Nutrition classes

  Hi everyone.  I just had my first consultation with Dr. Wynn a week ago and have started making my appointments.  I am so excited about getting this process started.  I am a little concerned about  the schedule for the nutrition and lifestyle classes because I  work rotating 12 hour shifts.  Can  someone explain how the classes are run as far as how many classes there are and the frequency of the classes, what time, how long they are?  Thanks in advance...                                                                                                                                Larry D.

Mine were 1x/week for 6 weeks at the PMRI Bldg on Rt. 52 right by the 141 exit.  Couple of hours each week.  That was for Christiana.  I believe the St. Francis ones are much less.  That was 2 years ago and the schedules may have changed.  Best to check with Chrias and get the schedule before you make your final decision as to where you have your surgery if scheduling is a problem.  Those classes are a MUST..

The number and frequency of classes depends on your insurance. Aetna requires 12 classes, which are typically done weekly. Blue Cross requires 6 classes, but you can only go to one per month. I can't remember the rule on Coventry or the other insurances. I went through St. Francis - the classes are right there next to Dr. Wynn's office in Christiana. Sam is the nutritionist, and he's a hoot. I actually found the classes helpful - a lot of it was repetitive, but it was good to drill it into your brain so you don't come home from the hospital and say, "ok, what do I do now".  They're very into preparing you for your new life. Sam does a class on making good food choices, another one on making small changes in your life, he goes over the pre-op and then post-op diets. In another class he had a taste test of various protein supplements, so you'd have an idea what you might want to buy. The classes are Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm, and they can't really run late because they usually have either an intro class at 6 or a support group coming in. They have also started an occasional Saturday class, which can replace the Tuesday class if you can't make it on Tuesday. You should ask about it if you're interested. Every time you go to class you have to bring "homework", which is a 2 day food diary. And at each class you get weighed and have to report your activity for the week (did you exercise, walk, etc.) Hope that helps! Beth

My classes were thru Christiana PMRI in the evening once a week for 6 weeks in 2005. We did have a taste test which was good but other then that it was purely a waste of time I felt besides a waste of my money that my insurance didnt pay for. I dont know whether insurance pays for the classes now or not. Oh it was a required part of the approval process.....

I just took the classes in June.  They were 3 weeks from 6-8 pm, at least for Lap Band.  They want you to take all the classes in a row, but there were some people who were taking the classes during different months because of work schedules.  my advice is get them done with as soon as you can.  They will hold you bac****il they are done.  Good Luck!