Aetna and the Lap-Band! YIPPY

4/2005 Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) and Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB or Lap-Band): Aetna considers open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB, Lap-Band) medically necessary for members who meet the selection criteria for obesity surgery and who are at increased risk of adverse consequences of a RYGB due to the presence of any of the following comorbid medical conditions: Hepatic cirrhosis with elevated liver function tests; or Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis); or Radiation enteritis; or Demonstrated complications from extensive adhesions involving the intestines from prior major abdominal surgery, multiple minor surgeries, or major trauma; or Poorly controlled systemic disease (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Class IV) (see Appendix).