Kikiphiasmom

I went through Baldwin Park as well. Well actually I attended classes in West Covina, but the same difference. I just finished the 24 week classes in June. I am also doing the Lap Band and WILL NOT consider the RNY, even though most of my class was doing that one. The only facility presently doing the Lap Band is South Bay (Torrance/Harbor City). UCLA does the RNY and Sleeve and Pacific Bariatrics only does the RNY. The wait time for Pacific Bariatrics is only 6 weeks. Ucla is 2-4 months and South Bay is 5-6 months. I know I am probably repeating what you wrote, but I have a cold and didn't finish reading.. lOL .. Good luck to all. I get to call South Bay in November for a consultation .. Here's to waiting .. Good luck all!!

Thank you so much for being so open about your ordeal. What a shame about the bad experience you had with the band. I will ask to see Dr. Zane. I'd hate for him to discourage me from the band. I have several family member that have it and have done wonderfully on it. Bypass is not an option for me, its just to drastic for me that is. I have several friends who have had the bypass and look wonderfull but then there are the other few who are difficient in EVERYTHING now and look horrible. But I guess all of these WLS surgeries have their good outcomes and bad. Again thank you so much for the info. :party:

WOW, thank you so much for this information. Can I ask, what went wrong wit your band?

Hello You are the second person to tell me that about the Harbor City location. It might be that they are telling the newer classes this, because the wait time is so far out (4-6 months) I have already signed my releases and have gotten the paperwork for the Harbor city Kaiser for Lap Band. I only have 3 more classes left. I know that Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego is in process to get approved to do the lap band for Kaiser, so by the time you get done this might be an option for you. Just continue with the classes I am sure that it will be available for you by the time you finish .. good luck and learn as much as you can. It is so worth it and you will be on the fast track to losing the RIGHT way.

That is so great that you were able to get the band. I have already chosen the facility and will be done with the classes in 2 weeks. Maybe things have changed since you went through the referral process or it might just be that each facility can referr only a certain number of pts, but 3 of my classmates and I have been (will be referred) to Harbor City for the Band. So as of today Harbor City is doing the band, but you are right the wait time can be up to 4 months. But they are doing it. The wait time for UCLA is 8 weeks and they only do the Sleeve and RNY. Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego's wait time is 4-6 weeks and they only do the RNY, but are in talks with Kaiser to start doing the Band as well. This is the information that was just given to us at my last class which was last Thursday 05/21/09. Just an FYI for those of you asking. I know that alot of centers are missinformed. The Kaisers here in So cal are all messed up. But I have already waited a year, whats another 4-6 months for my band, especially since I cant afford it any other way. Good luck to you all!!

If the idea of taking the "hunger" sensation away is what you are looking to get, you might want to think about the sleeve instead of the band. I have heard from people that have had the sleeve done, that they cut off the part of your stomach that creates the hormone that tells your brain that you are hungry. I dont recall the name of this specific hormone, but it starts with a G. I think that even with the band you get hungry, you just cant eat as much, and you have to learn the proper things to eat and stock up on Protein. This is really just an FYI. It's kind of sounding like a lecture ha? LOL .. but that Is what I have heard ... good luck

That is NOT true! I am currently going through the Options program through Kaiser Baldwin Park. Yes they do emphysis strickltly on the bypass. That is their gold standard. But Kaiser does pay for Lap Band/ Sleeve and RNY. Just get referred to your options program and start the classes. The surgeries are performed by UCLA = RNY and Sleeve Pacific Bariatrics/San Diego= RNY only Kaiser Harbor City = Lap Band only. Good luck and be persistent!!!

Ok so this is what I have been told so far, now that we have to decide where to go. UCLA - only does the RNY and SLeeve (wait time 2-4 months) Pacific Bariatrics/San Diego- only does the RNY ( they are working on getting the OK to do Lap Bands for Kaiser, they do them, just not for Kaiser) (wait time 4-6 weeks) Kaiser Harbor City- Only does the Lap Band (wait time 4-6 months) I was debating about the SLeeve as well. I dont think I want such an invasive procedure. The good thing with Kaiser is that if for some reason the Lap band becomes eroded or something happens with it, they allow you to get another type of bariatric surgery be it the RNY or Sleeve. Both my cousins have had the lap band and have done wonderfully so i am sticking to that one. Plus if for any reason we start eating like heifers again with the sleeve you can streatch your stomach and then youre in the same boat again. Girl you have a tough choice. Good Luck,

Hello Ms Boopie .. it's been forever!! I'm almost done. My last class is on June 18th. YAY .. I already signed up for the lap band at the Harbor City kaiser. The only bad thing is that the wait time is 4-6 months to get it there. But they are the only one's doing it. Also they did the pre-op test and I was Vit D defficient and H.Pylori positive. .. can you believe that. Well I'm done with the nasty meds, and have to be re-checked on June 14th. I am so happy to hear that you have lost most of your weight. I am stuck at 15lbs lost. I have 12 more to go and cant seem to take them off!@!!! Its so frustrating!!

