Kaiser S. San Francisco lap band

[kathy5150 0]

I started the process for a lapband through Kaiser, So. SF. Have any of you had your lapband done here or are somewhere in the process? How long did it take? The book says to call for appt for the Lifestyle management classes however I can't seem to get a call back. I have finished orientation, nutri 101 and lifestyle changes. Any info on this would be helpful.

Edited January 30, 2009 by kathy5150

[mastrosl 0]

I had orientation 8/30 and I just received my surgical date today for the first week of April. South SF program is really overbooked and you have to wait forever. The Richmond program goes much faster. I don't believe you need to take the lifestyle management class - if that is the weeks long class they just suggest it and taking it doesn't get you through any faster.

[kathy5150 0]

Thank you for the info. I'll sit back and go along with the program! Good luck on your surgery.

[Vicki J 0]

Kathy5150 - I went through their program and one thing that you want to do is be willing to do what they say. This surgery is viewed as elective and, therefore, being as overbooked as they are they want to see the people being cooperative. Sometimes it seems like they just don't care but they are really a good staff. I got REALLY frustrated with them and in hindsight I wish I hadn't been quite so emotional. Having said that, I also realize that this is not an elective surgery to the ones who are needing to loose weight.

My advice to everyone who is embarking on Kaiser's program is to loose the weight (and more if possible) as soon as possible, be a NICE squeaky wheel since they tend to not do a lot of follow through. If someone cancels an appt for say the psychologist, they leave it open until someone calls in checking to see if there are any available. This is true with ALL of the Kaiser facilities.

It took me about 6 months to get through the program. I started in June of 2007 and had surgery in December. I let them know that I would go on the surgery cancellation list (the only thing they call on to fill) and I got in 2 months prior to when they had told me I should expect surgery.

I have been at goal weight since August '08. If you want to contact me, feel free. Also, the more information you arm yourself with the easier your journey will be.

Good luck!

[kathy5150 0]

Thank you Vicki for your great reply to my question. I will do exactly what you say and just go along with the program. I don't see this surgery as a quick fix and I think that I most definately will benefit from the time it will take to get the surgery date. I am quite proud of myself for the changes I am making but still struggling with the weight loss. I have stepped up my exercise this past week and although I am not on a really restricted diet now I realize I have to get the last 15 lbs off so I will do what it takes. Thanks again for your response. Congratulations on your success.