I have a question that I'm hoping someone can advise me on... I'm 5'7" and in February 08 after being on phentermine to try to shed a few pounds I had a bmi of 38.7. My PCP recommended a sleep apnea test & the results came back as "mild" so my Dr. sent a referral to Kaiser's Bariatric Dept. Because the apnea was only mild and the bmi was not 40 at the time with no other co-morbidites, I was denied acceptance to the program in April 08. I stopped taking the phentermine because I didn't like how it made me feel and I have gained back all that I lost plus a couple. I believe I'm now back at 40bmi which should allow me to now qualify.

Should I ask for the referral to be resubmitted now? My PCP is supportive and is happy to do it but I am nervous that Bariatrics will deny me because 4 months ago my bmi was too low. Will I qualify no questions asked since my bmi is at 40 or will I run into trouble?

Has anyone had the experience of being denied by Kaiser & then put on the weight and been accepted?

Any advice?

Thanks!

I am also going through Kasier Richmond as well. Orientation July 15th . I signed up for the healthy living class which starts on July 22nd and that's 11 weeks. I didn't receive a packet from richmond nor do I have a psych or nutrtion appt.

Is the healthy living class mandatory?

I am glad to hear someone else is obsessed with the process....it's all I can think of too.

I am wondering if the orientation is the same as the Weight Loss Surgery Overview class that I am signed up for next week?

The process is so maddening sometimes as it seems there is no consistent procedures even thought there is supposed to be. I found a link to the Fremont procedures guidelines and it seems that everyone on this thread has a different PCP interpretation of how its done.

Have you gone through the healthy lifestyles program or have they said to lose 10%?

I am hoping that all of these things I am doing will count when it gets to the surgery department.

I am so excited for you - and am glad we've got someone to talk to during this process..

Is your Orientation class the same as the Weight Loss Surgery Overview class? How did you sign up or get signed up for it?

No, I don't think its mandatory, but someone told me it would be a good idea to take this class it cost me $95

I signed up for the weight loss overwiew class BUT I am going to cancel that because my orientation is on Tuesday July 15 and that class is not until August. I am going to assume that the orientation will cover everything that is discussed in the weight loss overview although I am going to keep the Healthy Lifestyle class

did your PCP input a referral to the surgery dept. yet? It seems that every facility has a different method of referral - it's hard to tell the time frame and next step. I guess if we just do all we can when we can it will help to move the process along.

My PCP submited the referral on June 25 right in front of me, then a few days later I received a card for orientation . That was quick however we will see what happens AFTER orientation. People have been saying that their next appt is not until another 20-24 weeks... I dunno. Where are you going through Fremont, Richmond or SSF ??

I am not sure - I don't think my PCP submitted a referral to the surgery department as I haven't received anything about orientation....she agreed to the referral and said that she is doing my labs, dietician appointment and psyc referral (all appointments have been made through Kaiser Hayward). I hope I don't have to repeat these appointments, though I can't see why they'd pay twice for them....I wish I'd get an orientation appointment - it would make me feel like it was official.

Lets just keep each other informed as we progress throughout the program

You got it....it's nice to have someone to compare notes with :party: Hope you are having a great weekend....

Is your Orientation class the same as the Weight Loss Surgery Overview class? How did you sign up or get signed up for it?

My orientation packet & appt card was automatically sent to me from the Fremont Bariatric dept. as a result of my PCP sending the referral. The cover letter said it is the initial acceptance to the WLS program.

Hi Ladies:

My friend who just got banded through Richmond this week said her process went like this:

"You will be asked to weigh in normally before the first "orientation class/seminar". At Kaiser Richmond, they just had us check in and hop on the scale. Dressed, some people took off their shoes, but you were not allowed on barefoot (socks ok). It was off to the side with only the facilitator able to see the scale, and a really long line. Some people came in late and were weighed at the end, but it had to be done at that class as that was considered your starting point weight.

The seminar then was all about the program, the pros/cons of surgery. The especially harped on about the limitations and the things to be worried about. Probably trying to get the flaky folks to drop out. Then, after the lecture portion, they had all "support folks" like your husband, parent, friend leave the room and gave us a 7 page highly personal, confidential questionaire to complete and then we left. Questions about past dieting habits, traumatic experiences, issues about your sex life, issues with eating disorders, etc.

In the handouts you left with was a copy of the diet they suggested you start to get you going!

That was it, and it was about 2-3 months after that before I got my next appointment which was a 5 hour seminar. Then the Psychologist appt, a meeting with the surgeon where they check you out and give you your preop goal weight, which is normally around 10% of your body weight at the first orientation weigh in.

Once you make weight... appointment to weigh in, appointment with Case Manager where a surgery date is set and then Pre Op class and Nutrition Class and then Pre Op physical and then after a few labs, you are good to go.

Hang in there. It feels like a really long process, but if you think about it, my first seminar was the end of January and here I am today...DONE! And remember, this is Richmond... maybe Fremont is quicker."

Remember that at your first orientation, they weigh you & that is your starting weight. Almost everyone is asked to lose at least 10% of that starting weight. My friend had the stomach flu right before she went & her weight was down 8 lbs. She had to lose 10% based on the lower # but when she went home and started to feel better she of course gained the 8 lbs back which meant she had to lose even more than they advised! Basically, you want to be at your heaviest weight on orientation day. Don't diet ahead of that appointment because the pounds lost won't count. Good luck!

did your PCP input a referral to the surgery dept. yet? It seems that every facility has a different method of referral - it's hard to tell the time frame and next step. I guess if we just do all we can when we can it will help to move the process along.

Your PCP can only send the referral to the Bariatrics dept. It's Bariatrics that checks your medical record to see if you meet the criteria necessary (40+ bmi w/o other co-morbidities or 35+ with co-morbidities) and if you qualify, they then assign you to an orientation time & a program location. From what I've been told, the Bariatrics dept then schedules you for all subsequent classes and appts. It's a slow process that can be possibly moved along quicker if you call to see if there are cancellations for appts. (with the psychologist for example). The key is losing the amount of weight you are given at the 1st orientation. I know a lady who is struggling to do this and her surgery scheduling is being held up by 1 pound! Once you hit your goal, things will move very fast but the first couple of months will be slow.

Are you familiar with Keiser in the Maryland area, specifically Laurel area which is right outside Washington DC so that area would be fine if you know someone there. I don't even know how to start.