Question:
Is WLS thought to be expermintal surgery? If not, how can I prove it.

Vocational Rehab is refusing me because they say that it is expermental surgery.    — robbin C. (posted on June 13, 2001)

June 13, 2001
I would go to the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. Their web address is: http://www.asbs.org. They have a booklet that was given to me by my surgeon explaining the different types of surgeries and the basics on how they are performed including diagrams. It is very informative. Perhaps it would help. Good luck to you!
   — Christina H.

June 13, 2001
you may ewant to print all this stuff: http://www.asbs.org/html/story/ch_1.html and put it in their face ! surgeries that have evolve since 1950 are not experimental ! there are long studies on them some on periods on 20+ years !
   — carou1313

June 13, 2001
Robbin, what about getting a letter from the state insurance commission stating that "they" cover these surgeries and don't find them experimental? Just an idea. Worth a try maybe. Good luck.
   — Barbara H.

June 13, 2001
Even though some of the WLS surgeries are considered experimental (i.e. mini-gastric bypass), there is plenty of documentation to prove that other WLS are not. I would do my homework and march right back there. If this is their only excuse, you may have a chance. It's worth the try. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

June 14, 2001
Robbin, check out the National Institute of Health website. They do not call wls experimental. It is THEIR guidlines that many of the insurance companies use to determine if you qualify for surgery! Be sure to check this web site thoroughly also. There is alot of good info you can get here. Good Luck, Debbie
   — deb_wls2001

June 14, 2001
That is such BS! I realize that State agencies may vary from State to State; however, they are all under Federal guidelines. What this means is, there are plenty of other State Vocational Rehab offices that HAVE paid for this surgery. I believe that you can go to the library and find other people that have utilized Voc. Rehab. I believe Texas is one of the states I have read about that has paid for it. Good luck.
   — Sharon R.