strikeuptheband 16 Posted February 22, 2008 Any Veterans out there? I was in the Air Force and am wondering if the VA would pay for lapband surgery. So far, looking at VA websites, I don't see any exclusions. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience getting this done by the VA. I have United Healthcare where I work but my HR dept has excluded WLS so I doubt that I can get it thru them. I live in Missouri so Kansas City VA or whatever they have at Columbia might be an option for me although I don't mind traveling farther if I need to. Thanks for any input! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WASaBubbleButt 41 Posted February 28, 2008 I've heard people mention that they went to Walter Reed for banding. Wish I could be of more help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strikeuptheband 16 Posted February 29, 2008 Thanks, WasABubbleButt! I am going to get registered at a VA center next week and see what happens next. I don't care where I have to go, it VA will cover it, I will do it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VegasGrace 1 Posted February 29, 2008 I'm a 100% service connected...many don't know what that means but I'm sure you do. All the research I did thru the VA resulted in banding can be done if you live in a ZONE that does it. VISN...I think they are broken down into zones. Do a search thru the va.gov site, facilities, and each one lists their specialties...you will see bariatrics. If you don't see it, call and ask...they will tell you straight up. After I found this information I tried to get in... NOPE. Move program was implemented w/ the VA and it's a year long program or more. The VA doesn't mind doing spouses...but I've found it difficult to get them to do a vet. I gave up after 2 years of trying. I went to Mexico for $7,000. And let me tell you...I wish I would have done it sooner. The VA isn't all it's cracked up to be. I steer clear of them when I can as I don't feel they provide adequate or efficient treatment to vets. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VegasGrace 1 Posted February 29, 2008 Oh, just to add.... some VAMCs work in conjunction w/ university medical centers Like Durham VA w/ Duke Salt Lake City w/ USU Boston w/ ...I can't remember the name of their school...sorry. Check out VAs and the university connection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
