Question:
My insurance does not cover wls. I have recently found out that I have a hiatus herni

Does anyone know whether I could get my hernia repaired and have wls surgery at the same time ? I'm trying to let my insurance take care of some of my hospital stay and the rest I want would like to pay up front. Could some instruct me how to go by this. I was told by the nurse in the doctor office that with a gastric bypass all of this would be eliminated anyway.    — lionette J. (posted on July 5, 2001)

July 5, 2001
I also have a hiatal hernia and have tried this. In my case I was told my hernia is not bad enough to get the hernia repair approved. Talk to your surgeon. Every case is a little different. Your insurance might not be too strict regarding the hernia repair. It might also help if you have documented gastroesophageal reflux. Good Luck
   — Ruth B.

July 6, 2001
I know Dr. Rutledge is not in practice anymore and is a sore spot for many - but I do read his site because he has a lot of good information on it. Anyway, I just read a copy of an article he has about gastric bypass being an acceptable surgery for GERD. Now whether or not the insurance company will think so remains to be seen but I do plan to ask this question on the board so be looking for it...
   — [Anonymous]

July 7, 2001
They call it split billing and I know my surgeon does it with gallbladder removal. The insurance takes care of the hospital stay and the anesthia and I had to pay for the WLS part of the operation -I think 5000.00. If you can get your surgeon to do it and the insurance company will pay - Go for it!
   — [Anonymous]