Kaiser SoCal Referral

[TheUsualSuspect 0]

Hi everyone. I was given a referral to the Options Program, but wasn't given any information on surgical options, just the shakes and meals. When I asked the Staff, they said my Dr needs to give me a specific referral before I can talk to anyone in the program. I asked my Dr, he said the referral he gave me should have covered it. What do I need to tell him to do? It took me 4 Dr switches to get one that would even have a discussion on weight loss, most of the Dr's in the past have just said stop eating cookes and drinking soda. When I would tell them I don't eat or drink either, they would then tell me I need to calorie count. We all know where that leads.

I am a bit nervous, I have tried just about everything under the sun, done nothing but yoyo, so I am looking to explore the surgical options. I am open advice, the thought of surgery is a bit unnerving.

Thank you.

Edited August 5, 2023 by TheUsualSuspect

[AmberFL 1,082]

I have Kaiser as well, but in NorCal. I went to my regular doctor and told him straight up. I need weight loss surgery, he asked if I have dieted at all. I told him yes, I have dieted since I was 12yrs old and now after 2 children being a little older I cannot lose for nothing. I am also on ADHD meds and cannot lose weight so even the stimulants are not working. He took my weight and my BMI is 43, I am only 34 and I am on track to have diabetes, heart disease ect.

He told me I was a good candidate, I don't smoke, I don't often drink and my BMI meets the requirements. I had to get a bunch of bloodwork all came back normal except my HDL. Then he sent my referral in to the bariatric surgery center in South San Francisco. I had to do an orientation and take a test, Takes an hour and 10min total. Then 5days later I got a schedule for nutrition class and then meet my surgeon. those are scheduled for next week so I am anxious on how that goes.

My "Why" are my children. I have a 12yr, 6yr and 1yr old. I am currently in school finishing my bachelors. My partner doesn't have weight issues and I absolutely refuse to get to the point where I cannot play with my kids. I want to be able to be their coaches in sports as I was very much into athletics till I was in college. I want to run around with them and live a very long life with them. As well as teaching them to have a healthier life style.

I am scared doing this, but I know in the long run this is what I HAVE TO DO!

[Momo G 10]

Hi I have Kaiser NorCal and I went to my primary and just told them I want weight loss surgery. She sent a referral to the Bariatric department as I had a BMI of 38 and high blood pressure so I met the requirements, which for NorCal are a BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with a health condition. I was contacted by the Bariatric department and I had to watch a video and take a test it was easy. Then I had to weigh in with their department and meet with a nutritionist. After all that was done, I was able to meet with the surgeon and he gave me a go away of what I had to lose in order to qualify. I had to do a psych evaluation. Once I lost weight I did some bloodwork and now I am scheduled for surgery on October 12 of this year. I started this process in January, I was scheduled for surgery in September, but got pneumonia the week of the surgery so it was postponed and now Kaiser is supposed to strike so I’m hoping that it doesn’t get postponed again you do have to maintain your weight the entire process and can’t even go over half a pound of your goal weight. Hope this helps.

[AmberFL 1,082]

On 9/28/2023 at 5:22 AM, Momo G said:

Hi I have Kaiser NorCal and I went to my primary and just told them I want weight loss surgery. She sent a referral to the Bariatric department as I had a BMI of 38 and high blood pressure so I met the requirements, which for NorCal are a BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with a health condition. I was contacted by the Bariatric department and I had to watch a video and take a test it was easy. Then I had to weigh in with their department and meet with a nutritionist. After all that was done, I was able to meet with the surgeon and he gave me a go away of what I had to lose in order to qualify. I had to do a psych evaluation. Once I lost weight I did some bloodwork and now I am scheduled for surgery on October 12 of this year. I started this process in January, I was scheduled for surgery in September, but got pneumonia the week of the surgery so it was postponed and now Kaiser is supposed to strike so I’m hoping that it doesn’t get postponed again you do have to maintain your weight the entire process and can’t even go over half a pound of your goal weight. Hope this helps.

May I ask you why the process took so long?