Question:
I know the VA does gastric-bypass, Has any one had it done there??

I'm 100% Service-connected Disabled, BMI of 52, Several Co-morbidities including, diabeties, High Blood pressure, Hyperlyphdimia, Sleep Apnea, Arthritis in lower joints, and acid rerflux disease, just to name a few. If anyone has had the VA do the surgery i'd be very interested to find out how they got the ball rolling. I already have medical clearance and a Surgeon here in my town that i've been saving the money for, but if I can the VA to pay for it, or do it, that'd save me mucho bucks...Thanks in advance for your responses. Damon    — Damon C. (posted on May 2, 2005)

May 2, 2005
Damon, Do you also carry TRICARE Prime insurance?
   — mildstorm

May 2, 2005
Damon, For a ton of reasons I would get the surgery done covered by any insurance you can. The problem with self pay is that if you have any complications or need follow-up tests etc. and did not have it done through insurance there is a very good chance that all of the after care stuff won't be covered either. I realize some do not have any choice but to self-pay but I'm sure there is a VA surgeon around who has experience with gastric bypass. I see you are in NC. There is a huge VA in Gainesville FL. I'm guessing that if any VA would have a GB surgeon, they would. Shands teaching hospital is also in Gainesville which just increases the possibility of the VA having a bariatric surgeon. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

May 3, 2005
Damon, if you have tricare they will cover the surgery and believe me it will cost you much much less out of pocket. I have tricare and the waiting list for the naval hospital here was too long so they approved me to get the surgery by an out of network provider since he was the closest one to me. I would definitely check into this. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. I can help you out if you need it as far as what to do with the insurance part of it. I hope this helps you.
   — Colleen S.

May 4, 2005
Hi Damon! Yes, VA does perform the gastric bypass operation (procedure). Due to privacy restraints, I can't name those individuals that I know. However, as the others have posted here, it would be wise to get it done if this is what you want, the best way you can. It would seem to me that since you are 100% service-connected for the co-mobidities that you mentioned, you won't have a problem with coverage or getting them to pay. Just make SURE you have documentation...even if it means requesting this information from the branch of service you were in. If you have a VA near you, and you have been/are assigned to a primary care team, then you can request your primary care provider to send a referral/consultation to both a dietitian and a gastroenterologist (GI doc) at the same time. Since you already have medical clearance, all you need to do is see that it's scheduled once the dietitian and the GI doc examine (actually just document) that you would be an excellent candidate and the urgency of how it would not only save your life, but relieve and/or improve your health. Hope this has been of some help to you! My prayers are with you and MAKE IT HAPPEN!! Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/2002 5'2" 265/178/115-126 ~~~Hadiyah, a.k.a.,
   — yourdivaness

May 6, 2005
Damon, I have a fellow Nursing student that wants to go through the VA program for WLS. I found a lot of VA/gov't info for him on getting it done, and it you email me I will look for the info to pass along to you. BTW, what state do you live in? Christy Riederer RN/BSN-S <[email protected]> RNY 4/8/04 265, -135 lbs, Currently 130 lbs (at goal)
   — Tiny Pixie