More Kaiser questions...

Since everyone was so hopeful on my first question, I decided to ask some follow up ones! Just a quick little back story... I'm 24. I'm 6'3, 438 LBS. I've been overweight since childhood. I was diagnosed with depression at about 16 years old. I was diagnosed with hypertension at about 20 years old. And at 23 years old I was diagnosed with some back problems that was basically caused by my weight that cost my insurance company about $4000 and it's still not all taken care of. After all that, I got a new job and new insurance company (the new one is Kaiser...the old one was BCBS and they vehemently refused to cover any type of weight loss procedures). My Kaiser policy at least has the medical necessity clause, so I figured I had hope. My question is how to bring all this to Kaiser. I will be having my first appt with my PCP soon (to dicuss new patient things...existing problems and treatments, like my high blood pressure, etc.), and was wondering if I should bring up that it's something I'm interested then? Would there be any "pre existing condition" problems since I've never been with Kaiser before? Is there some special way I should explain everything to make it a less painful process? Just wondering in case someone made a mistake of saying something to Kaiser or phrasing something a certain way that slowed the process, that kind of thing. Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Matt

Matt Let your Dr know now that you are interested and they will start putting you through the Kaiser hoops. I wish you the very best! I am Kaiser patient... Self pay. But it's all good. It's behind me now. Hugs Angel J

Matt, I am a Kaiser patient and just starting the year long process to have surgery. By all means tell your Dr. NOW! It takes so long to get appoinments (usually at least a month out) You need to have documented weight loss. So make sure your PCP puts in your files. Be sure to come back and ask questions. I don't have all the answers but know some. We'll also have a nutrition class (freedom from diets, ask for Bob Wilson as instructor he's the best) There is a 5 week and a 12 week series. Ask! We may only have to take the 5 week. We also have to take a behavior modification class. Okay, I know nothing about this. Make sure you find out if your policy covers WLS not all Kaiser policies are the same. Keep the faith! We will survive the next year! Bev

Hi Matt, I has surgery with Kaiser a little over 2 years ago. (down 230+ pounds)I had gone to my PCP and got the referral to the obesity program on 2/12/03 and had surgery 2/16/04. I THINK as long as there is no lapse in coverage, then you should be okay with pre-existing conditions. I have heard rumors that they wont do surgery on anyone under 25, but that is just rumors. Ask your PCP for a referral to the program and then get ready for lots of appointments and losing weight before hand. You can read my profile and see what I went through. As anxious as I was to get through the program, I am glad that I had to wait. There are group support meetings, meetings with a social worker and nutrionist and the surgeon etc. Good luck~~ Feel free to email me with questions!! Sarah G.