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For all of you who have gone through Kaiser to get your WLS, how long was the process from start to finish? Can you also explain how things worked from the time you went to your PCP to the surgery date? I'm confused on how things work. I'm going to go beg my PCP for a referral tomorrow morning, so wish me luck. If I get shot down, I'll just do Plan B, self pay. Thanks! Lisa

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Hi Lisa,

Check out my thread in the Tell Your Story section. I think you can search for my user name: lsereno to find the thread. I've written extensively about my experience with Kaiser Nor Cal going through Fremont Bariatrics. I saw my Dr. in November and asked for a referral. I am scheduled for surgery on May 17.

You do not need Dr. approval to attend the Overview class and you must attend it before being referred to the Bariatric program. Once you attend the Overview class, your Dr. can refer you to the Bariatrics program. If you meet the basic criteria, Bariatrics will schedule you for the WLS Orientation Class. At the end of that class, you can make an appt. for the next step: meeting with the surgeon, nutritionist, and program coordinator. At that meeting, you will learn what you must do to qualify for the surgery. For most, you must lose 10% of your body weight, follow the suggested diet and exercise plan, take the recommended supplements, attend at least one face-to-face support group, and take any required medical tests or immunizations. When you are within 5 lbs. of the goal weight they set for you, you call and make a psych appt. Once you are at your goal weight and all other criteria have been met, your file goes to the surgeon for review. After the surgeon reviews the file, the surgery coordinator calls you to schedule your surgery and pre-op appts.

Best wishes on your journey!

Lynda

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For all of you who have gone through Kaiser to get your WLS, how long was the process from start to finish? Can you also explain how things worked from the time you went to your PCP to the surgery date? I'm confused on how things work. I'm going to go beg my PCP for a referral tomorrow morning, so wish me luck. If I get shot down, I'll just do Plan B, self pay. Thanks! Lisa

I posted a similar post a while back. You have to go sit through a seminar first. It's like an introductory seminar where they cover all the different types of surgeries available. From what I've heard, the point of this seminar is to scare people away. If you go in there with all your information and fully prepared, it shoudl be okay. That's what I've heard at least... lol. I am going to that seminar next Tuesday, May 10. The seminar is in Vacaville. Tell your PCP you want in on that seminar. And don't put up with any shenanigans from your PCP! Mine heckled me and tried to tell me I didn't qualify. I said "Actually, my BMI is 43 and the required is 40." He said "Well, you're too young." I said "The required age is 18 and I'm 24." In the end he gave me a referral and was not happy about it. Just stick to your guns, girl! lol. Ask to go to the seminar in Vacaville on Tuesday! We can be buddies :) Message me if you want more info

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You don't need your Dr's OK to attend the Overview class, so try to go to the first one you can because it's a required step before getting the referral to the Bariatric program. I didn't think the point was to scare people away. What they told us is they found so many people decided not to have the surgery after going to the longer Orientation class that they make all people go to the Overview class first so they understand WLS surgery and the alternatives. I thought the class was pretty good. The instructor also told us about how Kaiser's Bariatric program works.

Lynda

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

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      1. Phil Penn

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      2. Selina333

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      3. Doughgurl

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
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      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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