Newbie with tons of questions....

Hi!
I am seriously hoping to have weight loss surgery.  I have an appt. with my Dr. next week to re-visit the discussion.  Last time we talked, I was about 10 short of the requirement for my weight/BMI......at least that's what I understood.  So, I think I have probably gained that weight in the last few months, even though I tried not to...
I have tons of questions.  Mostly about the pre-surgery process.  I have a cousin who had the surgery about 3 years ago and is very supportive of my decision.  She has done well.  She had different insurance and so I don't know how things worked for her and how they will work for me.  I have Kaiser insurance.  Anyone who can share with me the process, hoops to jump through and how long it is before I can have the surgery after my Dr. gives the referral.  What all do I have to do, how many classes, tests, appt's etc.
This information is probably out there somewhere but there is so much to read, I am a bit overwhelmed.
You are an amazing group of people and an inspiration so your input is very valuable to me.
Sally

 I do not have Kaiser specifically and never have but the steps you take should be the same as with any HMO. In my sig line there is a link to my post on what steps you need to take to get WLS approval.  I think the difference with Kaiser is that they refer you to their options program instead of you doing a 6 month diet with your PCP. (Both of which you don't need to do). Good luck and remember to research all your surgery options before going under the knife. Feel free to PM if you have questions. Neely

i see you have kaiser insurance and i would like to add a few things
i only had kaiser a few months now,.and on my first visit with my pcp i got my referral. if your bmi is over 40 then you will be in. you will have to go to an orientation and you then will have a consult with your doctor. if you lose 10% of you highest 12 month weight you will get a date. but its not easy as it seem. i on the process right now so i don't know how long the waiting list for surgery is. good luck:)

Hi Erica
I have Dr. Dutta to, I just love him!  The waiting list for surgery is over two months out.  I recorded my goal with kaiser in September and my surgery is today ... keep pushing and I wish you all the luck in the world!

thank you ill be praying for you hope you have a fast recovery

Welcome Sally and congratulations on making a decision to have wls.

I am not a Kaiser member, but there are many Kaiser members here. I do know that they require you to lose 10% of your total body weight and they also make you take these classes for 6 months too. Then I think the process goes pretty quick. Most people freak that they have to wait that long and go to those classes, but everyone says that it really does go by quickly. The sooner you can get your doctor to give you the referral the sooner you will be on your way!

Good luck to you!

Hi Sally,
Well congratulations on making this decision!  I am having surgery today with Fremont Kaiser.  I absolutely ADORE the whole staff there, but I have to say, they are extremely busy and very behind.  The process starts with an orientation class, then you go home and wait to hear back from them, start dieting immediately, make small changes to your behavior ... they will use your highest weight in the year and they like it when you have lost a few pounds between orientation and the consultation.  I would wait about 6 weeks, then call them, you could wait forever, but if you call them, usually they will schedule dates for you pretty quickly.  Next step is meeting the surgeon.  They will explain the process, and let you know if you are a good candidate for surgery.  You will receive a goal weight and a list of tests and things to do to prepare, you will also meet the nutritionist and the coordinator.  You will be required to lose 10% of your highest recorded weight, so if you go in having lost a few pounds, you are already on your way ... awesome!  The hardest thing is the wait between the initial consultation and the next step which is the psych eval ... once you are within 5 pounds of goal, you send in a form and they will schedule your psych eval ... again, send in the form and call them a couple of weeks later to follow up ... you will get your date scheduled much sooner than if you just wait for them.  Once the Psychiatrist clears you for surgery, you just have to let them know when you have reached goal and they will schedule a date - I cannot stress this enough ... log your goal weigh ... go to your local kaiser and have it recorded on your medical record and then call the coordinator three to four weeks later to follow up.  You are also required to track your weight every two weeks and attend at least 1 support group.  The process for me was about 13 months (orientation in October, surgery today) so don't give up, just keep coming back to the boards and going to support groups because when you are waiting for so long, it is often easy to lose sight of the prize.  I've heard that in Southern California, you are required to do a 6 month class and a few folks on this board have said they can't imagine doing the surgery without the classes, but in Northern California, it is not a requirement. 
Good luck to you!

Thanks so much for your input.  I was hoping the process would move more quickly than that and I would have surgery in spring but I guess I really had no idea what I was in for.  I am limited as to what times of the year I could really have it because I am a teacher. 
I am trying to find out about that class in So Cal........it seems kind of ridiculous.  I have been going to the Dr. for this, have done pills, weigh****chers and lifestyles eating class with Kaiser.  Now another program................geez!
Thanks again!

Sally