Psycholgical Evals: Kaiser Fremont

Hey Cali,

I'm in northern cali and going through the Fremont Kaiser Program.  From the account of others who went through this program it seems that I'm going through the process out of order.  I went to an overview about WLS on 4/24/09, and then was called for a psychological eval on 4/27.  I was warned if I couldn't make the appt. I would probably have to wait a few months for the next appointment.  I went to the appt but was a bit confused during the assessment because I had not went to the orientation yet, which I heard explains the process (and is the first step in the process).  Anyway I guess my biggest concern is that the psychologist (who said she was very new to Kaiser) said that I was a fair candidate for WLS (not good, or bad, but fair).  I asked her what that meant and she that she would recommend I attend the orientation to get more info (which is tomorrow), and ultimately the surgeon if I was accepted or not.  Is there anyone who went through Kaiser that had a similar experience?  If so tell me about it?  I'm so confused!!!!

Here's how my process went:

1. PCP referred me to the bariatric Classes.
2. Ireceived a packet of paperwork that I needed to fill out.
3. Psych eval
4. Waited to be put on the list to get into my classes (it took 3 months)
5. Did the 24-week classes and lab work
6 Net with the Internist, Psychiatrist and sergeon.
6. Had an upper GI due to a previous hernia surgery in 1985 that they thought may inmterfer with the RNY, but was cleared for surgery in mid-April.
7. Got the call on April 20th witha surgery date and hadmy RNY on April 29, 2008

Good luck on your weightloss surgery. Rock that TOOL! =)

~Katt~

Thanks! Kat,

It's good to know it happens, and I plan to rock the tool.  I like your ticker.  I made one up but don't know where to add the code to this site.  Any idea's

I had surgery through the Kaiser in Fresno. Here is how it went for me.

Early November 2008- spoke with PCP about referral for gastric bypass
December 15th - Got letter to begin 20 week nutrition class on January 28
January 28 - began classes (told I needed to lose 10% of my weight, for me that was 24 lbs)
March 9th -  call from surgeon's office with appt for first visit
March 19th - Met with surgeon (told I didn't need to lose anymore weight just don't gain anything)
March 31 - Pysch eval
April 10 - ekg, pap, mammogram tests completed
April 11 - received surgery date
April 22 - began liquid diet
May 4th - blood work completed
May 6th -  surgery

The process went real smooth and uneventful for me. I was surprised how easy it was. I kept waiting for something to go wrong. Good luck to you on your journey

Tbaby, inregards to your weight loss ticker. You need to copy the ticker its self. Don't worry about the codes at the bottom of the screen. When you have copied it, paste it into your signature in your profile. I hope this helps. I had to ask too. Good luck with the Kaiser program. I am sure you will do well, and it will make more sense.

Eileen

Hi,
I am currently going through Kaiser Fremont, here is the process that was used for me:
1. referred by PCP, October 2008
2. Went to orientation, Dec 2008
3. Met the surgeon, Jan 2009
4. Had psych eval (in Union City, I understand they now have a person in the bariatric department at Fremont), Feb 2009
5. Made goal weight, Feb 2009
6. Pre op appointment, May 2009
7. Surgery, June 2009.

I hope this helps, my surgeon will be Dr. Dennen, he seems very nice.

I appreciate all the feedback, its very comforting.  Dr. Dennen completed my orientation today and everything that was cloudy is now clear.  Thanks to all for sharing your process!