steve

I'm wondering if any of you folks have Anthem Blue Cross California (PPO)? If you do, do you know what the requirements for approval for VSG is? I'm not actually a member yet, but will be able to choose it during open enrollment starting 2012. Thanks!

Hello folks, Brand new member here, and I'm doing my insane research on VSG. I've read through countless experiences and links on this site and the other site; one comment has stuck in my mind: I've read elsewhere that Dr. Cirangle says that there is definitely the "right' way to do VSG surgery, and a "wrong" way. (Obviously implying that Dr. Cirangle knows the "right" way to do it) I kind of ignored that comment at first, but I recently read an article highlighting Dr. Higa out of Fresno Heart holding a conference for VSG surgeons. http://www.medwatchtoday.com/2789.htm and this quote from the article caught my attention: "“However, this procedure is an easy one to perform incorrectly and has its own set of unique complications." So does anyone know the technical details about what these experts are talking about in terms of why and how it's easy to perform incorrectly? (the "wrong" way)

I didn't want to start a debate about Dr. Cirangle. It wasn't my intention. Personally I believe that Dr. Cirangle is extremely experienced and has outstanding results. I believe the source of doubt that arises is because Dr. Cirangle's practice is a pure private practice, or a private business. As a private business, there is a necessity for marketing. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against private business or marketing. I'm just saying that it's a necessary part of business, and some people may be turned off by marketing in general, especially since his practice charges a $5750 'program fee' that is not insurance billable. But in terms of Dr. Cirangle's technical skill, results, etc. I completely agree with Tiffykins. For those interested in the "who's who" in terms of those who are really promoting and teaching the VSG technique, I'd look at this conference brochure as an example: http://www.obesityed...cssg/agenda.htm http://www.obesityed...ssg/faculty.htm In addition, my research in the medical literature shows Gagner, Jossart and Cirangle are everywhere. It should be noted that Gagner is credited with pioneering the VSG technique. Jossart did his laparoscopy fellowship with Gagner at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, and it appears that Gagner and Jossart still collaborate academically extensively. Another lesser known surgeon (at least on the internet forums) is Dr. John Feng who also did his laparoscopy fellowship with Gagner. There are probably others throughout the US and the world with similar credentials, but since I'm researching mainly for myself, I'm looking mostly in N. California. Dr. Higa is also a world renowned bariatric surgeon out of Fresno Heart and a former president of ASBMS. But It looks like he may just be coming around to the VSG now that the short-medium term medical evidence is very compelling. So his numbers of VSG procedures may not be up there like other surgeons. But the fact that Gagner would come to Higa's VSG conference attests to Dr. Higa's excellent reputation. With all these excellent surgeons out here in california, I have a nice list of surgeons to interview, and probably will have to make a decision based on factors other than technical skill/ability/statistics.

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. I'm adding these to my list of questions when I eventually get to interview some surgeons. Thanks!

HI Kaiser folks, I'm new, and really have just begun to deeply consider WLS. I currently have Kaiser, but starting next year will be fortunate to be double covered and have both Kaiser and Anthem Blue Cross. Just wondering how the process starts at Kaiser. Does your PCP make you diet first before referring to Bariatic Surgery? Then does the surgeon make you diet some more? I know Kaiser pushes their weight management program (Optifast)... is that also a requirement? If you had a choice between Kaiser and pretty much any other surgeon out in N. Cali (anthem blue cross) would you stick with Kaiser? I know there's probably no correct answer, just looking for opinions here. Thanks.