I am so sorry Kaiser denied you. Your BMI must have been on the lower side. If you have Southern California Kaiser I know your BMI has to be 50 or 35-40 with 2 co-morbidities. I know this because I am in the Options Program right now going through Kaiser so. cal. Both my cousins had the Lap Band done in Tijuana, Mexico with a Dr. Ariel Ortiz and they ADORE him. They rave about how professional and how clean the hospital was. They said that the hospital was better looking then then ones here in the states and that they have all this high tech equipment. I am only going by what they have said to me. They are very happy with their results and I think they only pay $100.00 per fill or for a couple of them. I think that they only paid like $7500.00 for their bands/procedures and hotel and hospital stay and I think the hospital took care of booking everything. I dont know the name of the hospital but I am sure you can google his name and something should pop up. If there is no other way, then Mexico might be the right place for you. But dont go to far away stay as local as you can (TIJUANA or MEXICALI). Good luck, and I know how important it is to have people on your side. Take care

First of all, do you have Kaiser? Every insurance company has different policies. If you do have Kaiser Southern California it is a LONG process but VERY worth it. This is how it goes: 1. See your primary doctor and get a referral to the Options Program. 2. The requirement for us (I go to Kaiser Baldwin Park) is that you must have a BMI of 50 or over with NO co-morbities or 35 and over with at least 2 co-morbidities. Basically 2 health risks like sleep apena, diabetes, High blood pressure ect ... but since you are so young, you might only qualify if your BMI is high enough. 3. Someone from the Options program then calls you to go to an orientation. Everyone gets to go to this, it does not mean you were accepted. The time frame on this varies with location. Your wait time can be from 1 week to a couple of months. 4. You go to orientation and they talk about the Gastric Bypass only. Kaiser does do the sleeve and lap band, but only concentrate on the bypass!! This kinda sucks, but ok. Before or during your orientation you have to fill out a packet with alot of personal questions. I think they do this to see if you will need a shrink along the way. 5. Once you are accepted into the program (they let you know pretty soon) you wait to start the Options Program. I waited only 2 months, because 2 people dropped out and I was next on the wait list, but I hear that the wait time is 4 months and up. 6. You start the options program that last 24 week. Which is 6 LONG months. Again they only concentrate on talking about the Bypass in these classes and teach you how to count calories and Proteins and get inside yourself. Again I think to see if you need a shrink. If you miss a class you will have to make it up in order to qualify for surgery. ..... I dont know what comes after this as I am only 1/2 way done with the program. Will be done in June 2009. So hopefully the surgery is shortly after that. Hope this helps out a little. Good Luck!!

Hello all. I am a southern california Kaiser pt. And YES its true. Your BMI has to be 50+ or if less you have to have co-morbidities. You also have to do 6 month classes. I began this whole process with Kaiser in September 2008when I was referred then went to orientation in November 2008 and started the classes in January 2009. Its a long process, but its totally worth it. They show you how to count calories and Protein and it will help you suceed in the end. Good luck all. I will be done with classes in June. Wish me luck!! ~M

Hi trailorparkbeautyqueen, I am also going through Kaiser in southern california (Montebello/Baldwin Park) you might want to check the BMI guidlines again, as I was told by the options program that for someone to qualify to for the lap band/gastric bypass/sleeve your BMI needs to be 50 ..YES 50. I was shocked. I was approved for the program because my BMI is 48 and I have had gestational diabetes twice and have needed insulin along with pregnancy induced hypertension. I dont want to be a downer ... but before you go and waste all that money on co pays you should call and check first ... the number to the options program in Baldwin Park is 626-851-5263. The girl that I talk to there's name is Martha and she is very very nice. She might be able to give the correct # or a contact name. Good luck and I hope you are accepted.

I am single too, not skinny yet, but in the process. I don't feel as wonderful as you, but maybe one day I will. Live it up, you are young ... have lots o boys ... tee hee

-Update- Well I got a call from the bariatrics dept @ Kaiser Baldwin Park (Options Program) and <<< HORAY>>>> I was approved even though my BM wasn't 50 ... Like I had stated before I did have complications during my 2 pregnancies with hypertension/diabetes/insulin ...ect... so they approved me into the program so now I have my orientation in NOVEMEBER ..I know ... really far out ... but whatever ... I put myself on waitlist. Plus I will keep bugging her !! Its going to be a longgg process but I am so ready for it. I have already lost 14lbs (but not the good way) I am about to be separated and well the stress and all is making this losing weight thing a piece of cake right now for me. I cant eat !! But anyway ... at least now I can consentrate on me!!

