Bypassing Options??

I have seen many posts about bypassing Options if you have had other weight classes for 6 months. What is that all about? Aren't the classes good for letting you know what is going to happen??

I have been to WW off and on for over 5 years, but it would seem to me that the Options classes would teach about more than weight loss...doesn't it inform you of your options/what to expect with the surgery?

Thanks for answering my 20 questions...still trying to absorb all of this info!

Hi there,

I never had Kaiser so I really can't comment on their Options classes, but I will anyway LOL.  There are those that feel the classes are a waste of time and Kaiser's way of trying to get people to change their mind about surgery.  I believe I may have even heard of people being able to get out of the classes.  From my point of view, however, based on people I know who have had the classes, I wish I had to have had classes before I had my surgery.  I think it is a good time for you to learn all you can about what to expect before, during and after surgery.  Issues may come up that you have never even thought of.

I do feel that perhaps the 26 weeks is overkill, but it's what they have set up so just take advantage of learning all you can and meeting other people who are going through the same things you are. 

Knowledge is king.  Don't ever forget that.  Good luck.

Stephanie

The Option classes can get repetitive. I actually enjoyed my Option classes and would never have bypassed them. I learned a lot and received a lot of information that has helped since I had surgery in April 2008. They are designed to help you understand the re-routing of the part of your anatomy that will help with the weight loss. The one thing you need to remember is that they operate on our tummies, not our heads. You need to come to terms with why/how you gained your weight prior to having the surgery. A lot of people have sued to get out of the classes. In MY opinion, by the time you finish suing to get out of taking the classes, you could almost be finished with them. My class went for 26 weeks, but I think Kaiser has lowered it to 20 weeks or are considering lowering them to 20 weeks. Good luck to you on your weightloss journey.

~Katt~

Well, since you asked...
    Yes, it is possible to avoid the Options classes by filing a grievance. You have to go through Kaiser's internal appeals process, which takes 30 days total, and then to the DMHC, which would probably take another 30 days or so. Given that most facilities have a 3-4 month wait just to get into the classes, let alone complete them, you would save a lot of months of waiting by doing this.
     Some people are glad they took the classes, felt they learned useful stuff and met nice people. Other people felt they were a grea****er of time. For some people they are quite far from home and very inconvenient.
    Also, it depends on what type of surgery you are considering. The classes won't cover the duodenal switch, which is a form of wls Kaiser doesn't offer and doesn't even tell people about, even though it is endorsed by the AMSBS and other organizations in the field of bariatric surgery, approved by Medicare, etc. My own belief it that it's best to learn about all the wls options before making a decision, not just the ones your insurer prefers to tell you about. The DS has the best results of any wls presently available in terms of excess weight loss, maintaining that weight loss, and resolution of comorbidities, as well as a more normal style of eating than the other operations. If you would like more info about it, send me a pm. You sure won't learn about it at Kaiser.

Larra

I rarely hear someone challenging them and not have to take it....You can try!

Nice biceps Gus! SOMEONE has been lifting their weights!

That's right and darn proud of my results! 

Thanks!

I currently have a  grievance with the Department of Managed Health Care to bypass Options. It's doable.

First thing you need to know...not all Kaiser's require all things ;-)  I went thru Kaiser Richmond, which didn't as far as I know, require pre-surgery classes. Never even heard them mentioned.  The 3 Kaiser facilities in Northern Cali, Fremont, So San Francisco and Richmond..all have different programs...same surgery (lap band and rny only at this time) but different protocols before and after surgery.  The post op food plan is even different...Richmond doesn't allow protein shakes..the other 2 northern factilities do.  You will have to do your research on the facility you are contemplating having your surgery...if you have been given an information binder, read it from front to back..It explains what that facility's program is.  Good luck on beginning your journey...ask lots of questions and come back here often...there are lots and lots of people who can help you ^_^
Nancy aka Sunray

I think it would be smart to keep your options class it informs you a great deal. They are not that long they seem long but since your are out of BP same as me, they only have 10 classes you have to go to. They also help set you up with the labs needed and all interviews for the surgery.

You will learn more then you think you know now.