After doing a lot of research and reading all I can on the subject, I've come to the conclusion that Bariactric surgery would be right for me.

Throughput the past 30 years plus, I've tried a lot of OTC weight loss products, and I have been in Weight Watchers maybe five times. I have had varying degrees of success, but nothing permanent. Back in 2007, I lost nearly 100 pounds, half through sheer determination and half through Weight Watchers, but sadly within a year, I regained a little more than half of the weight. My highest weight was 357 pounds.

My primary Kaiser physician agreed that Bariactric surgery would be a good option for me, and due to my other medical concerns (Type 2 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, and Sleep Apnea) classified the procedure as being "medically necessary". Because of that classification, the Bariactric procedure is covered through my Medicare and my Kaiser Plan. In total, my out-of-pocket expense for the entire procedure would be a single co-payment of fifty (50.00) dollars.

I attended an information orientation at the Panorama City Kaiser Medical Offices on May 6, 2010.

I attended a one-on-one appointment with the lead Bariactric Surgeon, who also happens to be in charge of the Bariactric program on June 8, 2010. After reviewing my medical records and a question and answer session with me to determine if I would be a good candidate for the surgery, he approved me to continue in the program. Through TV advertisements and billboards, I originally was interested in having the Lap Band procedure, but after reviewing my medical history, the doctor felt that the Vertical Sleeve procedure would be better for me.

One of the requirements is that all candidates must complete a 12 week "Options Program". The program meets for 90 minutes once a week for the twelve weeks. The program involves information about the procedure, weekly weigh-ins, a three phase diet to physically prepare the body and the mind for the surgery, nutritional guidance, and weight management. Candidates are urged to loose about 10% of their starting weight prior to the procedure. In my case, the doctor suggested that I loose about 20 to 25 pounds. This weight loss has to to due with reducing the amount of fat around the liver, which will make the surgeons work a little easier. During the final phase of the three phase diet, food consumption will be down to the amount of food that can be consumed post-surgery. I assume this is condition the body not to go into shock when the amount of food consumed post-surgery is drastically reduced.

After the 12 week "Options" course, a final medical clearance (if all goes as planned) is granted by the surgeon, and the actual procedure can be scheduled. Those successfully completing the program have up to one year to make a final decision on whether or not they choose to continue with the surgery.

My first of 12 weekly meetings is scheduled for July 6. 2010, with program completion on September. 21, 2010.

I am so looking forward to the program.

This seems like a long time and a lot to go through for the procedure, but it's well worth the time. By programs end, I will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to continue with the surgery, but for now, there is little doubt in my minds. The Vertical Sleeve will give me a valuable tool for changing my lifestyle, improving my health, and making me a "happy camper". This is an opportunity for me to live a better life, and I am committed to doing the work to insure my success.

:lol0:

Mr. Mason,

I was just reading back on what I wrote to you and I didn't mean to sound so negative. Sorry about that. I am SO thankful that I was able to have my surgery especially with no out of pocket expense. But I just want to be honest about the Kaiser program. You sound SO positive I didn't not intend to bring you down. If you want to know first hand about my experince with Kaiser open and honest Im willing to tell all details lol Have a GREAT one!!!

I never for a moment thought anything you said as being negative. So far, I am extremely please with Kaiser, and convince that for me, it's the way to go. Your comments help me to as far as getting a full picture of what I am getting myself into, and being able to make an informed decision. You'll never know how much I appreciate that. I'd love to hear anything about your particular experience. One thing is certain...you made the decision that I am still a little fearful of, and you are happy with your decision. That is a boost to my confidence level.

Take care.:thumbup:

I have nothing but good comments about Dr.Yadegar. I just found out today one of my co-workers had her surgery(by-pass) performed by him. Hopefully I will be referred to him when the time comes. I stopped by the health ed dept at Kaiser, to find out when I will called and they said wait for a package in the mail. So know I wait so more!

I am being referred to Dr Yadegar and everything that I've read online about him was glowing and spoke very highly of him and his staff. I'm really looking forward to meeting him. I'll let you know once I meet him what my impression is.

I just found out I was turned down by Kaiser this morning. They said I do not qualify.

My BMI is 37.5 and I have HP which I have been on 2 meds aday for years. I also have high cholesterol and triglycerides, I guess my numbers are just not high enough. I am really disapointed.Has anyone fought Kasier on this and won?

