Finally got a referral!

khoktzen · October 19, 2016

Hello Everyone!

I currently live in Sacramento, CA and am a member of Kaiser Perm. Norcal. I have been dieting for quite some time with not much success. I did the KP medical weight loss program in 2013 and lost about 20 pounds. Afterwards, I attempted to discuss WLS with my PCP and she basically said I don't qualify and that was that. I attempted to talk to her about it again last year and she still wouldn't even consider it. I am 5'2" and weight anywhere from 190-200 pounds so my BMI is borderline 35+. As such, I asked about exploring the possibility of having any of the required comorbities for WLS. She would not budge. After begging and pleading repeatedly to just consider WLS and a referral, I finally decided to do some research and get a new PCP. Luckily, I found a wonderful PCP and it turns out I have hypertension. I didn't realize this because every time I had gone in for an appointment, the medical assistant and dr didn't say anything about my blood pressure being high. When my new PCP reviewed my chart she said that my blood pressure has been high for quite some time and this should have been addressed. She prescribed blood pressure meds and gave me a referral to Kaiser South Sac Bariatrics. She's not sure how strong of a candidate I am and whether or not the surgeons will agree to perform WLS but I'm excited that I finally have a PCP that is listening to me. Anyways, I'm waiting to hear from the bariatric department. They said that it could be anywhere from 2-3 before I hear anything but they did confirm that they received the referral.

I hope the surgeon will find that I'm a good candidate that will really benefit from surgery!

Jmac32 · October 19, 2016

Hang in there! My PCP said she would refer me to a Bariatric Surgeon after she tried to talk me out of the idea. Nothing ever came of it. I did some research and found a very good Surgeon that my health plan would cover. I called them and went to the 1st seminar and found out more about the process. I too am in the 35+ BMI category but, I found I do have co-morbidities. I now have a tentative surgery date of Nov 8 awaiting my insurance company's approval. It's been a long process, but worth it! It's taken 4 months of nutrition classes, Psych evals, and endless internet research but I'm almost there. I have a plan for my post-op diet, supplements, and exercise. I am so ready for this! Stick with it! Don't let anyone or anything stop you. It's your life and your health. Take charge!