For Medicare patients considering weight loss surgery, the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Sleeve), has now been approved in our region. In June of 2012, the Sleeve had been approved at a national level, but was left to the discretion of local administrators, to determine coverage in their respective jurisdiction. As of February 28th, our local administrator, Palmetto GBA, approved the Sleeve for Nevada providers. The guidelines remain the same as LapBand and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. You must have a BMI over 35, a co-morbidity related to obesity (Type 2 Diabetes) and be previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity (3 month supervised weight loss program). Please contact us for more details. Our dedicated staff is here to answer questions and get your process started.

Mason Hermosillo, Patient Advocate