New here...Kaiser So Cal question

Hey everyone I have been lurking around for a while and had a few questions. I am a new kaiser patient and will be seeing my pcp for the first time tomorrow. I know that I probably have not had Kaiser long enough for them to want to approve me for surgery but I have to start trying to get it approved. I am young and have a bmi of over 48 with arthritis, asthma, and throw my hip out everytime i get on the treadmill (2.0- 2.5 mph). I had a sleep study years ago and did not have apnea but my O2 saturation went into the 80's (not good). So I am not sure if I have developed apnea over the years.

Anyways I was wondering if you were me would you come right out and say that this is your goal,  to have surgery. Should I ask for a referrel to the Options class right away. By the time I finish that it will be another 6 months with Kaiser? I guess I just need the encouragement to ask my doctor. I have really tired over the years and I have completely fell flat on my face. Does anyone know any of their other criteria for WLS? Anything would be helpful.

Thanks
Nathalie

Talk to your GP right away and ask for a referel. You will have to go to an Orientation Class first, they will evaluate you and then schedule you for your 6 month Options Classes.

Ask now! I don't know how long it takes in Colton but when I finished my classes in Panorama City, I heard there was a 3 month waiting list for the classes- that was AFTER you took the Orientation Class...but that was there.

Don't wait...get the ball rolling!

Thanks for the suggestions. I will actually be using a doctor in Fontana. The offices are bigger and I figure there is a larger patient population so that maybe my doctor has had a few patients already that have asked for referrals. Fingers crossed...

HI..welcome to the board.  I say..go for it..talk to your PCP..tell hinm/her you know and accept the class as a given.  You will need to proivide proof of past weightloss programs...even if just to satisfy your records.  I am a Kaiser patient, my PCP was not to terribly receptive, but I persisted and took the classes happily..they are Terrific.  I hope you choose the Fontana offices...WONDERFUL team!  There are several WLS to choose from, be sure to investigate each one and decide which will be best for you.  Lots of people here to help out.
Good luck!
Kim in Fontana

Thanks for the encouraging words. I am going through Fontana and am going to lay it all down for him. I have researched for a few years now I just haven't ever had an insurance that has covered the surgery before. Now is my chance and I am not changing jobs anytime soon, so why not try.

I was in the middle of the process when my employer changed insurance plans. The first time I saw my new PCP I layed it all on the table. She immediately put in my referral to the bariatric program. I had maybe 3 weeks with Kaiser, so dont hesitate!!

Thats really encouraging to hear. I have been a Kaiser patient for a little longer than that and figure that surgery won't be any time soon anyway. I have accepted that and know that it won't be right away. I am just happy at the prospect of possibly getting the surgery.

if WLS is the end goal why wait, you know you'll have at least six months before it can happen adn you don't normally get right into the options classes so I say get started you can always change your mind later. but even starting today you're about 10 months from your actual surgery

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said!!  Just do it!

Welcome to the forum =)

Ms Shell

Thanks for the encouragement!!