Kaiser's preop requirements.

You're always so kind to my lay replies. You truly honor me and always manage to bring me smiles! I hope we might have the privilege of meeting one day. Perhaps at one of the future DS gatherings.

I just wanted to APOLOGIZE for once again misspelling your name. I'm a world class misspeller as if that's any hidden surprise.

Thank you for all that you contribute. Frankly, it's Physicians like you that remind me of what once was... Medicine in the hands of the truly dedicated. Medicine is still an "art "in this, my simple mind-set, but it's women like you who bring and sing that home to me. 

In gratitude, always, 

Rockne

Rockne, thank you for your kind words. I'd love to meet you someday too.
    And don't worry, I'm not the best speller either.

Larra

I went through the options program.  I did not have to do any type of diet.  I am in Riverside County ... it really seems to matter WHERE you are in calif.  I am lower bmi and am having the gastric sleeve because of co-morbidities and a doctor who truly understood the years of struggle I have been through.  Yes, the classes were a bit of a pain, but I met some wonderful people and felt that if I had to jump through this one hoop to feel better then so be it.  It took about 6 weeks to get my surgical consult and I am now scheduled for March 6th.  My ONLY problem is that I need my gallbladder out and want to do both at the same time ... I am having issues with it so that wait is a bit of a problem, but it is all good.  they have been kind and it all moved forward in a reasonable time frame.

Kaiser S. Cal requires that patients go through the Options program 24 weeks classes.  At first I thought that the classes were going to be a useless waste of  time; however, I found them to be of great value in preparing me to make such a drastic lifestyle change.  It is a very informative program.  It prepared me not only physically but also mentally and emotionally for the surgery.  I learned to keep food logs and count my protein grams and the value of exercise, which I am sure is very important in successfully losing the weight and keeping it off while staying healthy.  I also learned that I need to take care of the "demons" that contributed to my weight gain and to beware and not transfer my food addiction for another addiction.  I am now glad that Kaiser has that requirement.  It really helped me make an informed decision.  After I successfully completed the Options program, I was immediately approved for surgery and the approval was sent  to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego (I chose Pacific Bariatric over Kaiser South bay or UCLA).  I wish your sister good luck in her weight loss journey.

Kindest regards,

Marie