FYI Kaiser Options Answers for Kaiser SoCal People (Downey)

[Dualstarr 104]

So i searched high and low for as much info as I could find regarding the weight loss surgery options/process through Kaiser (Southern Ca) and always came up short so I promised myself I would update others with information as I went through the processes.

Basics

Location: Kaiser Downey/Bellflower

Okay as many of you know (or may not know) Kaiser (Socal) requires you to complete a program called "Options" prior to being approved for surgery. Part of that process also includes attending a 3 hr orientation which I did today. Bellow are a few key points I learned today.

Orientation is the first step (after you are referred by you PCP.

1. The "Options" program is 12 weeks HOWEVER they have recently changed it so that you only attend 6 sessions. Each session is 3 hours long (night class are from 5:30pm-8:30pm). They also offer morning classes (11am-2pm) and Saturday classes (11am-2pm) The class you get depends on what time you complete orientation. For example. I completed orientation today and the only tracks they had starting were Tuesday nights from 5:30pm-8:30 pm and Wednesday 5:30pm-8:30 pm. They offered a Saturday track however that one did not start until late August. There were no Morning tracks on schedule any time soon. Each class meets every other week. So instead of doing one class every week for 12 weeks you do 3 hours (equal to 2 classes) one week then skip a week and then do two more. So 6 meetings over 12 weeks.

2. For all you smokers (I am...or was) they require you to be 100% smoke free for 8 weeks before they will schedule your surgery. This includes NO Patches or GUM. They do test you and if you come back positive for nicotine they will make you wait 8 weeks.

3. You are requested to lose 5-10% of your body weight during the 12 weeks. If you don't lose it is up to the surgent if they will go forward with your surgery. If you gain...you are out!

4. They offer 3 surgical options. Bypass, Sleeve and lap-band. She said sleeve was the most popular and although they do offer the lap band, said they have not done one in over 2 years. They really try to talk you out of it.

5. If you are just at the BMI cut off (BMI 40) like I am, you will not get kicked out for dropping bellow 40 BMI. Once you are in you are in no matter how much weight you lose.

6. Options classes are good for 1 year. After that year you must either have surgery or re-take the Options program again.

7. She said over 90% of the class usually has surgery dates with in in 2-3 weeks after completing the Options program pending you don't have any other issues to take care of (i.e.. stop smoking, have gained weight etc.) She said it's not unlikely to complete the class and have surgery 2 weeks later. She said they are really speeding things up now.

9. The Downey location does not do surgery and most people have surgery done and Kaiser Harbor City.

10. You weigh in every meeting and must keep a food log, exercise log and Protein log. if you fail to do this you get booted.

I start my first options class July 17th and End on September 24th! I will keep you guys posted every meeting so you can get a feel of what the process is like. Feel free to message me with any questions and I will do my best to answer them. If I don't know the answer i will ask at the next class meeting.

[RCN 25]

Wow! Thanks for the info!

I got my referral to options from the Downey facility but I had it transferred to Panorama City so I can do the classes closer to home. So now that I'm under the "Pan City" umbrella I am doing the full 12 weeks of classes (I'm currently on week 7). I wonder how things would have turned out if I would have stood in Downey, I might have been finishe with classes already.... =\

I'm also a low BMI'er (40-41) and have only lost 2 pounds so far ;( arghh but now it's crunch time, hoping to loose at least 5-10 pounds before I meet with the surgeon. From what I hear is that since we do have a low BMI that they aren't as strict as they are with someone with a higher BMI. But I still don't want to risk it, so I'm cutting major calories for the next 5 weeks!

Sent from my iPhone

[Pretty Girl VSG 6]

I start my classes aug 31st. I can't wait. I'm concerned about losing the weight, but ill do whatever I have t to have the surgery. Thanks for the info.

[janicole2 7]

I also attend options in downey and my last class before surgery is Sept. 9 with Barbarey. Best of luck to you as you start your weight loss journey.

[huligoo 75]

Hi guys

I graduated from Kaiser options Downy with Ms Barberi in April this year...

I just had surgery 6-26-13 They refer downy patients to Harbor City Kaiser facility...

I was treated very well through Harbor City

If you have any questions send me a pm

I am open minded and dont mind sharing my story with you guys

I am looking for people who wanna exercise and go to support group at kaiser downey on Fridays too

We all need a supportive network...

I know 3 or 4 other ladies who graduated kaiser options like I did...Im trying to convince them to go with me to

support...

We must surround ourselves with people just like us on the SLEEVED side..

Have a great night!

[huligoo 75]

Wow! Thanks for the info!

I got my referral to options from the Downey facility but I had it transferred to Panorama City so I can do the classes closer to home. So now that I'm under the "Pan City" umbrella I am doing the full 12 weeks of classes (I'm currently on week 7). I wonder how things would have turned out if I would have stood in Downey, I might have been finishe with classes already.... =\

I'm also a low BMI'er (40-41) and have only lost 2 pounds so far ;( arghh but now it's crunch time, hoping to loose at least 5-10 pounds before I meet with the surgeon. From what I hear is that since we do have a low BMI that they aren't as strict as they are with someone with a higher BMI. But I still don't want to risk it, so I'm cutting major calories for the next 5 weeks!

Sent from my iPhone

My

[janicole2 7]

Huligoo, who performed your surgery in Harbor City? I'm to go there also for my surgery.

[Keysharenee1 6]

I start my class next Monday at the Downey location. Real helpful and appreciated

[thisfathasgot2go 235]

I am just starting the process. My PCP told me yesterday at my annual that she would be referring me to Health Education. Can anyone share the telephone number for the options program. My PCP is at the Sunset location and I love in NE Los Angeles, between Glendale and Pasadena. Are there options programs up this way?

Thanks!