Question:
Think I want Duodenal Switch - need Doc near Wash DC (using Kaiser)

Message 56756 of 56889 [ Reply ] [ Forward ] [ View Source ] [ Delete ] From: <VAmutchler@a...> Date: Sat Aug 5, 2000 2:24pm Subject: In Virginia and have Kaiser insurance Hi! I'm new to the group and have a couple of questions. My sister and her best friend had RNY 18 months ago. My sister lost 200 lbs to get to a size 4 or 6 in 6 months. I'm looking at having WLS and like the sounds of the duodenal switch because though I don't eat much sugar, the though of never having it seems like something i'd rather avoid. SOOOOO... I'm pretty sure I can get approval from Kaiser for a RNY but don't know about the DS. Has anyone gotten it approved? Is there anything I need to tell my PPO to get it? Also I don't know about finding a surgeon. Dr. Apparo Vanguri in Baltimore, MD is listed as a surgeon on the DS surgeon list, but I can't find anyone who used him for it, only RNYs. Does anyone know if DR. Gagner in NYC accepts Kaiser. One last issue, my insurance will chnage Jan. 1 to a much more restrictive policy due to a sale of my husband's employer's company. I need to get the surgery done by 12/31. Thanks a bunch. Marilyn    — Marilyn M. (posted on August 6, 2000)

August 7, 2000
Kaiser doesn't refer patients out for the D/S or do it in house. There have been a number of people here in California who have tried - even appeared before the approval board but they feel it is a riskier surgery. Maybe it's different in New York. I hope so
   — Marie L.