Kaiser Patients in So Cal

I'm fairly new to this board and I'm trying to find some people that have had similar experiences.
I just found out yesterday that I am going to be starting there WLS classes on Sept 23.

I was wondering how the classes are and the process of getting to the surgery date.
If there is anyone out there that can share some experiences or links I would
greatly appreciate it!

Thanks,
Liz

Hi Liz,

I am with Kaiser here in So. Cal., but I did not have to go through the Option classes (maybe because I had such a long history of weight related illnesses).   So I cannot help you there.  From what I have heard, the classes are really informative and helpful.  I also heard that, once you complete the classes, and are recommended for surgery, then thing goes fairly quickly towards an actual surgery date.  When that time comes, I would seriously consider Pacific Bariatrics.  Of course the choice is yours to make.  They are great.  Anyway, I hope that little tid bit helped and welcome to the Cali Board.

Kim

Thanks for the reply Kim. Any info is better than none!
I noticed that Dr. Zorn did your surgery. He is the Dr. that I
have in mind too! I have read alot of positive posts about him.
I will be attending the info session for Pacific Bariatrics in Dec.
It is being help at the Riverside convention center for anyone else
that is interested.

Thanks,
Liz

Hi Liz, I went throught the Options classes. I graduated in January 2008 and my surgery was April 29th. The process is relatively painless. At week 20, you get the list of labs that need to be done. This includes an EKG and gallbladder ultrasound. My classmates were having surgery within 4-8 weeks after our classes ended. I took a little longer because I had to have an Upper GI before I could be cleared for surgery. Good luck and I wish you well on your journey. =)

Hey darlin...

I had pretty much read EVERYTHING I could get my hands on long before I started the classes and being here on OH as well.  So for me I thought the classes did not provide any substancial information and it didn't go into LIFE after WLS which to me is important cause it's not all a bed of roses and some people need to be prepared for that.

Toward the last month of class you get labs done and when you end and have everything in order you let them know where you want to have surgery.  I went to Kaiser Harbor City because they offered the surgery I wanted (VSG).  I finished my scheduled classes on Oct 1, I had a makeup class on Oct 8, I had to redo my labs between 8-20th.  I called about once a week to see where my file was.  My surgeon appt was 11/13 and my surgery was scheduled for 11/26.

You can read all about me on my profile!!  Congratulations on the classes =)

Ms Shell

Hi Liz !

Welcome to the Sisterhood of Options Grads =)  It was a great time..valuable learning and made great friends to walk this road with...and honestly today I STILL go through my class notes and handouts for reminders.  Once I graduate from Options it was 4 weeks to approval..and then the ride got even faster...this is an exciting time, one where you focus on you, your health and your future... made me feel special.

Best of luck!

I did the options classes, lost 54 lbs during the class and had my sugery a couple of months later.  I waited to save up time to take off of work.  I had Dr Zorn, who I dearly love.  He is wonderful, great bedside manner and .... he is a great doctor/surgeon.  He checks on his patients and cares about how you are doing while in the hospital and after.  Option classes are easy, informative and don't last that long.  Some people got out of having to go to them ... I just did them and then got my surgery.

Hi....I have Kaiser.  I  live in the South Bay, so I had surgery at the Harbor City Kaiser.  Everyone was GREAT!!!!  I only have wonderful things to say.=)
I enjoyed and learned a lot from the options classes.  I think it prepares you for the decision you are making and what your life will be like after.  I have made some good freinds as well. 
I completed class April 29 and had surgery June 6.
Good Luck
Nicole

Thanks to everyone for your info!
I am really looking forward to going
through this and actually taking the
journey of becoming the real me.

 I will keep posting to keep everyone
updated!

Lots of Luck to everyone!

TamiN Milpitas, CA Member Since: 07/27/08 [Latest Posts]

HI Liz, I thought it was funny that we posted almost the same exact message except I am in NCAL. :) My class is August 12th. Maybe we can share each other what we learn since we are both at the beginning of our journey. Once I decided to do this. It seems to be all I can think about.  Great success to you!!!!! Tami Post Date: 7/27/08 11:43 pm Hi Everyone, I am very new to this....going to a meeting in a few weeks and been doing lots of research. I am looking for anyone out there that had their surgery at Kaiser in either Fremont CA or S. San Fransisco, CA.  Obviously, these will be my two choices of where to have the surgery. My mind is already made up to have the suregery, now it's about getting there. Any information you can share about the programs would great...thanks Tami