Filing a grievance with Kaiser

Kaiser has had varying verions of these preop classes for several years.  These classes will advise you about post op life, something which you may not fully understand as a preop.  I see many people who'se insurance did not require an educational class come to support meetings, and acted like they were completely lost.  The grievance process may take weeks, of which you could finish most of your required classes. IF you do get a " wave" on the classes, I'd devote a couple of nights per month to attend support meetings.   It's best to learn about post op life as much as possible prior to becoming one.  DAVE

I went through the Kaiser process and I ended up learning alot and getting the extra education that is helpful now. I thought about filing a grievance as well to avoid them and am glad I did not. I have a friend that get out of them and he is now 18 months post op and has so many questions and has gained weight back since surgery and his MD is having him go to the classes now. Even with the classes I had my surgery and classes were all done in less than 6 months time. so, you can do both and still get a close surgery date...Good luck

 Hi, am am currently in the options program also, I have 1 class left.   I am considering Dr. Billy also (noticed he was your surgeon).   Would you recommend him as a surgeon?  I heard that he is an excellent surgeon, very highly recommended, but I have not spoken to anyone directly who has had him.   I will be getting the VSG.   

OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE Dr. Billy!!!! I could not have chosen a better surgeon and have had 5 or more others go there after me. I actually researched all the surgeons and he was not on the list, but we got notified that we can use him so I was so happy....He is AMAZING in my opinion and also the others that have used him as well all love him.....Feel free to Private Message me if you want to know more....

Lori

 I went throught the Kaiser Options classes and wouldn't change anything about the experience.  I still look through my binder and read over the information.  If you are in the Los Angeles area the classes are one day a week, for 12 weeks.  Be encouraged!

 I think everyone grumbles about doing Options. I think it's a good source of info since most people don't seek out online help or information but to be honest I had been on the boards for so long before surgery I didn't really get anything from the class. 

They do a lot of emotional support type things to work through "head things" which can be helpful, too. 

I will say KP does a lot in terms with post-op support groups which are good, as well.

I don't have Kaiser so didn't have to take any classes. But, like you, I researched the hell out of my choices and what to expect afterwards and even practiced the lifestyle beforehand so I'd have some good habits.

Not everyone needs classes and not everyone who takes them is all set up for post-op life after. For one thing, post-op life is a bit like marriage or having a kid -- you can (and should) prepare, but nothing really prepares you for the experience except having it.

Personally I think they are just a delaying tactic though not as bad as requiring everyone to lose 10% of their weight when clinical data doesn't support that practice. I know someone who took FOUR YEARS to get surgery because she couldn't lose her 10%. That's four years of bad health and further wear and tear on her body that could have been avoided.

I understand your reluctance to sit in the classes, it just seems you want the surgery NOW.  I am currently in the Options program and I have to compare the Kaiser process with that of my sister, who had lap band surgery outside of Kaiser.  She had the surgery with little preparation, was released a couple of hours after the surgery and sent home.  Support groups were recommended, but not pushed.  Her success has been very limited.  I am glad that Kaiser is requiring so much preparation for WLS.....I want to know what to expect, and how to be successful.  O dpn't want to fail at this!!   Best of luck whatever you do......

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4362292/Mandated-Pre-Op-Weig ht-Loss-ASMBS-SAYS-NO/