SexyUnderneath

Hi there! New to the boards and just starting my lap band journey. I am gathering as much information as possible. I am 99.9% sure this is what I want to do. I think my biggest obstacle right now is getting Kaiser to cover my procedure. I am 36 yr old, 5'4" and 234 lbs. I have a BMI of 40 and was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago and have been taking Metformin and unable to lose weight. So frustrating!!! Anyway, just wanted to say hello, and I look forwarding to getting know all of you

Good luck Shelleymb! Sounds like you have the right attitude! Yes, this is what's right, our health and our lives!!! readytogoforit - this is a great site!!!

Hi! Yes I am still with Kaiser. I think if your BMI is 40 you don't have to have any comorbities. I have PCOS, and insulin resistance. So not really "red flag" co morbities. I am going through the Fontana facility. Which one are you looking into??

Hi!! The Kaiser process has been looooonnngggg! They will cover gastric bypass, the sleeve and the band. I have a BMI of 39 and only one co-morbitiy. I really think it depends on each persons situation. After all the classes, psych eval, and bariatrician appointment I have decided on the sleeve. I just feel it is the best fit for "me". Good luck with your journey, be patient and know it will take you about a year to get through everything.

Hi there! Thanks for updating! Yes I am going through Kaiser Fontana. I am glad to hear things are moving so quickly for you! I am excited to get started, especially after meeting with the NP yesterday. I wonder if the 10% loss is a case by case basis. I am border line on my BMI, but I have two medical conditions, one which prevents me from losing weight since my hormones are so messed up and my metabolism is non existent. The NP yesterday said that I would not be required to lose any weight, just to try not to gain anymore. Hmmm. guess I will see at the informational meeting. It will take me a lot longer than 12 weeks to lose 10%. I have been almost the same weight for 13 years, even after Weight Watchers, personal trainers and several medically supervised diets. I can lost about 10 lbs then my body stops and gains it all back. They are not even sure that WLS will help me but at least it is a "tool" to help me out since all other avenues have failed. Good luck! I bet you are so excited to be started on your 12 weeks!!! I hope a get a call to schedule my orientation meeting soon!!!

Hi there! I too am going through Kaiser. I got the referral from my PCP on Sept. 9th about a week later I got a call to schedule a one on one appointment with the Health Education department. I had that today (Oct 6th). Now I am waiting for them to call me and schedule the mandatory informational meeting (about an hour long) regarding all weight loss options and weight loss surgery. After that meeting I can then sign up for the 12 week class for the surgery. So far it has been much easier than I anticipated. I had heard Kaiser was almost impossible to get to cover the surgery and I am not finding that to be true. The only thing that is a bummer is even after the 12 week class, then you have to meet with the surgeon and he has the final say if you get the surgery or not. So basically you can go through the 12 weeks for nothing. The NP that I met with today said there isn't any diet and you don't have to lose any weight before the surgery. They do like to see a small loss, but she said to make sure not to gain. She also ordered a sleep study for me to check for sleep apnea. I hope this helps you. The timeline is kinda hard to predict. My PCP said that there was a long waiting list for the 12 week program, but the NP today didn't say anything about it. So I am hoping that I can start the classes next month

Hello! I am new to the boards, been lurking and researching for awhile though. I have my first appointment scheduled with my PCP at Kaiser on 9/9 for an "official height and weight". I am 5'4" and weigh 228. I have PCOS and I have been taking Metformin for 2 years for insulin resistance. I have heard it is a miracle if Kaiser covers it. Can any of you with Kaiser share your story with me? I was recently researching bariatric surgeons in my area in the case that I need to pay cash. One surgeon listed on his website under insurance excepted was Kaiser ***. I emailed his office asking how that worked but haven't heard back yet (it was just last night). Any insight would be greatly appreciated so that I know what I am up against going into my first appointment.

I have too heard that they like you to lose weight prior to surgery. I recently re-joined weight watchers hoping for some loss and to be able to prove to them that I am trying. I have done WW before, it is a great program. I just need the weight to stay off after I lose it . Good luck! Keep me updated on your experience with Kaiser! I am rooting for you!!!

Robbie thank you so much! I have not been tested for apnea, maybe I will look into that! My husband tells me I do snore a lot and I often wake up tired like I haven't had enough sleep even after 9+ hours in bed. I know what you mean, prevention is the key! I don't have my appt with my PCP until 9/9, wish is was sooner, I am so ready to get this journey started! Keep me updated on your progress with Kaiser! Good luck!!!!

Thank you! That is great to know! I am praying that this works out for me!! Where are you in the process??

I have the same questions as you as I am just starting myself! But I wanted to hi and welcome!!!!

Hi and welcome! I too am very early in the process. I don't have my first meeting with my doctor until Sept 9th for a referral to bariatrics. I am going through Kaiser in SoCal and have heard it takes a miracle for them to do it. I am prepared to pay cash if necessary but would love it my insurance would cover it! Sounds like you are moving right along! Congrats!!!

Hi Ladies! Thank you for the welcome! Yes, I have heard that Kaiser won't cover it, or it is a miracle if they do. I will explore my options with them and if I get no where I will just pay cash. It would be nice to actually have your insurance company do something for you, but in the end I will do what it takes to have this surgery! I have been lurking here for a few months, and yes everyone here is very knowledgeable and I can't wait to learn as much as I can