Hi,

I'm Veronica. I am 32, 5'7 and currently weigh 255 (BMI: 39.somthing). This is the heaviest I've ever been and at 32, I can actually feel it now; its a bit scary. I recently went through a break up and when I tried to get back on the horse and started hiking again, I noticed how sore all my joints were. I wake up and I'm sore. I worry this is going to get in the way of my weightloss process, WLS or other.

I'm here because I'm considering WLS/VSG and have Kaiser and in insurance provider. I'v been perusing forums, Instagram, and YouTube vlogs for the last couple weeks and haven't really found much on the process for Kaiser. I realize everyone's plans are different but I was hoping to find someone close in age, insurance and location to share this journey with.

My first appointment is scheduled for 12/8/17. Its a "physical" and I'm hoping they'll give me a referral. I have a general idea of the hoops I'll have to jump through to make this happen.

I guess my questions are:

1. I'm a hair under the limit to be considered without a second diagnosis (I don't think I suffer from any of the listed illnesses). Do people ever put on a couple pounds to cross that threshold? is that a thing?

2. There is a weight loss plan leading up to the surgery, right? Does anyone know if my starting weight is taken into account for approval or the weight I'm at after the 6 months of weigh ins?

I know these are all questions for my doctor, and I will definitely ask them in two weeks at my appointment but I'm anxious and like to be entirely prepared.

Thanks!

What region are you in?

In my region, you attend a mandatory wls program before you can meet with the bariatric surgeon. I did not attend that program (too low BMI for Kaiser), but heard about it at my program (their weight management classes) as many of the wls patients transition to that class after surgery.

It seems they are very strict about their requirements, BUT the bariatric doctors may be able to help you find areas you qualify. I was diagnosed with fatty liver, which I think is a pretty standard diagnosis for an obese person. I was also tested for sleep apnea in hopes that could be my second qualification, but no apnea here. I ended up going self pay.

On 11/30/2017 at 7:02 AM, ItsJustMeToo said:

What region are you in?

In my region, you attend a mandatory wls program before you can meet with the bariatric surgeon. I did not attend that program (too low BMI for Kaiser), but heard about it at my program (their weight management classes) as many of the wls patients transition to that class after surgery.

It seems they are very strict about their requirements, BUT the bariatric doctors may be able to help you find areas you qualify. I was diagnosed with fatty liver, which I think is a pretty standard diagnosis for an obese person. I was also tested for sleep apnea in hopes that could be my second qualification, but no apnea here. I ended up going self pay.

Hi, thanks so much for the feedback!