Lap Band and Kaiser

Anyone had Lap Band with Kaiser Insurance?  I have a cousin who is interested in Lap Band that has Kaiser and wanted to know what Kaiser requirements are for weight loss surgery (Lap band).

Hi there,

I don't know of anyone but maybe if you post the same question on the lapboand forum someone can probably be of some assistance to you.
Best of luck to your cousin.

Hello!  I have Kaiser insurance and can maybe help you out a bit!  They require 6 consecutive months of attempted weight loss history - with their nutritionist.  You will have a get a referral from your PCP for the nutritionist.  She (or he, I had Betty Valliere-Austin and she was GREAT!) will go over things with you.  You are expected to loose weight during your six months, but I think now it's only like 3 - 5%..I"m not sure which and you will have to attend 2 classes.  In order to be considered for WLS, you have to have a BMI of 40 with 2 co-morbidities or a BMI of 50 or above with no co-morbidities.  Once you've finished your six months with the nutritionist, she will submit all of her notes to the medical board for Kaiser and they will determine if they will cover WLS or not.  If they do, they will notify you and give you the referal for the surgeon they choose.  Other than having to have a physical and some blood work, that's it!  Now, your surgeon may require more from you but that's all you need.  I know the six months seems like an awful long time, but you really learn a LOT in the process and it's worth it.  It took me over a year to finish up my six months (because I stopped for a while and had to start over), but I'm having my surgery on November 20th and am extremely grateful for what I learned while seeing the nut!!  Hope this helps! 

Marnie