Question:
Anyone here work for Kaiser?

After losing 120 pounds and being only 17 pounds from goal, I'm back in the job search market, and it looks like I may be offered a position with Kaiser. It's not the job I want, but it's really close to home, and of course, you've got guaranteed medical coverage and domestic partner benefits, which is great. BUT, does anyone know what their policy is with regard to WLS? I mean, will I have to stop seeing my surgeon (whom I'm supposed to see yearly) or will there be a WLS-friendly surgeon in the Kaiser group I could see for post-op labs and stuff like that? If you work for Kaiser, please email me back.... I need some help deciding what to do if they should offer me the job. Thanks, Erica    — Erica Alikchihoo (posted on October 16, 2009)

October 16, 2009
I don't know about working for them but we recently changed to Kaiser insurance and they do not have a surgeon that does WLS so they let me go to mine and I pay the specialist co pay
   — kelleyphall

October 16, 2009
I work for Kaiser in Southern Cali. I was enrolled in the "options" program. it's a 6 month class they make you take in order to have WLS. Once you finish that and graduate, they will send you to one of either their surgeons (kaiser south bay, or west LA) or they will send you down to a WLS clinic in San Diego...Now i'm not sure if different areas are different from OC, but that's just how it is here.... You got it right with the Medical coverage! it's awesome!
   — americangirl6485

October 16, 2009
I started preparing for lap band surgery in Jan 09 at a local center. My insurance was changed to Kaiser in Ohio in March. They made me restart the whole program and would not accept my previous wt loss. They offer several plans luckily, the one I choose included bariatrics. According to the plan I choose, I am able to see my previous Doc's at my own expense with a $2000 deductible.
   — grandeagle

October 22, 2009
Hi, I had Kaiser in GA and our plan didn't cover WLS. I was only able to get the surgery b/c we changed plans & company. I would not wish Kaiser on anyone. But that's my opinon. Donna Moreland
   — domoreland