Still Not Sure

I am still debating the whole Kaiser program. When I left Tuesday night, I was told they would call me the next day to register. So far, no calls. This doesn't leave me with a good feeling towards them. I initially didn't do the program with Kaiser because they changed the date at the last minute, then a few months later they just signed me up for the next one without asking. Which was totally weird. It then messed up some other doctor's appointments because they cancelled *ALL* of my future Kaiser appointments. I showed up for a dermatologist appointment... and no appointment.
This all leads me to the belief that they are horribly unorganized. Not a great feeling when you're about to hand over $4,300 over the next 18 months. I guess the benefit to all of this is that I have more time to contemplate.

Kaiser FAQs

How much weight should I expect to lose?

On average, patients can expect to lose 1 to 3 pounds per week throughout the course of the program. Accelerated weight loss may occur in the early weeks.

Do I need to be a Kaiser Permanente member to sign up for the program?

The Kaiser Permanente Medical Weight Management Program is open to everyone. You do not have to be a Kaiser Permanente member to come to our facilities and attend an orientation session. Whether you are a member or nonmember, you will receive the same level of high quality care.

Is the Medical Weight Management Program covered by my Health Plan benefits?

These services are not covered by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. Kaiser Permanente does offer other programs to help support and facilitate weight loss. Click here to learn about some of the other resources available from Kaiser Permanente.

Do I need a referral from my primary care physician before attending the orientation session?

No. You may contact any one of our locations directly to learn more about upcoming orientation sessions. Click here to see a list of our locations. We have a weight loss clinic in Elk Grove, CA, as well as Oakland, Freemont, and other areas.

Are there physical benefits from losing weight besides looking and feeling better?

Yes. Research has shown that weight reduction can have a positive impact on managing hypertension, normalizing blood sugar levels, and lowering cholesterol for many people.

Is a full liquid fast medically safe?

When medically supervised, the use of a full liquid fast is safe and effective for weight loss. Click here to learn more about OPTIFAST® meal replacements.

Will I feel weak or fatigued while on the meal replacement program?

You should not feel weak or fatigued as a result of the meal replacements. The meal replacement program is designed to prevent caloric deprivation, provide complete nutrition, and stimulate your body to derive most of your caloric needs from your body's fat stores. This process eliminates hunger and fatigue.

Is rapid weight loss bad for my health?

Rapid weight loss using the full fast supplement in combination with medical supervision is safe and healthy. On the other hand, rapid weight loss produced by unsupplemented fasting or fasting with inferior products can cause your body to use lean muscle tissue as a source of fuel. This can jeopardize your health and make weight maintenance difficult. The products used in our program are formulated to protect lean muscle mass and to use fat stores as fuel, thereby eliminating these risks.

Are there negative side effects from using a full fast weight loss plan?

Most people who use OPTIFAST® experience no negative side effects at all. A small number of people experience minor and temporary hair-thinning during the Active Weight Loss phase. Like the temporary hair loss that often occurs during pregnancy, this is almost always reversible. Some people experience episodes of light-headedness. In some cases, the full fast can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. People with a history of gout are monitored carefully so that appropriate treatment can be initiated, if needed.

Does the Kaiser Permanente Medical Weight Management Program offer treatment using medications?

Weight loss medications are not part of the standard program. You will be evaluated individually before you enter the program. Your physician may make the proper referrals to receive further treatments if they are right for you.

May I declare any part of this program as a tax deduction?

Consult your tax adviser for details.

Once I lose my weight, what can I do to keep it off?

There are four crucial steps to successful weight maintenance. The stronger your commitment to each of these areas, the more likely you are to maintain your weight:

• Participate in group meetings and follow through with recommendations made by program staff about addressing the reasons why you overeat
• Stay active or regularly attend another structured support system after completing the Kaiser Permanente Medical Weight Management Program
• Be aware of when and what you eat. This can be done most successfully by planning meals and snacks ahead of time or by keeping records of what and how much you eat
• Maintain some form of regular physical activity. Physical activity doesn't just burn calories-it can also help you manage stress, which decreases the need to use food to relax

Some people find it easier to maintain their new weight if they use OPTIFAST® on an ongoing basis as either a meal replacement for one meal a day or as their morning or afternoon snack.

Starting Over, Again

If you ever think you're alone in this dieting merry-go-round, try going to a weight loss orientation group. I spent a few hours tonight at Kaiser listening to the pitch for their version of a Weight Loss Program. And, it was a full house. Easily 30-40 people there. I was planning on signing up to do this whole weight loss thing. (Yes, again) However, I waited a full hour and there were still 10 people ahead of me to sign up. I would still be there now - each sign-up took about 15 minutes. Wow. Even the woman doing the registration was shocked. She said she'd never seen that many people wanting to sign up for the group. I think there were about 20, out of the 30+, that were ready to go for it.
This just goes to show how many people are out there that want to lose weight. We all know it's a serious issue, but wow ...
I do have to say it's inspiring. All these people ready for a change, wanting to take (somewhat) drastic measures to get thin. I enjoyed talking to a few of them. I could see how a group dynamic could really be a big support for weight loss.
I'm just not 100% yet. The group doesn't begin until the end of August. I'm ready to start again NOW. If I wait (weight!) until August 26, will I gain even more weight? Can I do it on my own? Should I try first? Argggh! I'm not sure what to do. I don't have to decide right this second, but I do need to make a decision by tomorrow. The initial payout is $250 for the medical testing. I don't have to do the program, but the money is non-refundable.
I think the biggest issue for me, once again, is the money. It's pricey. When you consider how much I spend on food it's not TOO bad, but it's still not cheap. Since this isn't necessarily easy information to find, here's a rundown on the program fees:

Initial Health Assessment: $250
Monthly Program Fee: $360 (Weeks 1-20)
Monthly Program Fee: $280 (Weeks 21-30)
Monthly Program Fee: Free! (Weeks 30-82)
Food: $90+ each week

Grand total: $4,300 (for the entire 18 month program)

Shame on Fat-Shamers

530 Fatties Facebook Page Targeted Overweight, Obese Yuba-Sutter Residents « CBS Sacramento

Ugh.

My getting back on track didn't last long. Maybe just a day or two.
Sigh.
It was so much easier simply staying on the diet. This day to day eating is tough. It's so easy to go back to those bad habits developed over the last 40 years.
Ugh.
So, what am I to do?
Right now I'm debating whether or not I should go back on the program. I've put on 15 pounds since February when I stopped the fast. At that point I was still about 20 pounds away from my goal weight. Now I'm 35 pounds away. If I keep going like this, I will put back on all the weight I lost.
Ugh, again.
I'm also thinking about switching programs. Kaiser has a similar modified fast diet, but they also include weekly counseling sessions. Maybe that's what I need. I know, heck everyone knows, what I/you should be eating to keep weight off.
So why don't I do it?
If I had that answer I would be both thin and rich, right?!?