Experience at West LA Kaiser

I would love to hear from you regarding your experience at the Kaiser in West LA and what type of surgery was performed.

Thanks!

What was your expeirence with Dr. billy?

Hi, I have no clue how my previous post got deleted, but I LOVE Dr. Billy!!! He is an amazing surgeon in my opinion. Since I had my surgery, 4 more friends have changed to him as well.. I went outside of Kaiser to have my surgery in case our insurance ever changes. I was thinking that if I used a kaiser surgeon and our insurance changed I would be left without a surgeon... Dr. Billy is amazing..

I was wondering how your post got deleted too. Dr. Billy is in Ventura? Did kaiser pay for everything?  Have you had any problems with your RNY?

Hi I had my GS surgery a year an a half ago with Dr Kim in LA, No problems, I stayed at the hospital next to Venice Blvd in LA not sure if that's Kaiser in West LA ?? I have maybe $100 to $150 out of pocket cost for Co-pays an meds. (not including gas to get there) That is for everything the classes in Riverside and the days in hospital. When I had my surgery this was the only location that did the gastric sleeve surgery, San Diego and another place?? did bypasses only. I have to say though back then after surgery they gave me the bypass diet so after week three I was craving some substenance, so my first food was a Wendy's baked potatoe at least the 3 bites I had.
I think it has become a second nature operation for most of the Doctors doing it today, Just use the meds they give you after surgery and get ready to enjoy living.

Hi dsmithjr_1960,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I met Dr. Kim this monday and he was really nice. Very confident and warm. His staff was also attentive. I feel now I'm mentally ready for the surgery. I just need to get my supplies, isopure, protein shakes. Any recommendations on what to buy and from where?

Thanks.

Yes, Dr. Billy is in Ventura. As far as payment goes, it depends on the insurance coverage you have and what your co-pays are. My husbands plan covers us 100% for hospitalization. Everything for mine is covered 100% and I just have to pay a $15 Co-pay when I go see him. I had so many issues before surgery and I was so scared. I am so happy so far with my RNY!!! No real complications. Just occasional constipation and grumpy tummy days..Some days it likes cold and some days warm drinks...It is a different thing every day. So far I am doing great and feeling good too...I would highly recommend Dr. Billy....He is straight to the point and does not sugar coat things and he demands that Kaiser let him have us for one year after surgery. With other surgeons we are back with our PCP by after the first month post op visit from what kaiser told me. So I get unlimited access to Dr. billy for a full year and it is all covered as well....feel free to ask me anything or you can Private message me if you want....

Lori