Vicky, our group meets the third Wednesday each month from 6-8 pm in San Jose. The group is oriented towards the duodenal switch, but we do sometimes have people with other operations who come, or people who are still exploring their options and want to learn as much as possible about all the standard of care options before making a final decision. The group is sponsored by Pacific Laparoscopy, which is the practice of Dr. John Rabkin, but patients of other surgeons are welcome.
      If you are interested, just send me a pm and I will give you all the info.

Larra

 Yes, I was told by my weight loss doctor that everyone must see them first. The reason why is that if you have any issues like smoking or psychological problems etc. they want those issues dealt with first. He said it was causing too many problems with the patients thinking since they finished the classes they were all set to see the surgeon only to find out otherwise. So as far as speeding things up, maybe? My appt. with my PCP was on 7/5 and my appt. with Dr. Ismail was 7/30. I didn't wait for a phone call and called the Van Buren appt center the next day and refferall was in so they were more than happy to make the appt. otherwise it could have taken longer. They even said I could call to see if there were any cancellations. Also, they said it's best to call on thursdays or fridays because they get most cancellations for friday. Good luck on your journey. 

Hi,
I was just referred to the Bariatric dept myself and will need to meet with a Bariatric doctor in order to be approved and sent on to the orientation,  I do believe it is a way to weed out anyone going through orientation and the classes that aren't truly candidates for the surgery,  I guess this is good news, as it will speed up the scheduling of the classes for those who do qualify.  I just hope that's me :)

I am on Medi-care, and had RNY surgery April 2012. Dr Pamela Foster accepts Medicare. Her address is 1501 Trousdale Dr Burlingame, CA 94010 ph # 650- 652- 8776 Im in Sonoma County and had to travel about one and 1/2 hours to her (that's who my insurance approved me for), BUT well worth it...she's fabulous!!!

Hey guys...I'm still around.  Even though I never met the southern cal people, I felt I knew you...From you Long Beach coffees, to your farm getaways and disasters.  About 5 years ago you people were very important to me...But life gets in the way.  I usually hang around the Men's Forum, Exercise and Fitness Forums, and a little at the RNY Forum.  Less drama and a lot of honesty on those first 2 forums... "Does this dress make me look fat"??...Yes, yes it does.  I try to help the new people and what they are going through.  For fun and exercise I have taken up bike riding.  I don't do tons...Maybe 4-6 miles...I run my errands on the bike (bank, coffee shop, pay bills).
Take care people...Brian in Turlock