Anyone around here from PDX and have Kaiser insurance?

Just thought I would pop in and see if there were any of you around - I have just started the process through Kaiser and hope to have LapRNY soon..... Wendy

Have you been to a Laiser support group? You will find a lot of great information there. I had surgery with Kaiser 03/31/06, but if is my experiance that Kaiser's program is anything but quick and they do not currently offer LAP RNY, but I beleive they are working in that direction. Good Luck on your journey!!

Wendy, I live in SE Portland and I have Kaiser. I have been jumping through there hoops since April 2006. You have to complete at least one of the weight management classes( 5 week or 12 week) and then you have to see the social worker, Julie Hanna and nutritionist, Brenda Buck (numerous times). There are other orientations you have to attend as well. They usually require you to loose appx 10% of your total body weight before Julie and Breanda will refer you to see a surgeon. You see Julie and Brenda as many times as needed until they feel you have made enough progress to see the surgeon. If your BMI is way over 60 they may want you to loose more than 10% to bring your bmi under 60. At this point Kaiser only does the open RNY surgery. No laparoscopic surgery at all. I have gone to see Julie and Brenda 2 times and I have to go back once more on 01/09/07. Hopefully when I go back they will refer me to see the surgeon. I have lost a total of 55lbs since April. I have to loose another 15 lbs to bring my bmi under 60. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good Luck! Sarah

Just wanted to say best wishes on your journey! Best wishes to you and yours Isha 366/151/170 DS at OHSU in Portland, OR sw cw gw -215 pounds gone forever ! www.duodenalswitch.com Eat NORMAL and Lose