Dr.

Know that the HMO/IPA may not more than likely will not refer to who you want but rather to they have an agreement with.
as far as VSG
Philipe (?) Quilici in Burbank- Did my cousins and his wifes WLS an RNY adn a LapBand.

Peter Crookes USC- MY HERO 

Milton Owens-M Rancho- Nice guy and was on the short list

also check the VSGFAQ site for a complete listinf VSG Drs in Cali.

THANKS!!  My husband won't change insurance so I'll have to work with this HMO.  :O(

I have Health Net HMO and wasn't required to do a 6 month diet.  My PCP referred me to the surgeon, than I had the psych appt and met with a Nut.  From start to finish three months.  I was approved for surgery in a week.

Lola

Ohhhh wow....now why couldn't I have it that easy???  :O)  As far as I know, there's only two medical groups in my area and all the dr.s in my area belong to one or the other of these two medical group.  So the day I got home from my stupid PCP I called the other medical group (planning on just quickly switching PCPs) and asked them what their requirement for WLS was.  I was disgusted to find out that they too have a required 6 month diet before they will refer to a WL surgeon.  Needless to say I was pissed......... >:o(

So, it's all the stupid medical group's fault.........arg..........

I have HealthNet HMO and things have gone very smoothly so far.  I started a 6 month diet in March just in case but I haven't been told it's a requirement as of yet.  I have finished all the other requirements and I'm just waiting for insurance approval right now.

My surgeon will be Dr. Charles Callery in Poway at Pomerado Hospital.  He has a website with a forum like OH- www.thinnertimes.com.  It's been a wonderful help to me so far. 

Good luck with your journey!