Question:
ANYONE THAT HAS GONE THROUGH THE PROGRAM WITH KAISER, FREMONT, CA FACILITY

I HAVE ONLY SEEN MY PCP ONCE AND SHE ORDERED A BUNCH OF BLOOD TEST AND MAMOGRAM AND SENT MY REFERREL TO THE SURGERY CENTER AT KAISER, FREMONT, CA CENTER. I RECIEVED A PACKET WITH AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CONSULTATION FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY MEMEBERS. IS THIS THE WAY IT SHOULD GO. I THOUGHT i HAD TO SEE A PYSHICHIATRIST AND A DIETICIAN FIRST OR IS THIS MEETING ALL PART OF THE PROGRAM? I KNOW THIS IS LONG BUT, I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ME. THANKS    — gina_lynn (posted on May 14, 2008)

May 14, 2008
Hi Gina - I am a Kaiser patient in the Walnut Creek area. I started this process 2yrs ago with Kaiser. My PCP refered me to a Therapist and Dietician, then sent a referal to the weight loss program at the Richmond Kaiser. I was then seen by their Pyshichiatrist. I was then accepted into the program, which only offers the RnY and Lap Band. The first group meeting was about 3 hrs, they explain everything about the surgery. You get weighed that day and have to loose 10% of your weight before they will do surgery. You also have to attend some classes. I have decided that I do not want the RnY, I feel the Duoneal Switch is better for me, but Kaiser does not do this surgery at this time. I am going thru the appeal process to be refered to Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. Let me know if I can be of further help.
   — penny R.

May 14, 2008
Kaiser of southern CA works within Kaiser and hires outside surgical centers for RNY. Don't know which surgery you are going for, but I had RNY. I did pre op classes with Kaiser for several weeks, then got approval with surgeon, surgeon ordered tests. Based on outcome of tests, further testing may be warranted, or if not, you then get a referral to a nutritionist and shrink the last few weeks prior to surgery. Why see the nutrionist, etc. if the surgeon hasn't agreed to do the surgery? They want to make sure you're in good health. BTW, I used an outside service that Kaiser paid for. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

May 14, 2008
Hi. I from the Riverside area. I had to get referral from the doctor to go to Van Buren office and then they set me up for the 24 class's I had to attend once a week. After that you go see a outside doctor and then a psyhichiatrist and she gives the ok and then the doctor's office called me and book surgery. I had sugery 12/10/07.
   — cjackson68

May 16, 2008
Hi, I am currently in the program at the Kaiser in Fremont. I went to the orientation, then about 3-4 months later met with the surgeon. If you are accepted then you have a psych evaluation and complete any tests the doctor prescribes. I had the orientation meeting in Sept of 2007 and will be having surgery in July or Aug 2008. There are alot of people in the program so it takes awhile but that gives you time to lose the 10% and start making your new habits a part of your life. Be patient and work hard it will happen. Best of Luck
   — Debbie G.