Anyone going thru the (Kaiser) Obesity Clinic program?

I am so far approved and am going to the Freedom From Diets program April 3rd, 12 week course. Do they wait til you fini**** to get the next step to get the ball rolling here? I am soooo ready for this I want to do the courses and everything to start on a new path I live in Newberg, anybody live here or closer. Would be great to find a buddy to go thru this with Take care all ...............Regina

Regina, I also went through the Kaiser program here in Portland. My surgery is scheduled for Monday 3/26. To answer your question, yes, you have to finish your class to move forward. If you haven't already, you can sign up for the once a month bariatric orientation. Once you have completed your orientation and 12 week weight management class you will start seeing the nutritionist and social worker. I don't know if you travel here or if you have a bariatric dept there. Your process may be a little different but what I had to do after my class and orientation was go to another group meeting with the physical therapist. Then you will have multiple meetings with the nutritionist and social worker. I also had to see a counselor. Once the nutritionist and social worker think you have made enough progress they take your case to review with the Kaiser board. If it is approved, you get referred to the surgeon. A general number is that you must loose appx 10% of your total body weight before they will refer you. Once you meet with the surgeon you might have to meet with him once or twice or maybe more. It seems to be different for each person. Once he is satisfied with the progress you have made, he will schedule you for surgery. Most people work through the program in 12-18 months and some as many as 2-3 years. Again, it is different for each person. I hope this helps a little... and good luck on your journey! Sarah

I'm starting that class on the 3rd as well. I live in Vancouver, so I'm going to the class here at the Cascade Park location. Are you taking the class in Newburg?