Calling all Kaiser Folks(Northern Cal.) - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Tammi · 11-13-2006, 09:09 AM

Hi all,
I just found this great board and have learned so much so far. I have Kaiser insurance (my home Kaiser is Santa Clara) and I would love to hear from any of you who has gone through this process with Kaiser.

Currently I have done my "pre-referral" steps (met with the nutritionist and had the psych consult) and my primary sent my info to the bariatric group. I have recieved my letter saying that I have been "accepted" into that program and that they will call within the next two months to start all of the appointments.

Can anyone tell me what to expect in the months ahead? I would love to have some advice about making the process as efficient as possible. How do they address the required 10% loss? If I started now, would the accept my own documentation or would the require me to lose another 10% from my first weigh in with them? Any ideas of a time-line?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance,
Tammi

Rachel · 11-13-2006, 10:30 AM

I am going through the surgery with Kaiser. I got my approval on September 29th and then my Orientation and Nutrition class are scheduled for November 28th. The nutritionist that did my evaluation prior to the approval knew that it was going to be very difficult for me to be able to lose the 10% so she set up an appointment for me with the Bariatric Department for my "official" weigh in. You can not use your own documentation, you have to be weighed at the Bariatric Department. So, I actually had my "official" weigh in done before I was approved. I do not know for sure how much weight I am going to have to lose as they do not tell you that until after your Orientation and Nutrition Class. So I figured out what the 10% would be and I am shooting for that goal by my Orientation appointment.

After your Orientation and Nutrition Class then you are scheduled with the Surgeon and it is then determined how much weight you need to lose. You can not be scheduled for surgery until you have lost every pound that they tell have told you to lose. Then you must maintain the weight lose up to the date of surgery.

That is all the information I have at this point. I know there are others at this forum who have gone through Kaiser as well. I hope they have more information to give to you. I can contact you after I have my Orientation later this month if you would like.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Tammi · 11-13-2006, 10:49 AM

Thanks Rachel!

That information was helpful. Good luck to you and yes, I would love for you to keep me posted on your progess through the Kaiser system.

I hope to hear from other Kaiser folks on this forum as well...

Tammi

pambragg · 11-13-2006, 02:58 PM

I have a young co-worker (21 yo, over 400lbs) that is just beginning his journey with Kaiser here in So Cal so any info I would be greatly interested in learning also.