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:

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.

I totally agree! I was always stressed out about it and didn't really get to enjoy the journey because I wasn't sure if I was going to get the surgery or not:sad0:...just finish the classes that's the most important part!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Checking in since now I am alone. Hubby is gone to watch the Cowboys pre-season game with his relatives and daughter is gone to work til 3AM. And I'm washing, cleaning and whatever leisure something I decide to do.

Nonetheless, I had my EKG done yesterday. I rcvd a original copy of that to send to Pacific Bariatric. I have to do my last blood work on Monday. Also rcvd a call to have a ultrasound of my kidneys and liver; gallbladder removed last year. I believe my PCP ordered this and not the Options department. I say whatever, better to know something if there is anything else, right?

I want to say to those that are in the Options program. I have been doing all the phone work and getting my own questions answered. I thought Options will have you referred to have all the test done. But No, No they do not. I learned that all you have to for the EKG is walk-in to where you see your PCP and say you need a EKG for the Bariatric Options program. Be sure to do your labs. Just go to the lab and have your blood drawn.

Please do not wait for Kaiser to give you information. You will wait, wait, and wait. My psych, surgeon and internist will be scheduled for me because I am deciding to have the procedure in San Diego.

By all means please find out and contact who your Registered Nurse Case Manager is for Options to find out what is next. I send emails to mine and she answers the same day if she is not busy. She will call me also. So if you are cloae to the 10 week mark, get those last labs in, EKG done and if you need a gallbladder ultrasound be sure to have your PCP send the referral.

Any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Krys

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Checking in since now I am alone. Hubby is gone to watch the Cowboys pre-season game with his relatives and daughter is gone to work til 3AM. And I'm washing, cleaning and whatever leisure something I decide to do.

Nonetheless, I had my EKG done yesterday. I rcvd a original copy of that to send to Pacific Bariatric. I have to do my last blood work on Monday. Also rcvd a call to have a ultrasound of my kidneys and liver; gallbladder removed last year. I believe my PCP ordered this and not the Options department. I say whatever, better to know something if there is anything else, right?

I want to say to those that are in the Options program. I have been doing all the phone work and getting my own questions answered. I thought Options will have you referred to have all the test done. But No, No they do not. I learned that all you have to for the EKG is walk-in to where you see your PCP and say you need a EKG for the Bariatric Options program. Be sure to do your labs. Just go to the lab and have your blood drawn.

Please do not wait for Kaiser to give you information. You will wait, wait, and wait. My psych, surgeon and internist will be scheduled for me because I am deciding to have the procedure in San Diego.

By all means please find out and contact who your Registered Nurse Case Manager is for Options to find out what is next. I send emails to mine and she answers the same day if she is not busy. She will call me also. So if you are cloae to the 10 week mark, get those last labs in, EKG done and if you need a gallbladder ultrasound be sure to have your PCP send the referral.

Any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Krys

I am sitting here with my laptop since my husband has game on..:thumbup:

Thanks for the tips. I just had my orientation last week. Kaiser said it would be another 2 plus months for the late evening classes to start I figure what's a few more months when I have been fat most of my life.. I had the feeling I would have to drive the bus for this process.

So far my week has been great. I had my psych eval and she told me that she thought I was a great candidate for surgery. That is great news for me!! Now I just have my surgeon consult next week in Lancaster. I'm very curious to see what the wait is. They sent me a 30 page packet, and in it, they said that their procedure is educatation classes, surgeon consult, education, pre-op prep, education, surgery, follow up. I contacted Wenda at Panaroma City, and she thought that this is just a generic packet that they send everyone. But since Kaiser already does all the classes, she doesn't think I'll need more education and they should start talking surgery dates with me next week. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

BTW, Wenda at Panaroma City IS the BOMB!!! So anyone who is taking classes there, you will definitely have an advocate on your side. :001_tongue:

So far my week has been great. I had my psych eval and she told me that she thought I was a great candidate for surgery. That is great news for me!! Now I just have my surgeon consult next week in Lancaster. I'm very curious to see what the wait is. They sent me a 30 page packet, and in it, they said that their procedure is educatation classes, surgeon consult, education, pre-op prep, education, surgery, follow up. I contacted Wenda at Panaroma City, and she thought that this is just a generic packet that they send everyone. But since Kaiser already does all the classes, she doesn't think I'll need more education and they should start talking surgery dates with me next week. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

BTW, Wenda at Panaroma City IS the BOMB!!! So anyone who is taking classes there, you will definitely have an advocate on your side. :001_tongue:

I went the orientation last week and there was lady named Liz that used to work for Dr Yadager, she now works for Kaiser. She said he loves Kaiser patients since they are so educated. Maybe you will get to go the new hospital in Palmdale. Let me know how it goes with him.

@humptydumpty: Very cool!!! I'm excited to be taking the next step. I'm really crossing my fingers that they will start discussing dates with me next week. I will definitely let you know how it goes.

I LOVE DR. YADEGAR nothing but great things to say about him!!!!

Well Ladies and Gents --- Down 2 more lbs. One Holiday to get through and 2 more classes and I'm done with Options. Last nights class was very informative. I will send info on that later. One important thing I will mentioned is Kaiser reimburses for the gas to Pacific Bariatric, hotel stay-up to 130 bucks and gas for the post-op visit to Anaheim. The Nurse Case Manager stated this is something new. I'm not if we are the first group to use it or what. But I thought it to be a good thing if this is your decision. The duration of receiving your refund is about 60 days.

