just_kari

I have struggled with depression on and off throughout my life. I really understand where you're coming from. Looks like we will be looking at the same window for surgery. I am expecting an early June date (I will be eligible before then but need to wait until I have the time off work). I'm looking forward to keeping in touch as we move closer to our surgery date

About 9 months ago I had a similar reaction and called my Doc and asked to be removed from the WLS program. I wished I hadn't. I am now back on the wagon and have my consult with the bariatric team and surgeon on Sept 12. Fortunately I only had to re-attend one class and not start over from square one. I'm not certain that I won't get worried again, but I won't cancel this time. Truth be told, the mortality rate during WLS is so very, very low. Less than 0.25%. You are much more likely to have complications or conditions from obesity that shorten your life than your risk of death during or as a result of surgery. My health risks from obesity are a much larger concern. You should be aware of the complications that can arise from surgery, but you need to put those in comparison to the success that patients have had. There are risks in everything, but it will all be okay. Like renogirl suggested, at times like those, look through the success stories on the website and remind yourself of how wonderful it will be to have control over your body again. And like tfazio said, we are here for you. Hang in there!

Joe , was your Aug date because of their full calendar or was that just the amount of time it took to get all the prereqs done? I'm hoping for an early June date, and starting now I'm hoping that's doable. You mentioned that your first appt was in Dec '10. Was that the overview class, the orientation class, or your first one on one with the surgeon? So glad Jenn started this thread! I'm loving the oppty to talk to other Kaiser sleevers. I have only one person I know that had gone through Kaiser, but she had RnY and that was 5 years ago,so her recollection is a bit foggy ~Kari

So you didn't have the opportunity to make your first consultation appointment after your class while you're there at the office/dept?

I will be going through Kaiser Fremont. My other option would have been Kaiser Fresno, but I think Fremont is closer (and I used to live there so I know my way around I will be able to make my appt to visit with my surgeon and NUT after tomorrow's class. I'll keep you posted!

I have my Kaiser Orientation Class tomorrow (Sunday). I attended about 8 months ago, but the info overwhelmed me and I took time to think it over. Sadly, I asked to be removed from the program while I did that. Earlier this month I visited my PCP and requested another referral. Fortunately I didn't have to redo the Overview class, only the Orientation. How cool that we are near the same point in our journey! I'm looking forward to getting this ball rolling

Welcome to the group. I think you'll find lots of info here As for the surgery cancellation: I'm speechless. Simply speechless.

Every insurance provider, and every policy within those providers, have different requirements and levels of coverage. There is nothing wrong with being informed and ready to provide information if requested. I've heard of requiring a weight management class, so I wouldn't say that's unusual. The psych eval is pretty standard. You're doing the right thing by getting informed and learning what it is that they will ask of you. Every step you take is another one toward your goal. You're on the right track! Hang in there

You made me giggle. I can totally relate to the worry about gnawing off a limb while asleep. LOL You're going to do great

Congrats! You look great!

I struggled with the discomfort of asking my PCP. Many things bothered me about it before I did it. Would she think I was "lazy"? would I look/sound like a failure? would she recommend a different weight loss plan first? Would I even qualify? In the end I just blocked out all my fears and asked. I made my appt with no other issue in my mind and when she asked me why I was there, I told her I was looking into WLS and would like to know how to go about getting a referral. She asked me some questions, nothing embarrasing or degrading and then she even recommended that I get some prelim tests done to go in my file to save time once I got in the program. Talk to your PCP, they are there to help you. And as Dorrie said, if he/she says no, find one that will say yes. Good luck. You can do this

Best of luck on your insurance approval! I do wish you well and look forward to hearing about when your surgery date will be

Hi Sterf, I am in the beginning stages of getting approved by Kaiser for WLS. I was told by a coworker that has had the surgery that one of the things I need to be sure to do is to speak up. Her doc would not approve her for the referral until she was able to ask directly. I made an appointment to see my PCP and just took the bull by the horns. I didn't beat around the bush and I asked "I am interested in WLS. What do I need to do to start the approval process?". My Dr was very supportive even though I've only seen her once prior. She told me that I needed to attend the Weight Loss Surgery Overview class (free) first and that after the class I could ask her for the referral. I went to the 2 hour class and then contacted her to let her know that I still was interested. The class gives you the info in a "clinical" way, just straight info, no frills. LOL It was at this class that I learned that Kaiser does three types of surgery: RNY, Lap Band, and the Sleeve. The info I got there has me interested in the sleeve over the RNY. Now I wait to be contacted by the Bariatric Surgery Dept and go through their approval process. I understand it takes 6 months. They want you to take some classes, join a support group, lose some weight, meet with a psychologist, and some other things. I learned that Kaiser will use your highest weight in the past year to determine your "qualifying" BMI. They don't penalize you for losing weight as they want you to anyway. The class will give you all the info, but you have to be direct and ask your PCP for the referral to the class. Big hugs to you. It's intimidating but no one is going to give you the surgery unless you are able to speak up and be an active participant. As for family. I've only told a few (my mom, husband, daughter) and a few friends. Based on the reaction from some of my friends who haven't had WLS, I won't be having an ongoing discussion with a couple of them. I need support, not someone to second guess me. I've talked with friends and coworkers that have had WLS (no one has had the sleeve - all RNY'ers) as I am interested in their experience. But beyond that, I'm not ready to talk to people about it. It's a decision I've made based on very personal issues. I can't expect others to understand, so I don't want to defend how I feel. They will find out soon enough Let's keep in touch. We're so close in the process, it'd be nice to have someone close to the same timeline. ~Kari