GonnagetLite

oops, you can tell I'm a "newbie"...I meant to copy the quote from "Keysharenee1", not from "easymack63"...LOL, sorry : /

I should also mention, the process does vary in each different Kaiser location. So, yours may be a little bit different...At least it gives you a general idea

Hi....I just finished the Options program in Corona (Riverside) Kaiser...Our program took a while because we had three holidays, so during that time--no class...I LOVED the options classes. I learned a lot and met some wonderful people...Anyways, as stated above, they will get your start weight at the orientation, and this is the weight they will use to base your weight loss on...Though the 10% loss of your weight may not be officially required by Kaiser, I have heard different surgeons are picky about it, so in my opinion, why not lose the 10%...It puts you all the more close to your goal, and makes your body more healthy for your upcoming surgical procedure... After you finish you 12-week class, the case manager nurse will address the class with the next steps....This is a long process, so try to be patient and keep your eye on the prize You can plan on at least 6-8 months from now before you will have surgery...They had us do various lab work during the class, and now I'm waiting for them to review my chart so they can determine what addition labs I'll need..They also require a chest X-ray, EKG, and usually an ultrasound within 3 months from your surgery date. Plus, your primary physician needs to complete a physical exam on you within 6 months of your surgery (the time on that could vary depending on the doctor) The surgeon I'll be going to (Dr. Suh), also requires that you attend one of his seminars and at least one support group..They are offered at different times of the month. I have done my EKG, Chest X-ray, physical. I'm waiting as I said for the case manager to let me know what labs I'll need to complete. After that comes a psychiatric evaluation. (I'm not sure if I'll be seeing the surgeon first of if I can just do this now.) I'm going to call tomorrow and find out. Kaiser seems to be leaning towards doing the psych evaluations outside of kaiser (with an independent therapist usually at the choice of the surgeon). Then after all that, I will get a call for the surgeon appointment. My goal is to have ALL the requirements done BEFORE I see Dr. Suh so they can give me a surgery date during that appointment. They will not give you the date until all the requirements are met. Oh also, I've been told that if you gain weight from the weigh in at the surgeon's consult, they will cancel the surgery until you lose whatever the surgeon recommends..... Whewwww, sorry that was so long! I hope the information doesn't discourage you...I wish I would have known what to expect prior to the class. Perhaps if I would have know, I would have been a little more "chill"...Believe me, it's all worth it! It's a process but so worth the end result... This is officially my 1st post on here...I felt you post was an awesome starting point for me to post Best of luck to you!