Kaiser, Fremont, Cali, Arrggh!!!

Hi All, I am new to this this community. I am happy to find a place where I can receive the support and knowledge I need.

Here is my situation: In January of this year, my Kaiser PCP and I discussed bariatric surgery. He agreed to send the referral and to get the ball rolling. A few weeks later, I went to an information meeting and completed the psych exam a few weeks later. Since February of this year, I have heard nothing from the Kaiser Fremont, CA Bariatric center on my status regarding my referral. My doctor said that I qualified, and the psych dr. told me that my evaluation looked good.

In the summer, I e-mailed both doctors. The psych dr. told me to talk to my PCP. The PCP told me that the program has over a year long list.

However, I feel like this is too long to wait to hear about the status of my acceptance into the program. I knew that this would be a lengthy process...but jeez...just to get my orientation appointment or get the current status of my application. This process has left me discouraged and frustrated. If I am not being accepted, I would like to know so that I can plan my appeal or jump through more hoops or whatever.

No one at Kaiser will give me a straight answer. I have asked to speak to the bariatric department directly to get more information, but the doctors tell me that will get me nowhere closer to moving the process faster. I could see reacting this way if I expected everything to be done in a month, but I have waited over eight months to even hear from Fremont. Has anyone else had this problem. Any suggestions? All help or any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I too am a Kaiser member though 5 am doing mine in S San Francisco. I can tell you from personal experience that unless you are VERY VERY VERY pushy you will get ZERO results. I got the phone number for the Bariatric Dept and called EVERY day for cancellations and have fast tracked myself. If I waited for their timeline I would not have even been to the nutrition class until sometime around November and then would still have another 4 months of waiting after that. With frequent calling I have completed everything I needed and am waiting to hit my goal weight (plus another 10...but that is my choice not anything they told me to do) So be proactive for yourself and look up the bariatric dept phone number and then call the scheduling person until you have an appointment. It's the only way at Kaiser...they have an AWESOME program but a terrible waiting list because people sign up and then don't come for their appointments or call and cancel...so use that to your advantage!! Good Luck!!