Vertical Sleeve

Does anyone know if Dr. Overcash performs the vertical sleeve sugery? His website doesn't mention it. I believe that he's the only physician that my insurance company, UHC, approves. Thanks much!

Does your insurance approval the vertical sleeve gastrectomy? If so then they should be able to refer you to someone who does it. Red

Thanks Red. I'm just now beginning my research on the different types of surgery and I'm getting so excited that I'm probably asking questions totally out of order...LOL. Maybe I should calm down and contact my insurance company first.

One would think it would probably be a good idea to find out what your insurance covers first, but that might be self-limiting. It is also a good idea to get to know all of your WLS options -- even those that insurance does not cover just so you know what is available and then you can chose the surgery you want -- then find out if it is a covered benefit. If it is not a covered benefit you then have the option of waiting to see if it becomes a covered benefit, self-pay, or choosing another surgery. But at least you will know everything that was out there. If you only focus on what your insurance covers, you may not know about other options. Right now the I suppose the top surgeries would be the RNY, LAP Band, Duodenal Switch, and the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. At least those are the ones I am aware of. I know that there is also a mini bypass but you very rarely hear anything about it. Red

I don't know but you should visit the Vertical Sleeve forum and ask your question there. UHC has other surgeons who do the Sleeve. Mine is Dr. Liberman in Naples.

Hi Sheri, It is my understanding that no insurance currently covers the sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss because it is still considered experimental. Heck, Aetna just started covering Lap-Band last February, and the clinical trials were in the 2001 timeframe. HTH, Kristen

There are a couple of surgeons down here in Miami that are doing the sleeve and it's getting quite popular. My good friend just had it in October and she's very happy. She had originally wanted the lap band about 3 years ago and very glad now that she never got that surgery. I could have switched to the sleeve but felt the bypass was best for me. Anyway, good luck on your search! Take care, Jeanne

What is the vertical sleeve. : - D