Question:
I've heard that Kaiser is tough, but I've also heard that here in Colorado

and possabily in other states that kaiser is becoming more acceptable to people without any major comorbs with BMI's ONLY having to be over 40. is anyone going through the process of wls without having health problems?    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 20, 2001)

December 20, 2001
I don't know "first hand", but my mom who lives in Colorado and has Kaiser said that they are doing alot of WLS's and it is a year long process from start to finish before you get the surgery. She was relaying this information to me cause mine only took about 3 months from start to finish and she was suprised at what Kaiser was expecting their patients to go through. Good luck and I hope yours goes smoothly! P.S. I miss Colorado alot... I was born and raised there and would love to move back to be closer to my family!!!
   — Kellie Jo B.

December 20, 2001
I live in Colorado, and had Kaiser at one time. Almost everyone that I know that has Kaiser and wants WLS, is made to go through a grueling 9 months of a "step program" before the surgery can actually be done. Now it may have changed, since I've looked into it, but if your looking to get it done quickly, Kaiser is not the way to go.
   — [Anonymous]

December 20, 2001
You'll have to check their current policy, but Kaiser was a pain in my a$$ last year! They do follow the NIH guidelines for surgical qualification, but they have lots more hoops. I started researching WLS in September, 2000 and finally decided I needed a surgical option and talked to Kaiser in Feb 2001 and was told I need to join their year long weight management program before I could even apply for WLS. They have two classes you goto and then weekly weigh-in's, etc..Active for Life and Fit for Life, which are fine and only last 6 mths, but they don't let you take them at the same time and they don't let you apply for WLS after 6 mths, you have to wait the year. The average weight loss for their year long weight management program is 30 lbs. After you complete that program, approval is done by committee and they only approve a certain number of surgeries a year. Also, they only do an open proximal RNY (they were starting to consider lap, but hadn't yet..but I hadn't heard anything about them considering a medial or distal procedure). Needless to say, I waited until open enrollment at my company (September 2001) and switched insurance companies. Luckily, by that time I had researched further and decided I wanted the DS. I switched to Great West PPO and I was approved for the DS less than 24 hours after my LOMN was received! LOMN sent 10/08/01 and I was approved 10/09/01 Anita - Dr Keshishian 11/08/01
   — Anita N.

December 22, 2001
Hello there, the other posts are not all true nowadays. Kaiser told me the same thing about taking classes for a year and going to other nutritionists classes etc., but I told them that I had already tried many many programs and that I didn't have the money to pay for another program. You have to step up to the plate and not let them push you around.. remember you are in control here not them. Be nice, and assertive at the same time, keep on them, call and remind them, call once a week, get your name in their head. If you read the information packet carefully it states, WE RECOMMEND WEIGHTLOSS PROGRAM, that means just what it states, it is NOT MANDATORY. So push on, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Once you get going Kaiser is good.. Read my profile and you will see, that with persistence and a sweet disposition you will get what you want.. I was even denied the first time, but NEVER GIVE UP!!My surgery is in 17 days..yiiipppeeeeeee.. go for it.. Kaiser will pay for everything and even a tummy tuck if needed afterwards.. Just don't get angry or upset, just me assertive.. good luck.. Tricia :)
   — Tricia V.

December 22, 2001
Hello there, the other posts are not all true nowadays. Kaiser told me the same thing about taking classes for a year and going to other nutritionists classes etc., but I told them that I had already tried many many programs and that I didn't have the money to pay for another program. You have to step up to the plate and not let them push you around.. remember you are in control here not them. Be nice, and assertive at the same time, keep on them, call and remind them, call once a week, get your name in their head. If you read the information packet carefully it states, WE RECOMMEND WEIGHTLOSS PROGRAM, that means just what it states, it is NOT MANDATORY. So push on, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Once you get going Kaiser is good.. Read my profile and you will see, that with persistence and a sweet disposition you will get what you want.. I was even denied the first time, but NEVER GIVE UP!!My surgery is in 17 days..yiiipppeeeeeee.. go for it.. Kaiser will pay for everything and even a tummy tuck if needed afterwards.. Just don't get angry or upset, just me assertive.. good luck.. Tricia :)
   — Tricia V.