Question:
BMI 70 Medi-Cal Ins. Comorbs- looking for surgeon in LA/SD areas

Hello everyone! My fifty eight year old aunt has a BMI of 70, Medi-Cal insurance, and has CHF, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, and is on Oxygen. I know that she is very high risk. However, she is at the point now where she is desperate for help. Does anyone know of surgeons who do high risk in the Los Angeles or San Diego area? Thanks!    — ravikamor (posted on November 13, 2002)

November 14, 2002
Depending on the MediCal, check with UCSD (Dr. Marshall Orloff) or Pacific Bariatric, both in San Diego. Best of luck to you and your mom.
   — Alice H.

November 14, 2002
this is not in the la or sd area, it is in orange county. there is a bariatric surgical group in fountain valley lead by dr peter leport. their program is lite dimensions. they did my surgery as well as my brothers and my mothers is scheduled for this month. her bmi is very near 70. she is 49 and semi-hi risk. they accept medi-cal. i have medi-cal (cal optima blue cross). as does my mother. dr leport has done so many of these surgeries and i have a lot of confidence in all of their surgeons. even though the office staff leaves much to be desired. hope this helps.
   — christina K.

November 16, 2002
Hi Becky, May I suggest DS for her rather than RNY? It has a better success rate for very high BMI people. Drs. Keshishian and Zahriya in Delano are very good with high risk patients, and they take MediCal and Medicare. I realize this is a bit of a drive, but they will coordinate everything so she only has to make one trip, I think. Their staff is wonderful! Their website is http://gr-ds.com. They also have an office in Las Vegas, so she could fly there if that is easier. I believe all surgery is done in Delano, though, where the hospital has a special bariatric wing and the nursing staff is specially trained. We get great care!
   — Chris T.