Hi, I'm new to this site, but wanted to introduce myself. I'm hoping to get VSG done through Kaiser. I'm 49 years old and am 5'3" and weigh 219. Over the years I have yo-yoed with my weight. This past year and a half, I was able to lose 60 pounds, just to gain it all back. I am hoping the VSG will keep me from "pigging" out. I just can't seem to keep the weight off. I was so happy when I lost the weight this last time that my friend convinced me to get rid of all my big size clothes (20/22) and was wearing small/medium size. Now, I only have a handful of clothing that fit me because I am back up to a 20/22....so depressing! Oh, I am back on my high blood pressure medicine and am borderline with high cholesterol.

Anyway, I emailed my PCP and she responded back the next day with an appointment set up for me to go to the first WLS class. Based on the info they sent me, I will need to attend 6 visits with the nutritionist or class. Also I will need to set an appointment with the Behavioral Health Evaluation and "cleared" by them before my case would be presented to the Obesity Work Group (OWG) who will then approve/disapprove my request for VSG. Has anyone else gone through the process to be denied by OWG?

If I don't get approved by Kaiser, I am seriously considering going to Mexico to have the procedure even though my husband is not so keen about me going out of the country for the surgery. If I have to pay for it all myself, then I'm going the cheaper route...especially since I have a child in college and another going in another year.

Hello there and welcome. One thing I've learned is that Kaiser processes are certainly different depending on the region you're in. I am in Riverside, Ca. and we have to attend 12 Classes called Options classes among a bunch other requirement. My referral was recently approved. It seems as long as you commit to do what they they ask you, then will most like be approved.

Again... Welcome and good luck on your journey.

Thanks and congrats to you on your recent approval! I am determine to follow their guide lines for a better chance of approval.

Hi

I guess all Kaisers are all different. I started out at the beginning of the year. I was referred because I have all the comorbitites in the book. I don't qualify by weight by due to the fact that I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and recently diagnosed with sleep apnea I was approved. When I went to the orientation and thought the surgery was not for me. I did see a dietitian for 3 months did very well but I am still diabetic. So I decided to have the surgery and emailed my dr. and she immediately referred me to the classes and I am in the final process now. I see the surgeon on the 17th. of August to get my surgery date. I am going to the S.S.F Kaiser.

I hope all woks for you.

I think SML1977 us right, it must depend on the region. I too am in Riverside, I contacted the wellness dept myself to start the 12week Options classes, completedtbose April 27 and did everythi.g else as far as labs and testing, I just got my sleeve on Monday July 23, so it took me 7 mths total. And it was worth the wait. Good luck and Congrats on your decision... Keep us posted.

I had my first WLS class today and my case have to go to OWG committee to determine if I qualify or not. I have a BMI of 40.3 but the nutritionist said that may not be enough....I'm bummed out

I had my first WLS class today and my case have to go to OWG committee to determine if I qualify or not. I have a BMI of 40.3 but the nutritionist said that may not be enough....I'm bummed out

Do you have any of the co-morbity diseases?

I had my first WLS class today and my case have to go to OWG committee to determine if I qualify or not. I have a BMI of 40.3 but the nutritionist said that may not be enough....I'm bummed out

It really depends where you are located? But you can present any other issues that are making you choose the sleeve. Bad knees, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea. Look at your weight history with kaiser, maybe that will help. Things like that. Good luck to you.

Hopeful, I live in Wildomar, and had to travel all the way to Kaiser South Bay in Long Beach/Torrance for my surgery (last December). Now, Kaiser is doing it locally. Since I was an emergency lap-band revision, I only had to wait 2 weeks, and didn't have to go through the Options classes. What I did find out is that Kaiser is big on compliance. Do what they tell you to the letter, and things will go a lot smoother for you. Especially when they want you to lose weight pre-op to shrink your liver. They don't listen to excuses. Good luck, and keep us posted.