VA medical benefits & WLS coverage ?

I'm writing this in hopes that some of you have some info for me regarding the types of WLS the VA medical plan will cover.  Here is why I'm asking.

My mother has been having some serious medical problems due to her morbid obesity.  I'm afraid for her.  She also owns her own restaurant and "tastes" everything!  She was against me having WLS because she thought I would never be able to eat real food again.  I am very happy with my decision and I think she sees the benefits at this point.  I don't think she would be willing to have the RNY because of the malabsorption component.  I'm not even sure if she would consider Lap-band.  In fact I'm not sure she would even consider surgery but I want to talk to her about it and be armed with the knowledge I need.  With that said If you had WLS that was covered with VA benefits what were the requirements, what do you feel would be the best choice for a person who is afraid of the risks of WLS, & who doesn't want to stop "tasting" the foods she provides to her customers because they will make her sick.  I know about RNY and Lap-band but am not real clear on the side affects of VSG & DS....or even if there are other WLS available........please help me!

We have a DSr who used the VA hospital for her plastic surgery but she went to a civilian DS surgeon in Nebraska for her WLS. Southernlady (Liz and Charles) may be able to give you some info.

--gina

Thanks Gina!  There is no way my mom would pay out of pocket for this surgery.......she can't afford to......I wonder why she went out of the VA system for her DS???......

I don't know how all that works. The VA may not cover any WLS for all I know. I know Tricare military insurance only covers RNY and band...they're only about 15 years behind. lol  What other insurance or coverage does she have?

none.....and she isn't the VET......she just has spouse coverage through my step-father......

I know for a fact that Tricare only will do the RNY and Lap band, it was only a 4 month process and the requirements are lower, as far as co morbities are, than other insurances. I only had to have 1 psyche eval and it was 30 min of the DR talking, not me. The referral from my PCP with a 5 yr history of non successful trying, I had 3 ekg's done and lab work and one mandatory meeting, not even support groups.
That being said my "civilian" PCP told me that Portsmouth Naval now has one of the best bariatric teams in our area, made me feel better. Not sure what the VA would cover but I am sure there would be an out of pocket expense. I can find out in a few for you though.

Found this link http://www.move.va.gov/download/Resources/BariatricSurgery/BariatricSurgeryHandbook.pdf

It looks like if it is performed in a VA facility it may be covered. I have a friend who also had hers at Portsmouth Naval and she is a dependant and it was fully covered. Good Luck.

My Dad is a Veteran and used the VA hospital here in Dallas.  He's around 320 lbs at 6ft tall and he's talked about having WLS.  According to what he's been told by the VA in Dallas they cover WLS but they don't do it LAP which is think totally sucks.  My Dad has major health problems and he feels he cant take the risk at being cut open like that.  He's looking at getting them to do it LAP and I pray they do!