Kaiser SoCal Information

Hey guys,
I have my Kaiser bariatric information seminar tomorrow. I am super nervous and super excited all of the time. I am worried that I will get there and they will say that I can't get into the "options program". I know it is all nerves but it is still there. I was just wondering if there is any reason they would say no outright and not let me even get into the options classes?

I guess I need a little encouragement. I am going for this and my PCP thinks that I would be a great candidate and have good results. I have comorbidities and my bmi is 48. I am going to my PCP so that he can send me for a sleep study or at least get my asthma under control. I feel like I have been sleeping with a pillow on my face. I either need to cough when I first wake up or breathe really deeply when I first get up.

Now that this is a mish mash post I will get to looking over my packet and make sure that everything is filled out correctly.

Thanks for listening.

Just think to yourself before you go into the seminar- "I am going to be their STAR patient..." and then listen to everything they say to do and do it! Then you will be their STAR PATIENT! lol!

Thanks for the encouragement and I will go in ther and be their star patient...

If they have scheduled you for the orientation, I would think that means you have been approved, so no need to be nervous. And the only reason they wouldn't let you into the options program is that there is probably a waiting list. I have heard of people waiting 4-6 months just to get into the classes, nevermind complete them.
    And remember, you (or anyone else) can appeal your way out of the options classes by going through Kaiser's grievance process, and from there to the DMHC. The DMHC cites literature showing that the post-op results are no better for people who go through lengthy classes than for people who don't. But that's up to you.

Larra

Thank you so much for the response. They also talked about DS so I am not sure if they cover it or not. I have not made up my mind about which surgery I want (roux-en-ym or DS) but I am sure in the classes they will cover them both. As of now I want the classes to just get me as much info as possible. Waiting for the classes to end will not be a problem for me.

I'm glad you're ok with doing the classes.
   I do know, though, that Kaiser in So Cal doesn't offer the DS, and from what I have heard the classes are very much oriented towards RNY and lap band, which they do offer. The Ds will be mentioned in passing and lumped in with some rather suspect operations that are not endorsed by the NIH or the AMSBS, such as the mini-gastric bypass. In reality the DS is endorsed by every appropriate organization and is a very legitimate choice.
    So I would recommend that you continue to research your options on your own, so that you learn about all of them and can make a well informed choice. OH can be a great resource for you as there are forums for all the different operations. There is also a lot of great information about the DS at duodenalswitch.com and dsfacts.com.
    If you decide on RNY you are all set with Kaiser. If you decide on the DS you will have to appeal to get it, but you can do this successfully. It just depends on what you want.

Larra

Thanks again for all of the info. My research is far from over. The doctor that did the orientation seemed like he was really against the band (which I don't want) but only slightly covered the other surgeries. He said they would be covered more within the classes themselves. I think of the classes of a way to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for the rest of my life.

Nathalie

Yes, they should let you take the classes.  If you are flexible as to what times/days you can attend, it might help get you in faster.  The classes are 6 months and then in the end YOU decided if and what kind of surgery you want.  It took me 3 months after the classes ended to complete all the tests, and other requirements and get a surgery date.  The sooner you start, the sooner you will get a date!  PM me if you have any questions re Kaiser.  Good luck on your journey.
Linda

Thanks so much for all of the information!!

Hey there!
I can't imagine you'd be turned away given your comorbidities.  The orientation will touch on all surgeries but KP only offers the band and r-n-y. A 6 month supervised diet and 6 months of the Option classes are also required.   During the orientation you'll be "prequalified" based on your BMI (50 and above no co-morbidities; below 50 I think they want 2 co-morbids).  Best of luck; continue your research though!!!!!!