Question:
Does anyone know if Kaiser-north, pays for any plastic surgery ?

If so, what do they cover and under what guidelines/requirements ? How do I start the process ? I am 2 years out, and have excess skin on my arms. I have a history of getting boils [under my arms, and the fold of my stomach] and take medication for it. Will this help ? I have lost aprox 130 lbs, and I am being to feel like I am "flapping". LOL Any idea's ?    — Sherry S. (posted on January 18, 2004)

January 18, 2004
Hi there! Major congratulations on your weight loss!!! The flappiness has to be a bummer--so let's deal with that now!! :) First, you'll need to talk to your surgeon--usually, they have a list of plastic surgeons that they can recommend. Or, call your insurance provider, and ask them, if after gastric bypass and a 130 pound weight loss, with the problems you're having with boils and the meds you're needing to take--will they cover removal of the excess skin from your arms/tummy. I think you'll have more luck with the tummy tuck than the arm surgery: it's hard for the insurance companies to call the arm surgery anything other than cosmetic--even though it is! Finally, look on this site under plastic surgeons in your state, and find one--then ask if they take your insurance. Best of luck to you!! Jessica
   — Jessica D.

January 19, 2004
I dont have Kaiser No CA but I know of a guy that had this insurance and he had his excess skin removed about a year post-op of his lap RNY. I dont think that insurance covered it, though they did cover the RNY. I have to agree that your best bet is to contct kaiser themselves or ask your PCP (if he/she has previous WLS patients). At the very least the PCP can inquire thru his channels which may be more reponsive than the patient ones.
   — giggle95376