Kaiser Questions

Last March, I had a lap band with Dr. Fielding in NYC. Since I will be relocating to Los Angeles, I will more then likely have Kaiser as my insurance (which I hate since I had nothing, but problems with Kaiser in the past). Could anyone provide me with information regarding their bariatric program? My main concern is their policy regarding fills. Since I had my operation, I have lost 85 lbs. One of the reasons why I have been so successful in my weight loss is due to the fact that my current doctor gives me fills every month or whenever I need them. I was told Kaiser only gives patients three fills per year? Is this correct? Also, doctor recommendations are greatly appreciated. Even though I will be living in LA, I am willing to travel up north to see the right doctor. 

Thanks,
Megan 

 

I am in Kaisers pre-op program and live in Bakersfield which is just north of LA. I know they have a few bariatric specialist in a Kaiser hospital in north LA and they send a lot of patients to Pacific bariatric in San Diego, I will be going all the way to San Diego because they come highly recommended and have a better success rate. I do not believe the 3 fills a year thing is true, if they feel you need it medically they will give it to you. The bariatric options program in my town is wonderful!  Our program told us that most of the surgeons here will no longer do the lap band due to a lot of complications latter and prefer to do the sleeve or rou n y.

Hi Megan,

I too never cared for Kaiser for the same reasons.  We did have to switch to it tho cause its the cheapest offered.  Anyhoo, I gotta tell ya that for the past 2 yrs. kaiser has been great.  Iam impressed with the changes they have made, so don;t be concerned if you have to have Kaiser...

As for the L.A. programs, go onto the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy forum or even here, and do a "shout out" post looking for Ms. Shell.  She had her bariactric surgery in L.A. and can help you...

hope this helps!

Hi Megan, I am currently in the Kaiser pre-op program as well but I am in Fresno. When I went to the orientation, the doctor told us that those who chose to have the lapband would have to be followed up every month for a year and then it would be about every 3-4 months for 3 years. Sorry I could not help anymore than this. I am sure everything will work out great for you. And congrats on your weightloss!

Hi there, I am in Kaiser ( And i love my Kaiser I have had them for the last seven years with out a single issue.) But since I am not doing the Lap Band as i dont feel its the best idea for me. Most of the information you should be able to find at Kp.org

I had my VSG at the Kaiser in Harbor City. Not sure where in the LA area you will be but  my team of dr's, Dr Belsburg and Dr Zane have been doing WLS for the last 20 years and I love them. THey were the only ones doing it for Kaiser in the LA area for some time. I got terrific care here. Good luck and let us know where you end up.