:thumbup:I think it means when you fell the restriction. When you cant over eat because the band is finally tight enough to get you full with little food for long periods of time. Guud luck tomorrow!!

Ok, OK ..... update girlies So, I called the options program (Thanks Boopie) and they told me Southern California Kaisers are now doing the lap band, bypass and sleave(spelling ???) It's a fairly new thing and not alot of DOCS know about his (this explains why my MD said they only do bypass) ...anyway .... BUTTTTT .... there is a BIG butt (bigger than mine:biggrin:) different regions have different qualifiers. In my region (that's what they kept calling it:blink:) you have to have a BMI of 50 ... 50...Who the hell has a BMI of 50??? I have never seen or heard anyone one on this forum with such a high BMI...anyway .... mine is 48 so I guess thats close enough, plus i had gestational diabetes with my 2 pregnancies that required insulin ... so even though it was horrible, this might help me out ... I should know by Friday .. the girl from the bariatric program said she would know by Friday ... soooooo heres hoping yall .... wish me luck I have another question ... what is PBing and DH and all of these other abreveations on here ...just curious

Hello everyone. I just got referred to the options program through Kaiser (so cali) and am very excited to start this process. I was wondering you all can share with me your weight loss stories. How long have you had the band? Weight before/after band? What has changed in your eating habbits? Also, a little freaked out about anasthesia!! Have people actually died getting a lap band? I know the bypass is dangerous, because they re-wire you ... but the band? It seems so much less invasive !! I am happy to hear everyones experience and goals ... Thanks FUTURE BANDER ...

YOu will be fine. Granted I haven't gotten the band yet and just today got a referral from my PCP at Kaiser (So. Cali) to the "Options program", but I am sure you will be fine. They would not have scheduled the surgery, if you werent healthy to undertake it. That being said, next year or at the end of this year ... I want the same encouraging words from you when i am 1 day away from surgery ... lol ... Good luck and congratulations !!!:biggrin:

:biggrin:Hello everyone, So today was my PCP appt, and I got a referral (YAY ) but my PCP told me all Kaiser does is Gastric Bypass (nothing else :tt2:). She recommended that I do the Optifast diet, but I refussed and started crying. I am so frustrated with my weight, and then she goes and asks me to do Optifast (arghhhhhh :biggrin:) So, now my question if to Boopie (HEY GIRL :cool2:) Who told you Kaiser did the lap band?? I need your help girl ... I'm getting really irritated and and about to chop off this fat myself ... lol .... I'm really starting to hate Kaiser !!!

I'm so jelous!!! Buy CONGRATULATIONS!! I can't wait till I'm in your shoes! Everything will be fine, and you will finally be healthy ... keep us informed of your progress!!:redface:

Well I dont even know if it covers it. I have Kaiser through my work, and sometimes they dont cover WLS ... I dont know ... I am just going to go crazy until 09/10 when I see my PCP ... but thanks everyone!!

What's PB-ing?

Thank you all for your comments. I haven't even started yet, I have my PCP appt on 09/10/08 for a referral. My BMI is about 46. Another member of this forum is starting the nutrition classes for October, and was referred in late August. YES, I am in So. Cal. It's very frustrating as, I am in the very begining of this adventure. I have researched it for over a year. I am petrified of having to be put out (anasthesia), and maybe that is why I want to get it over with. It's just frustrating when you read that most people only have to wait about 3 months with other insurances. But hearing you all be so patient, might help my nerves and anxiety. I am so scared that they will find something that prevents me from getting the band. :tongue2: Do any of you know why they have to put us to sleep and not just give us and epidural or spinal block?? I would think that would be safer since that is what they did to me when I had my 2 C-sections ... I know I'm getting off the track with a new topic, but I have sooooo many questions and concerns ... ... ANYWAY .. again thank you all for the encouragement. Ok...fine .... I guess Kaiser dosent suck .... that much:tongue_smilie:

:tt2: Why do we have to wait for over 6 months to get this lap band. Especially if our BMI's are over 40 ??? This really makes no sense. You would think that since we are morbidly obese, that we would be rushed through the process so that we can start losing the weight. I mean they make it so hard on people who are truly trying to better their situation. Think about it, we will be more of a financial liability to them if they keep us FAT!! With diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer ect ... in the long run it will be alot cheaper to help us lose this massive amount of weight!! Don't you think?? It's just so frustrating !!! I want to be healthy and thin !!!!!!:smile2: