Vicki J

I'm up near Sacramento. I'd say that your lucky because you're nearer to the facility but that doesn't always mean a shorter time in the commute. LOL. I don't have my appointment yet, I just got the letter saying I had been referred. I hope it doesn't take too long to get the first appointment and get going. How long was your wait? Yeah, I know all about that low self-esteem thing. I have wondered the same thing about the psych evaluation myself. I would think that they want to make sure you're doing it for health reasons and not because you're some kind of weirdo. They probably also want to make sure you know what you're getting into. It's a big lifestyle change. Anyway, it looks like you're going to be headed down the path before me. I would really appreciate it if you would keep me posted on what the procedure is. My daughter is also going for the band. Good luck!

I am just so excited because I see all of you that have already gotten your bands doing so well. It sounds stupid but sometimes I almost cry knowing that there is an end to this hell.

Well, after searching high and low I have finally found out that Kaiser does cover the lap band surgery. :clap2: My PCP referred me to the bariactric surgery center and I am now waiting for my appointments to start. They set you up for all the necessary stuff like physc evaluations, nutritionalists, etc. According to what I was told by the referral coordinator it will take 4 - 6 weeks for me to get into my first appointment and surgery will be approximately 3 - 6 months out. Now most people would be upset about the time table for surgery but considering I was going to have to change my insurance to CalPERS BC PPO and wait to even get started until after Jan. 2008, I'm pretty pleased. My daughter also got her referral from a doctor who was not really happy about giving it even though her BMI is 47 with LOTS of comorbitities. She had to get pretty graphic about what living as a super morbidly obese person was like. So Mom and daughter are on their way. Anyone wanting answers to Kaiser can contact me. I will be happy to share as I go on my journey.

Hey thanks for the reply. I talked to another woman last night that said they're doing it now but are just in the starting stages. Ok with me. They will put me through nutrition classes and a battery of tests first so I have time. I just got told last night that my PCP referred me to bariatric surgery. Woohoo. I'm on the road now!

According to what I was told at a seminar BCBS will cover the lap band. Of course it depends on your coverage. CalPERS BC PPO words it really confusing but if it's medically necessary they will cover. BCBS HMO requires that you go through one of their doctors. Once again, this is what I heard at a seminar. Check with your carrier.

Hey - Anyone out there ever gotten approved by Kaiser? I found out yesterday that Kaiser has a weight loss department in Richmond but I don't know if they do LB. I want to follow this through because if I have to I can change to BC in the fall. Can anyone advise?

Hi - I am really new to this and have just found out that Kaiser may cover WLS. I would like to know if anyone out there has used Kaiser in the Sacramento/Roseville area and can help me through this. My BMI is around 43 and I do have some comorbities. Also, does anyone have a doctor they can refer me to if mine is anti-WLS?