PNW Kaiser

[crigney21 58]

Hi everyone, I am going through the process of getting approval for gastric bypass in Portland, Oregon. I am nervously waiting for the process to move forward. So the rundown is that I have a BMI of almost 39 with moderate sleep apnea, and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure. My PCP approved me though based on incontinence. I don't see on any website where that is listed as a comorbidity. I've gone through the three months of weight loss class and have my appointment for the orientation in October. My fear is that since I don't have severe sleep apnea, high cholesterol or diabetes that someone is going to tell me "no" and I will have spent 6+ months going through the process. Can anyone with Kaiser tell me, have I jumped through the main hoop getting approval by my PCP or is there a more "official" approver down the line? I know the dietician, psychologist and surgeon can deny me, but do they generally go off the recommendation of the PCP?

[nenes78 528]

I have Kaiser in Southern California. If you have gone through the Options Classes (sounds like yes) you are in. A friend was put on a different program as they did not meet the requirement for Options (BMI 40+ or BMI 35-39 with one co morbidity). If not sure just speak to the Health office coordinator where the classes where held and ask if your referral to the surgeon has been sent.

[PeaceAndLove88 16]

Hi Crigney21!

I'm also going through the process with Kaiser in Portland. I am currently on step 4.

Once my PCP approved me I received an email from the Bariatric department that said I was approved for the program. So far, through step 3, it seems as though unless there is an issue with my labs, the doctor doesn't feel I'm ready, etc. then I am going to have it.

Let me know if you want to chat more! I know I was fishing so hard to find someone else who was going through it at Kaiser in Portland because each Kaiser is so different.

[crigney21 58]

Hey there, sorry it took me so long to reply! I just met with the social worker and nutritionist today and wasn’t able to schedule my 30 min follow up until January 3rd (8 weeks out). This whole process is just draining because it’s so long. I’m going to start going to the support groups at the Salmon Creek location. And yes, I also got the feeling that unless something is wrong with my labs or the surgeon tells me I can’t get it then I’m gold. I would love to hear more about people’s meeting with the surgeon though.

[Walter Lindstrom 42]

I was working on an appeal and came across the 2017 Kaiser WA Bariatric Surgery program booklet. I don't know if there is an updated book for 2018 (or soon 2019), but I figured it would not hurt to provide the link in case anyone wants to download the PDF. It is:

KP Washington 2017 Guide for the Bariatric Surgery Program