Question:
What next after approval from Kaiser of Nor. Cal?

Now that I have been approved for surgery, I received a call from Kaiser on Friday wanting to know if I would like to go to San Diego to have my in San Diego; of course I said yes. I now need to know the process from here on out. I have no idea what to expect. Please share your experience. Thank you.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 13, 2002)

January 13, 2002
Please anonymous poster, let us know who you are. I said upfront that I would gladly go to San Diego for surgery when my file was sent to the committee in June. I was approved in September. I just think some of us that have been approved quite a while ago should have the opportunity to have our surgery in San Deigo as well.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2002
I was approved in August.
   — [Anonymous]

January 13, 2002
We must all keep in mind that WLS is a last resort for many who are seeking this surgery. Although I have been waiting since April, I will gladly wait an additional two or three months, if it means that a person who is on the verge of death and a day or two can make a difference of whether or not they live. This person could have a more severe case of being morbidly obese, we never know. I am thankful and patient and have put my trust in God and know that my waiting is not in vain.
   — [Anonymous]

January 13, 2002
I put a call in to Marina so that I can find out the criteria for being chosen to go to San Diego. Hopefully she'll call me back tomorrow. I'd like to know the process myself. That is totally amazing that you were approved in August and you hadn't been given a consult date yet. I have a consult date of Feb. 19th. I guess their timeline really varies from case to case.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2002
I had my consult in October. I did not yet post my experience with Kaiser, you only assumed. I started this process in December of 2000. Also you are not fimiliar with my current health condition or my age. It would be nice if you got all the facts before assuming, and jumping to conclusion. I did not know that I would be attacked asking a question. I will find another website to post my questions. Thanks.
   — [Anonymous]

January 13, 2002
Just a note to the other anonymous poster...we are talking about Kaiser No. CA here...a whole different animal. I started this process in Feb. 2001, so it's been almost a year. I have serious co-morbidities but a fairly low BMI. It IS a last resort for me (as I think surgery SHOULD be a last resort for anyone getting this type of surgery). Kaiser No. CA doesn't care if you're 500 lbs....they still make you wait and lose the 10% of your weight beforehand. There was a patient at the Kaiser support group I went to on Sat. who was told to lose 80 lbs. first...he managed to lose 70, and they finally did the surgery. Kaiser is in a class of its own when it comes to this surgery. Personally I think a year is a heck of a long time to wait, and I seldom (not never) see people having to wait that long, at least as far as what I see on this site. I'm 48 years old and have been overweight since age 6. I don't feel bad stating that yes, I think it's my turn now not to have to wait any longer for this.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2002
To the original anonymous poster, I'm sorry you feel attacked. I did not mean to sound that way. I am frustrated out of my mind right now with Kaiser's lack of continuity in care and lack of information. I am sick with my co-morbidities. Please don't take your questions elsewhere...I don't know what other website there is anyway. I'm sorry for sounding like a monster. Maybe I'm the one that needs to take a break from this website. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2002
I am insured by Kaiser No. Cal and I also work for them. This is the deal: Kaiser is limited in the number of surgeons who do this procedure so they are contracting out to Pacific Bariatrics/San Diego.You will wait a very long time for a surgery date if you have your surgery at Kaiser. If you go to San Diego, it is not only a shorter wait, but you are dealing with surgeons who are much more experienced in Bariatric surgery-it's all they do. A friend of mine & I were referred at about the same time(March 00) I just had surgery on 01/02/02 in SanDiego. She has just seen her Kaiser surgeon for the initial consult. The Kaiser surgeon wants her to take several additional pre-op tests,and lose 10% of her excess weight before setting up a surgery date.As for "qualifying" to have surgery in San Diego, all you really need to do is let kaiser/Marina know and they'll send the referral. They might try to discourage you telling you it's the same wait time(NOT TRUE!)-they are trying to save $$$-See,when you opt for San Diego they pay for everything-airfare,hotel,transportation.I loved my stay at Mercy Scripps-Very competant staff! Good Luck to you!
   — k R.