Kaiser Insurance Weird Sticky Situation Question

Hey everyone!  I'm not sure if there's someone out there who could answer this question, but here is my sticky situation.

About 8 months after my VSG, my work changed our insurance all around and I was not able to keep the HMO that I had.  The only option for me was Kaiser, which is what I have now, but I didn't get my surgery through them and I am no longer able to visit the bariatric center I had my surgery through.  I was never able to have my 1st year check up and I understand how important it is to make sure all the "levels" (vitamin and otherwise) are correct in the 'ol Waffle Machine.

 I had my new Kaiser doc check some of my levels and my Vitamin D was very low and so was my B and I have them back up to normal range now.  He's a cool dude but he doesn't seem to know much about bariatric patients (shocking, I know).  So at over two years out, do you think it's still important to have the full bariatric blood panels at yearly intervals? And if so, is there a way I can be referred to a bariatric specialist through Kaiser if I didn't have my surgery through them? I'd feel my comfortable talking to someone who understands my needs better. 

I can't be the only person who's gone through this...or could I?

Call the Kaiser number on your card and ask them. They seem to have a clearly defined program for bariatrics, and just because you have come into their plan in the middle of your care (kind of) doesn't mean that they will not cover or want you to have the same resources that patients who began the process with them have.

Unfortunately, it doesn't see like your PCP knows how that works -- so try member services.  If that person doesn't know, ask them where Kaiser patients are referred to for bariatric surgery, and call that office, and see if you can do follow up there -- and if they have an insurance contact.

Typically Kaiser has it's own preop program -- but I don't know about post-op.  They are very concerned with outcomes and data-driven medicine, so I'd be very surprised if they did not have a way for you to continue on your VSG follow-up path.

Do try to get a referral to the bariatric s program. I was told that the do follow up no matter where you had your surgery. My program (Kaiser Fremont) recommend annual blood tests and bone density screenings.

Lynda

If you want me to email my surgeon through Kaiser West LA, I'll ask him if he will see you. You absolutely need a full panel - I didnt start having serious Vite issues until 18mo post op

Thanks for that offer...it's a little far for me but it's so sweet and kind of you!

Hey Chris,

I'm Kaiser, too. My center (Kaiser Fremont) will provide after care for new to Kaiser patients (that is what I was told). Ask your PCP for a referral to the Bariatric Center that is closest to you. You can also call member services and get the direct line for the center nearest you.

Yes, I believe you need to be followed closely. While many people tout VSG as a non malabsorptive WLS, seems to me that a lot of people find they need to tweak their vitamins and supplements as they go along. Hell, who knew one can have a copper deficiency? Not I, but I ended up with one anyhow! So, I have to take copper supplements everyday along with everything else. If I hadn't had my annual and a really good bariatric MD monitoring me, this minor, minor discrepancy would not have been noticed. You have already shown vitamin deficiencies. You NEED to be monitored closely. My Kaiser bariatric MD has me taking quarterly tests for copper levels and a full CBC panel just to make sure I'm on track.

Thank you guys so much for the info.  I will definitely make sure I speak with a bariatric specialist.  My pcp made it sound like he could handle it but I can tell he's not aware of our special needs.