Options Classes - Kaiser

I just completed the Options class in Jan 2008. I had my surgery on March 10 2008. I balked at such a long class, and having to drive from the Desert to Fontana, missing 1/2 day of work a week--- but I will be the first to tell you that I would be sunk with out the knowledge I gained.

I have had a very easy time since surgery, and I think the job Dr Tananka, Pacific Bariatric- San Diego did and the knowledge I obtained fromthe classes is why I have had hardly a problem.

Anyone going April 8th to the Sunset Kaiser Options class?  It starts at 6pm and I'm wanting revision surgery that has been approved yet I have to attend the same type of classes I did in 1992......errrrrrrrrrrrrg!  My gievance was denied so on to an appeal then on to who knows what.  By the time I appeal, appeal & appeal I will be done with the program.  If your in the class say hi. Terri

Here's my blog entry from 1/22/08 regarding the end of my 24 weeks...hope it helps! ***************************************************************************************************** I was told that time would fly- that my Kaiser Options Classes were going to be over sooner then a thought and as I entered the classroom on the first day I sarcastically thought- "Wow...only 23 more classes to go. Great."

So now I find myself with 6 months behind me, only 1 class left, my paperwork on it's way to the surgeons office and a host of pre-op tests right around the corner. Could I possibly be on the edge of the Pre-OP ledge teetering toward a fall into post-op? It sure looks that way! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am!

My review of Kaiser's Options Classes? They were ok.
Were the useful? Absolutely!
Did they go on about 4 months too long? Education wise, yes. If you NEED the time to think, then no.
Did I learn anything? 
Yes, I learned alot about how to eat Post-op. I also learned that for ME, it is an absolute NECESSITY that I exercise AT LEAST 4 times a week. If I didn't spent the actually 6 months of TIME in the Kaiser Classroom, I wouldn't have had the chance to see how quickly I could slide back into old habits if I'm not careful. That lesson alone was worth the whole six months and trust me- I would have rather learned my lesson NOW as opposed to 6 months from now when I'm stalled or making myself sick after surgery and wondering why I did this to myself!

I also was extremely intrigued by the other in my class. Some were compliant, others still haven't lost more than a few pounds. 1 or 2 are on the fence about the whole thing, one found out she is actually pregnant after spending 23 weeks in the program, one complains about having to eat things she doesn't like after the surgery, a few discovered they have marital problems, 1 found out she was bi-polar...the list goes on.

The 6 months bought them time as well. You would think that by the time you'd even MAKE it into these classes, that you'd be REALLY gung-ho about the whole thing (at least, that's what I thought) but that's not really the case at all. I guarantee that a few of them are either not going to do this by choice or the Doctor is going to recommend that they wait a bit.

So what is  my conclusion regarding the Options Program?
It's not just about education, it's about TIME. This is a smart Corporation...they know that people have a tendency to want to jump into things. SO they make you wait...and wait...and wait.. They provide you with classes to educate you and then let the facts sway your decision. I know of 2 in my class that are NOT having surgery- one being pregnant, one by choice. Kaiser just saved themselves $60,000 on those two alone- just by offering them some time to think and educate themselves about this whole proceedure. Stall tactic? Maybe. Smart business sense? Definitely. Good for the patient who can physically wait for 6 month without keeling over? Absolutely.

The INSTRUCTORS were (are) well educated, friendly, patient, sweet and extremely helpful when you have questions. The received an A+ in my book.

SO...here's my personal score card:
Since March 2007 (beginning of classes)
1) I lost my 10% goal weight (required by Kaiser) and I'm down a total of 115lbs since Nov. 2006.
2) I discovered that EXERCISE is good (right Monica?) and had it SO drilled in my head that I have to do it just about everyday.
3) Being compliant and following instructions is a MUST. Doing your own thing is NOT going to work
4) Continuing to work on my HEAD is extremely important to my success
5) Reaching out for help is one of the most important things I could possibly do during this whole "journey" thingy

SO there you go...not much of a Dragon Slayer- but I finally figured out that the Options Classes were good for me Yup- I said it!  I figured that since I had to take them, I'd try to find the good in them and surprisingly, I did!

Yep, I felt the same way the first time around.  It's not going to be too interesting the second time.  This program should be mandatory for the first timers but in my case just another year of yo yo dieting and possible further neuropathy from diabetes II.  One size does not fit all when it comes to Kaiser's programs.  Kaiser member since 1969 and former employee of 10 years and I wouldn't want any other health care ever.  Knowing the system makes is easier to deal with what people usually complain about  Kaiser and sometimes it just takes patience........not always easy. 

Has anyone in Northern Ca region gone through these classes  I go to orientation with Kaiser  Next week  they have already sched. labs, ekg RDA appoint. but have said nothing about this class  went for all labs this week  and go to orientation Tues April 1 ----  I guess I will find out then about this class and its length????

I think we all may have sighed when we were told its a 6 month class...but use the timely wiesly.. you will learn so much about so much, and the preparation for post op life is extremely important so make sure you get to support group. Congratulations and best of luck!!

I whole heartly agree with Rocky. I would be lost as a newby without the education on nutrition and exercise.
Now for a revison they should have an update class, because technology has changed so much in the last 10 years. Maybe not 6 months, but certainly about 1/2 of it could be filled in on the updated information.

Gloria

I forgot to mention that I will be having the VSG revison which is far less invasive than the RnY that Kaiser so far has favored.  Yes things are changing sooner then we can choose our surgeries and now Kaiser is comming around and giving us more choices for WLS, thank goodness.

Thank you to EVERYONE!!! All your responses have been so helpful. It is really nice to see so many people helping each other, and I enjoy reading everyone's posts every day. I just have to get better at posting myself =0) Have a good night everyone!

Pacific Bariatrics has a support group in Moreno Valley. Here is the info Moreno Valley, CA Regular Meeting 10:30am - 11:45am Leader: Kathy Mitchell (951) 685-6299 Email: [email protected] Back On Track Meeting (1yr+ post-op needing help) 9:30am - 10:15am Leader: Josie Jimenez Email: [email protected] 4th Saturday of the month Riverside County Regional Medical Center 26520 Cactus Ave. Room A1020/A Directions - take 60 freeway to Nason exit, south 6 lights to Cactus, go right (west) to visitor parking, use main entrance. Meeting room directions, left past information booth to main hall, left to Conference Room A1020/A