Kaiser Permanente members

Does anyone know what Kaiser requires for WLS? I'm going to be going to my PCP to talk about having this done. I've heard it is hard to get Kaiser to approve it. I'm worried they will not approve me. Does anyone know how many/what kind of co-morbidities they need for a BMI of 37? I have PCOS, Insulin Resistance, high triglycerides and probably high cholesterol as well,

I couldn't get Kaiser to approve anything and my BMI was 40. I wish you better luck than I had!!! Holly

Faith, the best thing to do is call the Weight Management Program at Kaiser. I imagine there are some people with lower BMIs who are approved, because there was a person in my class who looked (to me, anyway) thin enough that I couldn't figure out why this person was getting WLS! They might make you try the Weight Connections class first, though, but as I said, the best thing to do is call and ask. Good luck! Getting approved is three-fourths of the battle. Kix

Hi. With a BMI of 37 it depends on your co-morbidites or problems that you have due to your weight issues. Also, you have to show a significant history of trying to lose weight on your own too. It has been since Dec 2005 when I filled out my application so I don't remember everything they asked, but they will also do a full review of your medical record. I think a longer history with Kaiser in your medical record helps as well since they will review it before they approve you. Kaiser also has the Weight Connections program which is a 6 week class and then you can do a variety of things from there including support groups and medication. I applied for surgery directly with weight management and was never reffered to the program, and I was approved right away probably based on my high BMI. The surgery is expensive so they want to make sure that anyone approved really needs the surgery and is not able to lose weight independently before they approve anyone. Also, you do not have to see your PCP to go through the weight management program - just call them and leave your information for the program that you want to get started. My gastric bypass surgery through Kaiser is tomorrow, so it is possible for it to happen. Good luck to you! Sherry

Sherry- Good luck to you!!!! See you on the loser's bench!!! Holly

I would call the weight managment program and have a packet sent toyou. You do not need to wait for your pcp for approvel. I had a bmi of 51 at the time of approvel and had only been with Kaiser 3-4 months when I got approvel. With your co-morbities you have a better chance I would think.Good luck!!!!!!

Does anyone have the phone # for weight management?

I dont have it on m,but if you call customer service or the main # they can give it to you. Once you have the weight managment # their should be an option to leave your name and address for info on gastric bypass.Took me about 1-2 weeks to get it in the mail. Hope that helps.

Depending on what city you are in you may not have to do the Surgery Connections program. If you are in Colorado Springs you do NOT have to do it, just call Fran at Penrose Hospital, she is the bariatric coordinator. You will have to attend an orientation. She is an awesome lady.

I am not in the Springs. I am in Longmont, so I am guessing the surgery/classes would be done at Exempla Good Samaritan in Lafayette.