Has anyone gone through Kaiser Hawaii for their surgery? What is the process like? I need Hawaii peeps to pick their brains.

I am in same boat as you! Just starting process, would love to know how it all goes.

I had surgery 2/10/16 and it was Kaiser Hawaii. Ask me any questions you want.

Hi Sally!! Thanks for your quick response! How long was your process from the first info session to get your surgery date? Curious to how long the process takes and how rough it is!

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Well......almost a year. Feb 12, 2015 was my orientation. I live on Big Island, so there was a lot of going back and forth to Oahu for meetings and appointments. I always took the first available appointment o try and get it done quicker. They only do surgery for the program on Wednesdays, so there is a back up. I finished all the required appointments, classes, meetings in July. Then my optifast info in December and the sugery 2/10/16. But I love the staff in the program and my surgeon is outstanding. So it seems really long, but it is so worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. They equip you to be successful with all the education and tools they give you. I am down almost 50 pounds and I am well on my way.

Edited April 3, 201610 yr by sally447

Sally,

What was your class schedule like? Did you have to do an endoscopy pre-surgery? What kind of pre surgery diet did you have to be on and for how long? I could go on and on.

Jess, when are you scheduled for your info session? I need a buddy so we can get each other through this?

Oh, that would be wonderful! I am on Kauai, I need a buddy too!!

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I'm scheduled for the April info session. Maybe I'll see you there! I'm on Facebook Lisa Ann Leonard Mejia. Look me up and we can chat!

Oh, that would be wonderful! I am on Kauai, I need a buddy too!!

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Awesome! I found you and messaged you!

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Aloha,

What made you decide on Kaiser? Does anyone have information on Pali Momi or Castle?

Kaiser has been my insurance carrier for 25 years! But I've heard that Castle also has a great bariatric program with accreditation and the award of excellence.....just like Kaiser. I'm not sure about Pali momI, tho.

Aloha,

What made you decide on Kaiser? Does anyone have information on Pali Momi or Castle?

I invite all of you to message/friend me on Facebook. I'm trying to get a group of us locals together for support, laughs, and shared experiences. I'm Lisa Ann Leonard mejia on Facebook and Misslisaleo on Instagram!

Maria,

I went to a castle info session and I think the team is awesome!! I was prepared to do a self pay surgery. At that time (still insured by Kaiser) I didn't know about Kaiser's program. Castle does not accept Kaiser insurance, which is the biggest reason I chose Kaiser.

I think both groups are great (what I know so far) but I'm not sure about the third one you mentioned.

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Lisa,

I just sent a FB friend request. After orientation, most of you questions will be answered. You have 4 nutrition classes, 2 exercise classes and 3-4 behavior classes. I did not have to have an endoscopy before surgery. They had me do a 2 week Optifast diet. I decided to do 5 weeks to have a bigger weight loss before surgery. It was also 1/6 when I started and I wanted to have a weight loss New Years resolution . I chose sleeve after talking extensively to the surgeon. I do not crave sweets and I do not have reflux. Those were the two big things about sleeve vs bypass.

Tomorrow is my info session. Wish me luck! I'll report back in case anyone is interested in what they say!

I'm so excited to hear about it!!! I'll be waiting and I'm so excited for you!

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