I'm meeting with my PCP on Monday to request a referral to the bariatric surgery dept. I was able to grab a spot in the Preparing for Success class scheduled a couple days after my appointment.

I have a couple questions about the Nor Ca Kaiser process and if any of you have been down his road that can help, I would GREATLY appreciate any feedback.

One question I have is, how long in the process do you have to wait to start loosing weight? Sounds crazy, I know. But I have gained about 15 lbs to meet BMI requirementS, andI'm already dying to start working it off.

Question #2 how long is the options program that you have to complete? I've heard all types of different answers to this (sixteen weeks, six months, a year...) I guess it probably ranges from districts.

Okay, I think that's all I have...

Thanks all!!!

I have Kaiser... And since I live in the Central Valley I had a choice of:

Fremont

Sacramento or

Fresno

I chose Frenso and was sleeved Nov 12th

Re: the weight rule - Kaiser will go off your highest weight within a year... So make sure you get it documented with your PCP or Health Services Dept. Once it's logged you can diet & exercise.

That is great!!! Hearing your story makes me so happy and hopeful!

I would ideally like to have my surgery done that last week of March. Mainly for missing work, but we shall see.

I have Kaiser... And since I live in the Central Valley I had a choice of:

Fremont

Sacramento or

Fresno

I chose Frenso and was sleeved Nov 12th <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Re: the weight rule - Kaiser will go off your highest weight within a year... So make sure you get it documented with your PCP or Health Services Dept. Once it's logged you can diet & exercise.

That is good to know! I'm so ready to start getting some of this weight off. Unfortunately, I have purposely gained weight (I know.. I know... Not a smart move) but I have my personal reasons for doing it. Anywho, I'm counting the days until I can start losing! And really looking forward to being able to start losing and keeping it off!!!

FYI: from start to finish it took me 5months to get sleeved...

Each Kaiser will do things a little differently...

My journey:

My PCP referred me for surgery

I attended a WLS class

I met with a Dietician

Had a Mammogram & Pap

Had Psych consult

Another day I did a Psych evaluation/testing... Since I passed I didn't have to do more classes (ex. MINDFUL EATING)

Had orientation at the Bariatrics Dept.

A few weeks later I met with my surgeon... Was given a weightloss goal (10 pds.) I was only given a few pds. Because I had lost approx 60 pds on my own over the last year. Next was a pre-op history & physical... But since I live 2 hrs away my surgeon was nice enough to do it the same day. I also walked out with a surgery date one month away.

After that once I lost the 10 pds., I made sure that the Health Services Dept. documented it... And I made sure not to gain!!!

Next were labs and a week later an appt with my PCP for medical clearance

7 days before surgery I did a routine pregnancy test

And Lastly... I had to confirm weight on the day of surgery... I must meet my goal weight or surgery would be canceled as per the surgeon.

That was my journey!

Good Luck O:-)<

I have Kaiser Ohio..they told me I wasn't fat enough to meet referral requirements. We don't have hospitals in Ohio so all the surgery is done with Network Doctors which of course fists Kaiser money.

I said screw it and am paying for it on my own.

Well glad that the first day wasn't too bad. Do you feel like you are getting around as "normal"? Or do you feel that you still have to take it easy? I am a medical biller' date=' so I sit most of my days Ido walk on my 15 min breaks and sometimes at lunch.

I'm very excited about my class on Thursday. Ready to get this ball rolling. [/quote']

Hi Kimi

How was your class on Thursday?

Jules

It was pretty informative. A little disappointed in how vague the information was though. It was more of a "there are other options than surgery" kind I class. No specifics about the surgeries or the details about the process. I'm meeting with my PCP in Tuesday to ask for my referral.

I met with my doctor today... Got my referral to the bariatric program! Woo-Hoo!

I met with my doctor today... Got my referral to the bariatric program! Woo-Hoo!

Congrats Kimi! I'm excited for you... Did you get referred to Fremont like you hoped?

Jules

Yes!!!!!!!!!

Yay!! Keep me posted on the progress

I'm going to south sac kaiser and absolutely love them. Originally went to Richmond about 5 yrs ago but there was just no follow thru on their end. Just a class, here's your diet. Call us when you're done. Ssc keeps me engaged and moving along. I had to attend a class with health Ed then another class with the bariatric clinic, where I met my surgeon. After class they had openings so I met my surgeon in consultation that same day. Then a nutrition class, psych eval, visit with the rn, all completed. I'm scheduled for my pre op class next wed , final meeting with my surgeon on jan 2 and getting sleeved jan 9. It's been a really easy process and the ssc staff is great. My surgeon is dr grinberg.

That is so awesome!!! What is the date you start your process???

I got my surgery orientation date!!! THIS Sunday the 23rd!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

That's great Kimi! Hopefully things will go as quickly and smoothly as they did for me