KAISER PATIENTS

Hi I wanted to know if anyone has gone through the Kaiser Bariatrics program..  iwanted to know usually how long does it take from the time the option classes finish to the time of the actual surgery?  Also other someone please respond/// Thanks you can also email me at [email protected]

I completed Options on December 19, 2007. Had surgery on February 01, 2008.

I did not go though the Options Classes.  I don't know why;  Maybe because I had a well documented file of all of the obesity related diseases and medications that I had been through.  Please feel free to read my profile. Kim

The time may vary. It's controlled by how quickly you set appointments for blood work, upper GI, cardio, Psych eval, etc., and if you keep the appointments, or have to reschedule.  Then it depends on your surgeon's schedule. You can sometimes get surgery faster if you sign up for "a cancellation option" that your surgeon may offer. Sometimes people have emergencies, or other situations that cause them to schedule their surgery.  If this is the case, then they choose someone off of this schedule.   I went through Crown Bariatrics in Corona, as their Dr. Suh, does the RNY surgeries in the inland empire. Every one of his patient I've spoke to is very happy. My wife tried to go through the Harbor Cities Kaiser Hospital, and had problems even getting scheduled. Good luck.

Please feel free to read my profile..............

I had my first class at Kaiser South San Francisco on February 20, 2007; and, had surgery on July 2, 2007.  I didn't have to have any pre-operative diagnostic studies; wasn't a smoker; didn't use a C-PAP machine, so it was basically attend classes, see the dietician and mental health clinician and the surgeon.   It was a good experience with no complications at all. \Good Luck!!!

As soon as you finish your options classes it is really important to take care of all your tests. As soon as the Doctor signs off on your chart it goes to the Bariatrics coordinator for referral, and dependent upon your choice of Hospital/program/surgeon you will receive an appt for your consultation.  For me Personally it went this way.....  I finished my options classes on Jan 31. I had my first surgical consultation on March 17th and am now scheduled for Surgery on April 15th. 

I finished my classes in Jan. then had my surgery  on Feb. 25th. The ONLY reason I had it so soon was because I was extremely PROACTIVE in getting everything done with the i's dotted and the t's crossed AND because I had decided to not have my surgery at UCLA, having it in Lancaster instead. Other reason (and the most important one was because I met the surgery coordinator here on OH and she HELPED me push thru- did I mention that she rocks?! Anyway- be aggressive, follow their rules and for G-d's sake- don't let THEM drop the ball! The following is the blog entry I make on the last day of class...hope it helps ********Time Does Fly [Edit Post]
on January 22, 2008 12:01 pm
Published
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 others 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 $90,000 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!****************************************************************************************************

I finished my classes at the beginning of March. My bloodsugars and funky labs are holding up my approval. SIGH. I am glad I have a good PCP who is working so closely with me!

I am still waiting on Kaiser Fremont to schedule my surgery. I have had all my evals, tests and consults done, now there is a hick up with my EKG ( hopefully to be worked out soon ) So far the procedure has moved right along, I am getting anxious to get a date though as I need to give my employer as much lead time as possible. I also agree that with Kaiser, you must be VERY assertive, not rude, just matter of fact with them. It has worked for me since I became a Kaiser member. One question...what are Options classes? I have never had to attend any of these. Is it because I have high bood pressure and diabetes?