Kaiser WLS Riverside Change

 Hi everyone,
My PCP sent the referral and when I got the call to set up my oreintation the lady said I can't yet and I have to do a consultation with Dr. Ismial at Corona. All she could tell me is the change happened 2 months ago. If anyone could fill me in on the new protocol I would greatly appreciate it. 

Who is this doctor?  Psych, or what?  I was made aware the Kaiser has a tendency to follow your wt loss from those education classes too.  Kaiser has called my surgeon's office about patients, asking what the patient wt was when they met the surgeon.  Kaiser expects you to maintain any wt loss during those classes UNTIL you actually have surgery.  Gain some wt prior to the consult, and any potential surgery has a good chance of being postponed until you get down to your ending class wt.  Insurance protocols change all the time.  You might speak with Kaiser patient services or call Debby McBride at the Van Buren office. That office used to be the coordinating office between Kaiser and surgeons.  This is the office where I go for annual blood pane reviews to make sure I'm doing OK, and it also helps Kaiser widen it's data base on wt loss pateints to help future patients. DAVE

 Dr. Ismail is an internist and it's a consultation. I called the Van Buren office today and asked again what the protocol is. I think the ladys name was Martha and she said I have to see the doctor and he has to approve me for orientation and only then can I make my appointments. Maybe it's because I went to orientation and one class in 2009 and had to quit due to scheduling issues. Or maybe all of my medical issues such as fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. I'll tell you I'm curious to find out. I'm going to keep my appointment on the 30th and call from time to time to see if there are any cancellations to get in sooner. Thank you Dave for you help it is much appreciated.

I'm going to guess the reason you need to see this doc is because you started classes in 2009.  Kaiser likely want's to see if "you're really ready", as the classes fill up quickly and they want to make sure you want to follow through at this time.  Comorbidities are reasons for surgery, so I doubt those are the reasons.  I've heard of people waiting several months their classes to start, due to the high demand.  Just got back from my Corona support group and can't sleep due to tomorrow.  I have some movie animal trainers coming to buy a couple more Ragdoll cats for the upcoming Lone Ranger movie, with Johnny Depp, filming in New Mexico. Two of my cats were filmed for the movie in March, and they need two more for another scene.  Just had my 6 year labs and my appt for Kaiser review is on the 23rd at Van Buren.  DAVE

Hi,
I was just referred to the Bariatric dept myself and will need to meet with a Bariatric doctor in order to be approved and sent on to the orientation,  I do believe it is a way to weed out anyone going through orientation and the classes that aren't truly candidates for the surgery,  I guess this is good news, as it will speed up the scheduling of the classes for those who do qualify.  I just hope that's me :)

 Yes, I was told by my weight loss doctor that everyone must see them first. The reason why is that if you have any issues like smoking or psychological problems etc. they want those issues dealt with first. He said it was causing too many problems with the patients thinking since they finished the classes they were all set to see the surgeon only to find out otherwise. So as far as speeding things up, maybe? My appt. with my PCP was on 7/5 and my appt. with Dr. Ismail was 7/30. I didn't wait for a phone call and called the Van Buren appt center the next day and refferall was in so they were more than happy to make the appt. otherwise it could have taken longer. They even said I could call to see if there were any cancellations. Also, they said it's best to call on thursdays or fridays because they get most cancellations for friday. Good luck on your journey. 

 Thanks for the reply,
My appointment at vanburen is 8/29 to meet with the MD, 
so I'm excited and nervous,  my BMI is right at 40...and I'm not sure if my comorbidities would be considered.  So my fingers are crossed.

Did they take your height when you went to see the MD? 
Did he state you were approved?
Did they schedule you for orientation and classes? 
Do you know if they consider the Bariatric MD appt your starting weight? or if it will be the first day of class.

Sorry for all the questions I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie,

thanks

 Yes, it's standard procedure these days. It's really cool you're a cat breeder. Ragdolls are so cute and I always wanted one. Last year two kittens were found in our back yard and I kept them and I couldn't be happier with them. It helped with the recent loss of my Siberian kitty. 

Kaiser Fontana - 7-17-12 I went to my pcp for referral for gastric surgery. Received referral and went to orientation on 8-1-12. on 8-31-12 I went to Dr. Murali in fontana and was told I qualify for surgery. I am now waiting, but not sure exactly what I am waiting for? Anyone know the next step?

 At oreintation they made us fill out a booklet with our info and time preference for classes. It took about three weeks for them to get back to me. So you should be getting a call soon for your 12week options class. I know it's frustrating. My classes start on Sept.21rst in Corona. Good luck on your journey.