On this page you will find your resources for your life after surgery.

Please note, you should follow up with your surgeon directly for medical questions in the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Useful phone numbers: 

Kaiser Permanente San Diego Bariatric Services department phone number is 858-616-5722. 

• • For pre-surgery questions ,please press 1. 
  • For post-surgery, please press 2. 
  • For general information on our Options, pre-surgery education program, please press 3.
  • We will respond to your message within 24-48 hours, during our operating hours of 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.  If this is a medical or psychiatric emergency please go to the nearest urgent care center or emergency department.
• Bariatric Surgery or OPTIONS Class Questions, call 858-616-5722
• Options information en Español  or call 858-616-5729

Options Resources

The website contains: 

• KP Post Bariatric Nutrition and Lifestyle Resources
• Healthy Eating After Bariatric Surgery Meal Plans
• Vitamins and Minerals Supplement Guide
• Options Workshop Guide
• Post-Surgery Quick Reference Guide
• Lifestyle Log

Options Support Groups

Nutrition and Lifestyle
Online Support Group

Wednesdays 6-7:30 p.m.

This weekly, online support group provides you an opportunity to discuss successes and challenges and other important topics related to life while waiting for or after surgery. Topics include pre &-post surgery nutrition and exercise, vitamin and mineral supplementation, stress and sleep management, bariatric surgery and recovery, and general long-term healthy lifestyle strategies.

When it’s time for group, click the image to join.

Not able to attend on Wednesday evenings? Virtual bariatric support groups are available throughout Southern California. Click here to view  the schedule and phone numbers for registration.

First Few Months After Surgery
Online Support Group 

Tuesdays 12-1 p.m.

The first few months (or year!) after surgery can be challenging and requires special support to help you during the transition. This group will help you as you adapt to the many changes one typically experiences post-surgery. Appropriate for anyone in their first year after surgery. No fee.

Click here to schedule First Few Months After Surgery Support (must be enrolled to attend.)

When it’s time for group, click the image to join.
Tuesdays noon – 1:00 pm

Back to Basics

Online Support Group 

Tuesdays 4-5 p.m.

Designed for anyone experiencing struggles with implementing long-term behavior change, experiencing weight regain after your surgery, or those who just want a refresher in the recommendations after surgery. Back to Basics is a support group designed to help you build and implement a plan to get back on track. No fee.

Click here to schedule Back to Basics  (must be enrolled to attend.)

When it’s time for group, click the image to join.

Making Peace with Food

Mondays 5-6:30 p.m.

10 weekly, online group sessions led by a licensed therapist. Many people experience fluctuations before and following bariatric surgery and this group will support discussion of behaviors, habits, and effective coping strategies to support overall wellness and your preferred relationship with food. This group is designed to be small to encourage interaction and discussion amongst participants and the facilitator. Please plan to use camera and microphone function to interact on the Microsoft Teams platform. You may attend in preparation or following bariatric surgery. You must register at this link and then check your personal email for the link to join a few minutes before class start. No fee.

Options Care Team:

 Bariatric Medical Team​

For bariatric surgery related medical questions, call 858-616-5788 

• Alejandra Diedrich PA
• Arlen Correa RN
• Lisa Cook, NP​
• Melissa Villegas RN
• Sam Noonan, PA​
• Delina Sherman, MA
• Terry Appleby, MA
• Ruby Hernandez MA

 Bariatric Support Team

• Kay Rethwisch, MS RD CDCES
• Shannon Ratliff, MA
• Janet Klein MS