Has anyone with Kaiser Insurance obtain a Lapband.

Hello, I have Kasier Permanente Insurance. I have been told that Kaiser Permanente does not provide Lapband procedures. It seems that I can easily be approved for other Baratric Surgery, but not Lapband. This is the process I have been through so far: I obtained a referral from my Doctor for an initial screening for Baratric Surgery. I saw a Doctor who screened me for the surgery. He informed me that I am on the borderline with a 35 BMI. I have other challenges; sleep apnea, GERD, etc. 100lbs over weight. He referred me to Weigh****chers. I have Fibromyalgia and limited mobility. I have tried everything to get weight off, but it hasn't worked. I have already obtained two letters of /support -approval from my primary doctors. Membership services haven't helped. They keep referring me back to my primary Dr. My Dr's do not know what else to do. I am getting more depressed every day. Please let me know if you know anyone who has obtained a Lapband through Kaiser, or what else I may be able to do? What can I do next? KC

Just how soon is your surgery scheduled? Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

Kaiser only does the RNY (not a bad surgery, I can tell you!) But with a BMI of 35 you would need TWO life-threatening co-morbidities. You have one, sleep apnea (they want it to be at least "moderate" as well...in Northern CA Kaiser anyway, this may be different in SoCal Kaiser). As far as lap band...I really don't know. A loan, self-pay...not great prospects, but Kaiser only does RNY and we're limited to that. If you want the RNY, keep pushing...but expect a fight. Do you have any other life-threatening co-morbidities? Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy, uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled high blood pressure? There are others...but can't think of them right now. Kaiser has a booklet that explains everything that you need to gain approval that you can get from their Education dept. If I remember correctly it's entitled "Gastric Bypass Surgery for the Severely Obese"...it's a little purple booklet. It will tell you what they require. Much good luck to you. Hugs, Joy

I believe the best place to get an answer to your ? is the Lap-Band forum. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts.html Good luck!