Hi guys...I am also a Southern Cali Kaiser patient. I am going on my 4th week of class in Corona. I am concerned about the wait time after you complete the class. In our packets we were told that West LA and Harbor city are the ones that do the sleeve but the wait time can be up to 6 months!! I have read that some of you have gone to different ones even like one in Lancaster.....can anyone give me any info on other places that are Kaiser approved?:001_tongue:

I have friend who had a bypass done by Dr Yadegar in Lancaster,she really liked him.

Do you know anyone that has been turned down because they did not lose their 10% before surgery? I'm 6 weeks in to the Options class and found out yesterday that the bariatric nurse is saying that the surgeon won't even consider us even if we are 1 pound away from our 10%. This was really discouraging to me.

Do you know anyone that has been turned down because they did not lose their 10% before surgery? I'm 6 weeks in to the Options class and found out yesterday that the bariatric nurse is saying that the surgeon won't even consider us even if we are 1 pound away from our 10%. This was really discouraging to me.

I have not heard this with Kaiser, only what they would like you to lose the 10%

teressaftmer, If you don't lose the 10% they will not drop you as long as you have lost something and they felt you were trying. The thing that got me was that during the waiting period between the finish of the options class and surgery which could be 3 months or more if you gain back it could delay things.

humpty dumpty, My BMI is 36.6 I have high blood pressure and cholesterol and they turned me down too they said only those with type two diabetes will get accepted for BMIs below 40. We did try to fight it didn't get far so now I am getting sleeved self pay on Tuesday.

Nancy

humpty dumpty I forgot to mention that at least we can get all our labs at Kaiser. I think by having my labs, ekg, and chest x-ray done there I saved around $500.

humpty dumpty I forgot to mention that at least we can get all our labs at Kaiser. I think by having my labs, ekg, and chest x-ray done there I saved around $500.

A week after the Dr. said I was turned down I received the information in the

mail for the orientation and classes. I go this Thursday. I not sure what happened, but I read one post that said Kaiser lowered the BMI requirements to 35.

Edited August 21, 201015 yr by humpty dumpty

A week after the Dr. said I was turned down I received the information in the

mail for the orientation and classes. I go this Thursday. I not sure what happened, but I read one post that said Kaiser lowered the BMI requirements to 35.

Congratulations! That's good news for you!

Hi guys...I am also a Southern Cali Kaiser patient. I am going on my 4th week of class in Corona. I am concerned about the wait time after you complete the class. In our packets we were told that West LA and Harbor city are the ones that do the sleeve but the wait time can be up to 6 months!! I have read that some of you have gone to different ones even like one in Lancaster.....can anyone give me any info on other places that are Kaiser approved?

thin2be: I chose the Lancaster facility because it's closer to my house. I completed the Options classes early July, did my blood work and tests and got my referral to Lancaster on Aug 9. My consult with Dr Yadegar is on Sept 9, so it took a month for me to get in to see him. I'm not sure if that's his normal time or not. His nurse told me that he was out all of Aug for vacation. I can let you know after my consult how long the wait will be for actual surgery. I'm hoping that I will have all my tests ready to go and we can just go ahead and schedule my date.

A week after the Dr. said I was turned down I received the information in the

mail for the orientation and classes. I go this Thursday. I not sure what happened, but I read one post that said Kaiser lowered the BMI requirements to 35.

Seriously 35BMI !?! Well that kind of stinks since my BMI is 36 and they turned me down in April and I am all set for self pay on Tuesday. I am really happy for you my friend who did do the options class really loved them. She opted out of surgery for now out of fear but she had nothing but good things to say about them.

Nancy

Do you know anyone that has been turned down because they did not lose their 10% before surgery? I'm 6 weeks in to the Options class and found out yesterday that the bariatric nurse is saying that the surgeon won't even consider us even if we are 1 pound away from our 10%. This was really discouraging to me.

I did not lose 10%, I was up and down during the options process, I think I lost around 5lbs total, and I'm having my surgery this coming Friday...And I know of others in my same class who did not lose the 10%. I think the main thing is you must complete all the options classes and pre-op tests as soon as they tell you to go get them done and don't gain of course.

If you can lose the 10% that is awesome. I'm just sharing what happened with me personally. Hope it helps.

sleeve 4 me, thanks. I'm just going to finish up the Options class and work hard at losing weight now. Maybe the nurse is just trying to encourage everyone, but instead of using a positive way it's more of a negative way.