Considering WLS, Kaiser Insurance

[Helen of LaCroix 15]

Hi,

I'm Veronica. I am 32, 5'7 and currently weigh 255 (BMI: 39.somthing). This is the heaviest I've ever been and at 32, I can actually feel it now; its a bit scary. I recently went through a break up and when I tried to get back on the horse and started hiking again, I noticed how sore all my joints were. I wake up and I'm sore. I worry this is going to get in the way of my weightloss process, WLS or other.

I'm here because I'm considering WLS/VSG and have Kaiser and in insurance provider. I'v been perusing forums, Instagram, and YouTube vlogs for the last couple weeks and haven't really found much on the process for Kaiser. I realize everyone's plans are different but I was hoping to find someone close in age, insurance and location to share this journey with.

My first appointment is scheduled for 12/8/17. Its a "physical" and I'm hoping they'll give me a referral. I have a general idea of the hoops I'll have to jump through to make this happen.

I guess my questions are:

1. I'm a hair under the limit to be considered without a second diagnosis (I don't think I suffer from any of the listed illnesses). Do people ever put on a couple pounds to cross that threshold? is that a thing?

2. There is a weight loss plan leading up to the surgery, right? Does anyone know if my starting weight is taken into account for approval or the weight I'm at after the 6 months of weigh ins?

I know these are all questions for my doctor, and I will definitely ask them in two weeks at my appointment but I'm anxious and like to be entirely prepared.

Thanks!

Edited November 29, 2017 by WhiskeyKisses

[Deemar007 244]

I had my surgery at KPNW on October 10th and I received excellent care.

# 1. Yes, gaining weight is a thing. I didn't need to do that for approval because my BMI was 43.

#2 you follow a program, the eating classes are about 3 months with an RD. These are great classes and I'm glad Kaiser has us do them. Once you are approved and your DOR refers you to the bariatric team, the bariatric team will approve or not approve you for the program. Once you are approved into the program, if you lose weight and get below the BMI, it doesn't matter. Once your approved, your approved. They do not punish you for losing the weight and following the program.

I hope this helps. You can ask me all you want.

Di

[CaliforniaCandy 67]

Hi to Di and Whiskey.

I'm also going through Kaiser Northern California.

I haven't had my appointment yet. I know people will think I'm nuts but I'm working on gaining 5 pounds so I can get my BMI up high enough. I'm currently 5'7", 210 lbs, and I recently turned 64.

There are other Kaiser members around. I started a thread "Looking for Kaiser members." Several people responded so you might want to look for that thread.

Hope to talk to you again.

[CaliforniaCandy 67]

Hi to Di and Whiskey.

I'm also going through Kaiser Northern California.

I haven't had my appointment yet. I know people will think I'm nuts but I'm working on gaining 5 pounds so I can get my BMI up high enough. I'm currently 5'7", 210 lbs, and I recently turned 64.
There are other Kaiser members around. I started a thread "Looking for Kaiser members." Several people responded so you might want to look for that thread.

Hope to talk to you again.



Candy

[CaliforniaCandy 67]

I don't know why that got posted twice I think I hit a wrong button. [emoji1]

Candy

[Helen of LaCroix 15]

Thanks for the reaponses everyone!! I’m in Los Angeles; my appointment is (today!!) at the Sunset branch in a couple hours. I’m a bit nervous about getting this process started. Seems like a lot of stress but I’m ready to start jumping through all the hoops.

I went to bed last night at 257 and woke up at 255.1 which puts my BMI at 39 Ugh! Soooooo close! Looks like I’ll be layering up and eating a big Breakfast.

I’ve been really careful to eat more all week. It’s so weird, I’ve never in my love had to try to gain weigh. I thought it would be satisfying but I’m reality it was just a pain in the ass.

Anyway, wish me luck!

[Deemar007 244]

Good luck! Hope all goes well!

[CaliforniaCandy 67]

Good luck! Keep us updated as you can.

candy

[Helen of LaCroix 15]

Hi All,

Appointment went very smoothly. I was about 5lb shy of 40BMI so I drank a ton of Water and wore leggings under my heaviest jeans, a sweater over two shirts and my docs and it put me over. 40.91BMI!

Just scheduled my appointments for 1/4/18 (once my FSA kicks in!). The woman I spoke with on the phone said there are in total 16 classes and they prefer I attend all but not all are required. How many classes did you guys have to attend?

@CaliforniaCandy I keep seeing posts about people getting all their appointments in as soon as they begin classes. Did they tell you how many classes you have to attend?

[ShelbyMoore 84]

Hi WhiskeyKisses,

I just went through Kaiser So. Calif and had my Sleeve done in Harbor City. I’m 7 weeks post op.

I attended 12 classes in the Options Program. That was all the classes - I didn’t miss any. They teach about better nutrition, what eating will be like after one’s sleeved, they explain the various weight loss surgeries, the importance of lifelong Vitamins, etc.

Toward the middle/end of the classes I met with Kaiser’s social worker for the psych evaluation to be sure I’m mentally prepared and, in her opinion, able to follow the new eating regime. I also had to have certain blood work done and an EKG while I was in the classes. That was it.

For me, I’m very happy I did the surgery. I’ve lost about 30 lbs. since surgery but closer to 45 since I began the Options Program. I’m feeling very good.

I’m glad your appointment went smoothly. Keep us updated.