I'm in the options program through Kaiser to get the gastric sleeve (at class 11 of 12). I have epilepsy so I occasionally use marijuana as a type of medication. My question is does Fontana/Ontario Kaiser test and if so when do they test pre surgery?

Do you have a prescription for it? If so, I'm not sure it will matter as it is medically necessary. If you do not, and your (not sure where you are) state/province allows for medical usage, I would suggest doing so, as epilepsy usually qualifies.

If not an option in your area, I would assume they all test, then be surprised if they didn't. The reason I say this is, if you stop, and they don't test you will not lose your surgery date, but if they do test and you do not stop you will.

If you risk seizures without it, I would try your best to get an exemption, to minimize this risk.

Im going to options in Orange and i know they tested when you do the initial labs. When i met theh PA for a Medical Clearance to start the Options classes, she told me they can do random drug tests throughout the 12 weeks. I am not sure as far as them testing anytime between your last options class and yoour surgery date. I guess that would depend on the Surgeon

Discuss this with your surgeon. I know I was tested a week before surgery. Fresno Kaiser

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I don't have Kaiser but I was totally honest on my paperwork at the surgeons office. I use medical marijuana to alleviate the insane nausea I get from the medication I take for my prolactinoma (benign pituitary tumor). He never said anything and was approved no problem. I too have an Rx for it.


5'7 Sleeved 8/7 HW: 256 SW: 248
CW: 235 At 2 week post op GW: 150

I was sleeved on August 24th and completed the Options program at Fontana months ago. I was never tested for drugs. I asked during one of the classes about marijuana usage and Andy said the program discourages it. I smoke every day, but quit about 2 weeks before surgery.

Yeah I talked to the doctor about it and he said just let the surgeon know ahead of time and it should be no problem because of the epilepsy.

Edited September 8, 20178 yr by boysmom1109

16 hours ago, pazzie said:

I was sleeved on August 24th and completed the Options program at Fontana months ago. I was never tested for drugs. I asked during one of the classes about marijuana usage and Andy said the program discourages it. I smoke every day, but quit about 2 weeks before surgery.

Yeah I talked to the doctor about it and he said just let the surgeon know ahead of time and it should be no problem because of the epilepsy. I have the psych evaluation this coming Wednesday and then the referral will be sent to the surgeon. How long was the wait to have the consultation from when you finished everything?

Strange I was never drug tested or nicotine tested. Required by insurance or my surgeon. Went to UCLA.