MissKate

Do any fellow Kaiser members have advice on how to avoid the 'mandatory' 6 month options classes? I've seen other forums where people stated they appealed the courses, not required o take them, and we're still approved for WLS. I tried to reach those people but have yet o receive a response and am in the 'schedule the options courses' stage. I just took an intense nutrition course, my fiancé is a RN, and I have been researching surgery for 1.5 years. I already know what to expect. All advice and info is much appreciated!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. 3 years ago I hit my breaking point when I weighed in at 290 [44 BMI]. I'm 5'8. My PCP recommended WLS but I was too scared and was convinced that I didn't need it. Well, 3 years later and now I'm begging for it. No matter what I do, I can't seem to stay below 200. I was able to get to 190 with starvation and ridiculous amounts of cardio, but of course as soon as I reintroduced food, it came back. I've tried every diet under the sun. 3 rounds of nutrisystem, herbalife, Meal Replacements, medically supervised diets, HCG, and my PCP even had me on phentermine for a while. Over the past year I went from 190lbs to 212lbs and nothing I've done to try to stop the gain has helped. I am done being obese/overweight. I want to have the ability to actually live my life the way it is meant to be lived. I am so ready that I actually told my doctor that if she is unwilling to refer me to Kaisers weight loss department, I will gladly gain the 20lbs necessary to bump me up from a 32BMI to 35 and reminded her that I would be required to lose 20% of my weight before the surgery anyways [therefore making the weight gain absolutely pointless]. I also let her know that my gain has been steady even with proper foods/portions AND exercise. I have high blood pressure, am being tested for sleep apnea, and have family history of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. She gave me the phone number for the WL department and they are sending me a packet to fill out. Has anyone here had to convince their insurance that they need approval? If so could you give me some pointers on convincing them? I am desperate to gain control of my life.

My biggest issues with the courses isn't just the 6 month requirement, but my schedule as well. I work full time AND am a full time student. I can't guarantee I can set aside the time blocks required for the courses and can't miss work on a regular basis. I've also done years of research and am in the nursing program. I live and breathe health and nutrition courses haha! I'm still trying to bypass the courses with the medically assisted/observed diet programs I've already completed. Haven't received an okay, but also haven't been denied just yet Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Maybe I should move to NorCal for a couple months Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I didn't even think of that!!!! Thank you ❤️ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm Kaiser San Diego. Apparently the programs are different with each region I've honestly searched everywhere and even called Kaiser, only to be told I have to follow the WLS appeals process, yet they don't provide the info for the appeals process or where to find it. Kaiser states you can take the mandatory options courses OR at least 6 months of medically supervised diets/ weight loss programs in a 3 year period (includes weight watchers, Jenny Craig, etc.). I hate that the waiting period between referral and orientation is so far apart! Haven't we been fat, unhappy, and self conscious long enough? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the honest response!! I have Kaiser SoCal and they're supposed to give the options of the 6 month options classes or at least 6 months of medically supervised diets within the last 3 years. I have SEVERAL rounds of medically supervised diets yet they're still saying the courses are mandatory. Why should I have to do the courses when I chose to do the medically supervised diets in an attempt to lose the weight without surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Alexandria!! I'm a bit late to the game, but I'm new to the website and trying to get approved for VSG as well. If you haven't contacted HR yet, the following website provides a TON of ammunition to your case. Most importantly being that Oklahoma is one state that REQUIRE WLS coverage under obamacare [employer, group, and individual plans]. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/obamacare-weight-loss-surgery.html I wish you luck!!