Question:
What's the

Has any of you heard or been told accurate information why Kaiser is only authorizing Open RNY and will not consider Lap RNY? What happen to surgeons deciding what type surgery is best for a patient and not the HMO? Any other thoughts?    — ERICK B. (posted on May 20, 2002)

May 20, 2002
THE 3 letters HMO that's your answer right there!
   — Robin B.

May 20, 2002
The surgion I spoke with who does lap RNY said that there's a slightly higher complication rate for lap vs. open (they differ in some of the complications). I would think that's the reason.
   — Laurie Z.

May 20, 2002
I have Kaiser and was told that they only authorize open rny's that are contracted out to Pacific Bariatrics. I had my open rny at PB last Oct. My dr at PB said that Kaiser would soon be able to authorize the laps. I would recheck with PB to see what they have to say.
   — OLD RODEO C.

May 20, 2002
I was told it is because they also have to pay for a second doctor to attend.
   — Beffy W.

May 20, 2002
Hi Erick...I was told first that I was to have lap. Then informed later, closer to my surgery date, that Kaiser was not doing laps currently because they had leaks at the staples (inside) with a few previous lap surgeries. I am glad to have had open now because a leak is one complication that you DO NOT WANT...it is a major one. As far as I can see the only advantage to the lap is the smaller incisions instead of one big one. And the more rapid healing (and fewer problems) of the smaller incisions. My surgeon, Dr. Legha, is an expert lap surgeon but Kaiser would not let him do lap on me. Hugs, Joy (post-op RNY 5/2/02)
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 20, 2002
Kaiser in Southern Calif has recently starting approving LAP surgery for WL- I had an open RNY 8 weeks ago- I have had several friends that have had LAP since then and they have all been in greater pain and had more complications than I did- I wanted the doctors to open me up, lay my guts out- do it right and put me back together!! Good luck- PS I work for Kaiser too!
   — ~~Stacie~~