I am going for orientation next week for the gastric sleeve. I have talked to a couple friends that have had it done...however I have Kaiser and they do things a little differently...would like to hear some input from anyone that has had this procedure done with Kaiser...any and all info is very much appreciated

Edited February 7, 20197 yr by Retta jo

I have Kaiser and am very happy with the Bariatric program. I know each regional Kaiser is a bit different. I did like and think that the Options program is great before the surgery. Even though it is a long process (rumor is they are shortening it), it is very helpful and prepares you for what is to come.

The best part has been the after surgery support group which consists of weekly meetings with a behaviorist and dietitian alternating weeks. I go weekly as it has helped me after surgery and be successful but I do see people drop in and out as they please. A great change is they have now made it free. I like the groups because there are people in it that are almost 8 years out and attend regularly so they have great advice on life after surgery.

I had surgery 11 months ago today, and am very happy with Kaiser and their program. Please feel free to ask questions or message me.

I have sooo many questions regarding Kaiser and how they do things..first of all cost...is there any cost above and beyond the co-pay? Typically how long from beginning to actual surgery. Just because I have an appointment for an orientation, does that mean I have been approved to have the surgery. Kaiser does things so different ..just like input from someone who has Kaiser...Kaiser is usually very conservative on their method of doing things . I am in Northern California

Edited February 7, 20197 yr by Retta jo

payments are what your copay is. For example I had to pay for specialist office visits each time I saw the bariatric team. Options class had no copay. For the surgery I only paid the overnight hospital stay copay. Surgery is not approved until the surgeon clears you after completing the program. My time line was as follows:

• Cleared by PCP for Options Bariatric program (Socal is 12 weeks) 9-1-17
• Orientation for Options program 9-6-17
• Start Options 9-14-17
• get tests and visits with Bariatric doctors, EKG, Psych eval if needed during Options
• Completed Options on12/7/17
• Cleared to meet with Surgeon by Options Doctor on 12/13/17
• Met Surgeon on 1/8/19
• scheduled surgery with surgeon staff after meeting weight loss goal from surgeon (besides the Options weight loss)
• Pre Op visit with surgeon 2/23/18
• Surgery with overnight hospital stay 3/7/19
• Followup surgery visit 3/16/19
• cleared by surgeon to return to work 3/20/18

Hope that helps

I'm sorry to keep asking questions....but.....

What is the "options" class?

Options is a weight loss class. It explains everything about the surgery and eating before and after. Its every other week for 3 months or so. Its mandatory at Kaiser and you're expected to lose weight during this time. Typically 10% of your weight but no number is officially given to you. You have to "pass" the class to get the surgery but there's no test. If you show up to class and lose a little weight you'll be ok. There were no hidden costs at Kaiser for the surgery just whatever your co pay is. For me it was $250

1 hour ago, Jagcoach said:

Options is a weight loss class. It explains everything about the surgery and eating before and after. Its every other week for 3 months or so. Its mandatory at Kaiser and you're expected to lose weight during this time. Typically 10% of your weight but no number is officially given to you. You have to "pass" the class to get the surgery but there's no test. If you show up to class and lose a little weight you'll be ok. There were no hidden costs at Kaiser for the surgery just whatever your co pay is. For me it was $250

Correct and every Kaiser region has different requirements for Options. I have LA Area and the Options classes are 12 weeks. Of those 12 you can only miss 2 and they must be made up. These classes also have weekly exercise and food logs which also are to be turned in. If you do not complete them you will not "pass the class". Again each Kaiser region is different on their requirements.

Also for weight loss during the program they will take into account Kaiser documented weight loss prior to the classes. I had lost almost 7lbs in the 2 weeks between my PCP giving the green light for Options and my first weigh in on week one.

Hi nenes! I completed my options course At Kaiser and now have my surgeon consult tomorrow morning. I am so excited. I will have Dr. Kim. Is that what you had?

Also, any advise? :)

No, I did not have Dr Kim but I would suggest to continue to try and lose weight. If you don't keep losing they'll cancel your surgery, even if they already gave you a date. Also be prepared after surgery, it's tough but the results are unbelievable once you get past month 3. I've lost 100 pounds since I finished options and 75 since surgery last September, I've never felt better. It's going to get tougher before it gets better but you'll feel great in 5 or 6 months.

Thank you!