Got Kaiser? What should I expect?

You can avoid the Options classes by filing a grievance.  See my post above.

Don't want to do the pre-op diet/10% weight
loss/other stalling requirement? The DMHC...

Here is one published decision of the DMHC IMR process, where both the request for the DS and the request to waive the Options program were both done in the IMR procedure (normally, a grievance procedure, which is administrative, is used to force Kaiser to waive the Options program -- those decisions are normally not published) -- you can see what they said:

http://wp.dmhc.ca.gov/imr/detail.asp?id=7582&optFormat=html& cboDetermination=0&cmdSearch=Search&cboMC=Morbid+Obesity&cbo Treatment2=0&cboDiagnosis2=0&cboDT=0&cboType=0&txtDetails=du odenal

"With regard to the Options Program, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating that structured diet or exercise plans have been successful in the treatment of the morbidly obese. In fact, the Swedish obesity study identified that even though there may be reduction or resolution of some symptoms with diet and exercise, surgery has the longest and best long-term outcome for the morbidly obese. In addition, recent studies indicate that bariatric surgery is associated with decreased over all mortality for the morbidly obese."

The DMHC ordered Kaiser to waive the Options requirement in this and many other cases.

Personally I did not learn ONE thing from my Options classes (while I thought my teacher was wonderful).  I researched myself, my heart, what I wanted and all about ALL the surgeries before I even went to my PCP to be referred.  I learned a TON during my research and a little from the folks here on OH.

I think the classes are necessary for SOME people but not all.  Some people are NOT ready for the demands and mental aspect of life after weight loss surgery and by all means need to be educated.  I know way more about vitamin deficiencies then what was taught in the class.  They tell you to take your vitamins but never go into the why and what can happen. For me I didn't feel the classes really mentally prepared you for life after weight loss surgery, but to each his own cause everyone has an opinion =)

Take this time NOW to learn everything you need to know about life after WLS.  There is a ton of information not only here on OH but on the internet as well.  I goggled EVERYTHING and found out so much.  I took the period to really look at myself and my obesity and MY contributing factors.  My history, my mothers history, my eating history etc.  What bad habits I had if any that helped contribute, what I could do during the time period before surgery to change them etc.

Good luck to you with the Kaiser process =)   Be blessed.

Ms Shell

I'm sure these classes can be beneficial for those who have not done previous research on their surgery. Those of us who know what we're getting ourselves into probably won't benefit very much from these classes.

IMO they are nothing more than a stall tactic. As it stand right now with my classes there is a 5 month waiting period just to attend 5 more months worth of classes. Did you know that a few years ago their classes were nowhere near as long as they are now?

Not to mention they don't even cover all types of surgeries recommended by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Kaiser does not contract with a surgeon qualified enough to perform DS, so Kaiser lies about it & makes you think it's a bad procedure. Truth is, it has the most excess weight loss, no dumping as well as the most long term weight loss.

Sorry to ramble on, but Kaiser strikes a nerve with me.

I am currently in week 7 of the Options program. It's very repetitive! I won't lie though it has really made me think about ME!!! In the short time I have been in the classes I have learned a lot about me. I have learned my triggers and how to deal with them effectively. They work.
One thing I am concerned with is the cost of the surgery. I haven't been able to get a straight answer about this and it's driving me crazy!

The whole grievance process takes about 3 months. So if you're already in the classes, it's probably not worth the effort. On the other hand, if there is a long waiting list to even start the classes, you might consider doing the grievance so you can skip them.