Kaiser patients...

Hi there everyone :)

I was wondering if those of you that have been through the process (or are still in it) at Kaiser might be willing to share your expereinces with me.

I was hoping to find out a little about the steps, timing, and overall experience.  (Any tips or things ou wish you had known?) I am going to the Richmond facility...  I have two weeks until my first informational meeting.

Thanks everyone! 

i had my rny done by dr baggs at the richmond facility.  he was awesome in every way except i'm having trouble communicating with him ~ 2 yrs out (he doesnt return emails)

the business end of the deal was very difficult and i needed to be very vigilant and downright persistant to get and keep on a scedule for a surgery date.

the medical staff pre and post op were great.

the kaiser system is what needed strong arming for me.  they are quick to shut the process down.  when you commit and start to lose the presurgery  weight, dont slow down or get sidetracked.  commit to following through.  only 4 people out of my initial "starting group" of ~30 ever ended up having the surgery.  we were the ones who lost the required weight straight away-everyone else lost some then got bogged down and never made the distance.

good luck!  be persistant!

I am also a Kaiser patient. I am going through the Fremont facility.  If you would like specifics just send me a message & I can give you the whole breakdown of the process that I have had to go through. 

I got my initial referal from my PCP August 2009 & I just got my surgery date today.  So, it has taken approximatly a year, but some of that was my fault.

Congratulations!! I know you were stressing a couple of weeks ago. When is your date?

It's August 31st!  Thank you for asking :).. so excited

Wanted to let you know that I lead a support group that meets the 3rd Saturday of the month at the San Leandro Hospital.  Our next meeting is actually this Saturday, July 17.  We have a good mix of people from various hospitals at the meeting, including those that went through Kaiser Richmond.  If you schedule allows, attend our meetings to talk to fellow Kaiser Richmond folks OUTSIDE of the Kaiser Richmond meetings.  

My surgery did not take place there so I cannot give you my personal opinion on the facility.  The feedback might depend more on the person than the program.  Some in my group have liked it while others have not.  While they like the surgeons (esp. Dr. Baggs), they have mostly been not so hot on the program itself.  With Kaiser, keep in mind that they have A LOT of members that want weight loss surgery and not enough doctors able to accommodate the demand so be patient and stay in touch with them so you don't fall through the cracks.

You can also find our OH group page: www.obesityhelp.com/group/ebwlsgroup_group. 

Thank you for your post. I am currently going through the process at Kaiser Fremont. I have reached my surgery goal weight as of July 2, and am anxiously awaiting a date. I have kept in e-mail contact with my surgeon regarding my progress, so if I don't hear anything by next week, I'll send another e-mail. He has been great about responding back quickly.

Hi Cat Lover
I have several friends in my support group that went thru Fremont...they all say the same thing...BUG the doctor!! LOL Some had Dr Hahn and others Dr Dutta...all said basically 'the squeeky wheel gets the oil' LOL  So email atleast ONCE A WEE****il you hear from them.  They said you can call Nancy? and ask where your case is in the process.  Hope this helps!
Nancy aka Sunray

Hey Sunray,

Thank you! When I spoke with Nancy about 3-4 weeks ago, she said that Dr. Dutta usually gets the charts back to her, within 2 weeks. When I reached my goal weight on 7.2.10, he replied that he would notify his coordinator, "to get the ball rolling." It will be two weeks this Friday. I think I'll call Nancy tomorrow, to see if she has my chart or whether it is still on the "doctor's desk."

In my support group last week, a few people also recommended letting the doctor know that I would be available for a cancellation. I just need to know when the approval for surgery has gone through.

Your response was very, very helpful.

Gail aka lover of cats or prisoner of cats. LOL!

Hi Gail...DEFINITELY tell them you will accept a cancellation date (IF you're able to go with just a couple days notice).  One of my friends told them that...he got a call on Wednesday to have surgery the following Tuesday...it does happen! ^_^    Since you've made surgery goal, I'd say you're 'approved' LOL  Now just a matter of getting surgery schedule/date.  I do know that Fremont requires a few more pre-op tests than Richmond, but sounds like you are on your way!  Congratulations!
Nancy aka Sunray