@mommyof4: Everything I have read about Dr Yadegar has been so positive. I feel really good about meeting him next week.

@blaqberry: That's really cool that Kaiser will reimburse for gas, etc up to $130 for going to San Diego. I'm also glad to hear that your Options classes are informative. I kinda dreading having to go to them, but now that I've finished them, I really felt that they were helpful and I have a ton of resources to reference for pretty much any question that I have! My folder is like my little map for this adventure!

Well Ladies and Gents --- Down 2 more lbs. One Holiday to get through and 2 more classes and I'm done with Options. Last nights class was very informative. I will send info on that later. One important thing I will mentioned is Kaiser reimburses for the gas to Pacific Bariatric, hotel stay-up to 130 bucks and gas for the post-op visit to Anaheim. The Nurse Case Manager stated this is something new. I'm not if we are the first group to use it or what. But I thought it to be a good thing if this is your decision. The duration of receiving your refund is about 60 days.

Awesome! Little by little:biggrin2:...I'm so happy you get reimbursed and hotel stay? that is wonderful! Good for you!

Whomever is going to Pacific Bariatric check with the Case Manager where you are attending classes. I'll be glad to fax to you to show them what it is. Up to 130 for gas & up to 100 a night for a hotel room. Also if your companion goes seperately, i.e. has to leave later than you or meet you there the day of your surgery they are also refunded for up to 130 for gas.

I for one am not using the refund service. It's good but, my father lives in Chula Vista, 15 minutes from the hospital and we are always up there at least 3-4 times a month.

Awesome! Little by little:biggrin2:...I'm so happy you get reimbursed and hotel stay? that is wonderful! Good for you!

Hi everyone...hope everyone had a nice long weekend!! I have a couple questions. I will be doing my 9th class tonight and finishing up the options program Sept 28th:thumbup1: Yes almost there!!

I go to the options class in Corona. I have yet to meet my coordinator..is that normal? Also ha vent been given any info on what we need to to once we are finished....is that normal? I decided to go with pacific in San Diego and have orientation on the 15th of this month (heard you did not have to finish the class to do orientation). Once I am done with the options class I have to schedule an appointment with the weight loss specialist right? Can you tell me the process once we are done with the options class ( I have already got the physical last month done) and what test are required such as lab work?

Thanks guys!!

@thin2be: Congrats on getting closer to finishing the Options classes!! I was so happy to be done with them, but I also thought they were super informative.

I didn't meet my case manager until after the Options classes were completed. That might be because after the classes, some people decide not to do the surgery. My case manager called me to schedule a post-Options appointment with the referring bariatric doctor. She told me to do the blood work, chest x-ray, and ekg to be completely ready for the doctor to give his referral. They run all your Vitamins plus a whole bunch of other stuff (they took 16 vials from me!). These results are needed for the doctor to give his referal to the surgeon. When I went to my appointment, the doctor was able to review all the results and give his blessing. Now it is just a matter of getting in to my surgeon (which is happening on Thursday!)

I went to the classes in Panorama City so it may be slightly different in Corona. Perhaps someone else has gone thru the procedure in Corona? I'm not sure if this is standard for Kaiser.

Hey Thin .... I will be finished with my Options class on September 20. Last week the case manager came in and spoke to the class as a whole and answer questions and gave us lots of info. I too am deciding to have my surgery at Pacific Bariatric. I went to the seminar last month. This past Thursday I finished my last labs and EKG and mail the medical history and copies of lab and ekg to Pacific Bariatric to get processed in there system.

Now to my understanding, once you have completed Options, the instructor makes sure you have completed all your food and exercise logs (and you can also check by going to KP.org and looking under the "view past appointments"). After that the case manager will go over the file, checking that all labs, etc are completed before giving it to the doctor over the program. From there the case manager calls you to give you an authorization number and you use this number to contact PB in San Diego to set up your one day consult. I hope I helped a lil bit. I am with Kaiser Bellflower.

It does seem that it's just a bit different for each service area. I'm in Orange County and I have my last class on the 23rd - same week as BlaqBeary Woohoo!!! I went to see my PCP/the bariatric doctor last week for an unrelated issue (hiatal hernia - boo!) and we talked briefly about things. He told me that we don't have a post Options appointment with him, but the case manager sends everything over for him to review the last couple of weeks and they order everything at that time. A girl from a prior class did some make-ups in mine and she showed me a letter that she received from KP around week 10 with all of the info about where her surgery would be, that an ultrasound and labs would be ordered, etc. So, a bit different than everywhere else.

Now, here's something interesting I learned last week. I was on another board, Thinner Times, and there was a girl there who was from Kaiser and was having her surgery done with PB. Apparently, PB is scheduling much further out than what Kaiser is saying. She didn't get her consult appointment until about 5 weeks after Options (don't know when seminar was completed) and was told that she would be called with a surgery date in 2-3 weeks. At week 2 she called them, and they told her to call wait another 2-3 weeks. Plus, a girl in my class has a brother who finished his Options in June, and just had his consult in late August and is waiting for a surgery date still. It took almost 2 months for his consult!!! I brought it up to my PCP and he said that PB is giving them reports that they are an average of 4-6 weeks from authorization to surgery. So, I just know that I'm going to be super pro-active with them and assume that they're not scheduling as quickly as they're telling Kaiser...