Question:
Will Kaiser require any supervised weight loss attempts? or a Bmi over 39 with ???

Will having a bmi of 39 with co morbities past and present tempary reacurring and long term prevent me from having this surgery? aka Diabieties on and off broncitis on and off depression, sleeping problems and when awake i feel so sleepy all day like i just don't want to do nothing without a fight, urinary leakage, iregular periods, with more pain the useual, fatigue,swelling leggs hand arms stiff joints that ake, lower back pain. I am 28 I have had 5 children I am a ex smoker I'm 5.2 216 lbs I believe small framed normaly was 98 lbs till my 3rd child my 4th sent me to 220 lbs she was my only girl is that 100 lbs that i need to loosewhen I'm 216 right now??    — Tina R. (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
Hi there, I didn't have surgery with Kaiser, however, they have been my insurance since I was 2 months post op and I attend their support groups and meet with their nutritionists. This is what the ladies in my group must have: a BMI over 50 with co-morbities. They must attend a one year pre-surgery diet/nutrition program before being given their surgery date. I have a friend who has a BMI of approx. 48 and is really struggling to get Kaiser to even look at her situation and she has several co-morbities. California might be different, ask your Dr. Best of luck!
   — Kathy J.

July 19, 2002
I was only a Kaiser patient for 3 months when my PCP sent in a referal for me. I was approved within 2 months and had my surgery within 6 months of referal. Melody
   — Melody T.

January 30, 2003
Hi my name is Georgina and I am having the surgery done with Kaiser insurance. I wanted you to know a few things I just recently found out with all my Doctor's apointments. You have to have a BMI of 40 with complications(example, diabetes, heart problems ect..) or you must have a BMI of 50+. I happen to be a person with a BMI of 57 so I do not need the complications. They also require you to have a 6 month weight loss class. I also have found that you must have done other attemps with proof on paper to help your chances. Also it takes up to one year before you'll even have the surgery. It takes 6 months of study (the doctors study you and your eating habits) plus 6 months of the counsel looking at your file. I cried when I found all this out. I myself have had 5 appointments already, about a month into the long drawn out process. I know it's long and hard way to do it but it beats the alternative. I cannot afford paying for this on my own so I have no other choice.
   — Georgina O.