Kaiser Pre-Op Classes?

For those of you who have had surgery through Kaiser, I have a question regarding Kaiser's 12-wk pre-surgery classes. Why 12 wks? How much information do they have to teach that it takes 12 wks? (OK, that was two questions). Kix

Just one more arbitrary hoop? Apparently, they can still deny you surgery after one has completed the classes, based on their all-knowing judgment. Is there a final that you have to pass? Education is very critical to the success of surgery, but 12 weeks sounds like just one more delay and their tool to further ration healthcare.

Actually the classes are 10 weeks. They cover lots of ground from behavior modification, exercises, dietary restrictions, pre-op, post op expectations, etc. I just statred the classes two weeks ago myself, eight more to go and hopefully a surgery date very soon!

I'm not worried about being turned down this time. Kaiser originally turned me down last year. I hired an attorney and appealed, and won on external review. I had a consult w/Dr. Brown. He wants me to lose 10% of my weight prior to surgery, which I think is reasonable. I have a very high BMI, and any weight I lose before surgery will make it easier for him, and for me. After I lose 5%, I can start the classes. I'm glad to hear the classes are only ten weeks long! Kix

I know I might be in the minority, but I am glad I had the 10 weeks of classes. It helped me get some of my emotional eating issues addressed and get me in shape for the surgery. I did the exercises religiously, both the physical ones and the mental one, and got through surgery without a hitch. I am sure that getting better physically, knowing what to expect, and having lost about 30 lbs before the surgery all helped me do well in and post surgery. The amount of information is a lot. Post surgery diet, pre surgery exercises, questions on eating habits, etc. I admit about half way through I was a bit dragged down about it, but now about 6 weeks post op, I am extremely grateful for the classes. Good luck and let me know if I can be of anyhelp, Mark

I agree! I went thru the ten-week class and so glad I did. I still refer back to all that was covered, in the ten weeks. You get a notebook at the start of class to keep notes etc. I outgrew theirs and got a larger one. About the last class or two, I was wishing for more. I was not real secure with some of it. But I am now working with a Weight Management Specialist, on a one on one basis. I feel Kaiser REALLY does care about it's members and their health. It has been a very long and drawn out process, but I know I will know, what I need to, to succeed in my last chance at losing and KEEPING the weight OFF. I get upset sometimes at how long it is taking, but then someone from Kaiser calls me and tells me to stick with it (process) and I will be a success story. I am thankful for my Kp coverage,and everyone I work with. I am slow at losing lbs as they want. But with what I am and have learned I'll do well. My family and friends don't seem to understand. Good Luck to all who go thru the process and I also am willing to help, if I can. M