Kaiser NW question

Hello,

I just went through the Kaiser process and it took me about 12 months.  The most important thing is your weight loss BEFORE surgery.  You are required to loose appx 10% of your total body weight before they will refer you to the surgeon for surgery.  I started at 511 lbs and I lost 65 lbs before surgery.  Yes, you will need to keep a food journal and an exercise journal but mine was not as detailed as exact amounts and times and so forth.  I think as long as you are making healthy choices and exercising regularly, it will show with weight loss and you will be fine.  I did take the 12 wk class and I LOVED it.  I wouldn't recommend taking both because it may give the impression that you are not ready.  I did sign up to take the 12 week class again, but then canceled because I was told, if I was taking it again, maybe I wasn't ready.  Once you go to a couple orientation meetings you will meet with Brenda Buck(nutritionist) and Julie Hannah(social worker).  First you will meet with them individually then you will meet with them together.  Once they think you have made enough progress, they will refer your case to the Kaiser Bariatric Board who meet once a month.  They will review your progress and decide if you are ready to meet with the surgeon.  If you are, then you will get your appt to see the surgeon.  Each person is so different because there are some who pass the bariatric board review and see the surgeon and the surgeon puts them off. It is very specific to each person's progress and medical conditions. Some people see Julie and Brenda 2, 3, 4 or even 5 times or more.  Some have to see the surgeon 2 or 3 times before he will approve the surgery.  Some people end up changing surgeons because they just either don't mesh well with one or can't meet his guidelines set for that patient.  Some doctors will say " 10 more lbs" while another will say "5 more lbs".  It is all very different for each person.  The time aspect comes in when you are waiting for appointments.  Sometime when you call to make your next appt, you can't get in for a month.  And when you have to go back 3,4 or 5 times, time adds up. 

The only thing I can say is don't get frustrated with the process.  Don't give up.  Every appt you make, every pound you loose, put you one step closer to your ultimate goal.  And this is all worth it.  I have friends who have had surgery with other insurance companies who don't require half the prep work that Kaiser requires.  Let me tell you I am SO glad Kaiser puts us through this.  I think we are better prepared to handle the lifestyle change and I think we are forced to make educated decision about our own health care.  People I know who had the surgery else where said they WISHED they were made to do the same things we are.  They say they would have felt better prepaired.  

So just remember, keep in mind the ultimate goal and you will have to work very hard to get there. 

Good luck!  

Sarah