How long after Options class to get scheduled for surgery?

I'm in San Diego and have Kaiser through my employer.  Due to missing documentation (who keeps their WW stuff when the program didn't work for you?), I have had to take the "Ask the Dietitian" class for 12 weeks, then turn that in to get into the Options classes.  When I went for my orientation for Options on July 27th, we were all told that the class was 24 weeks, yet I've read a few recent posts here that it is now just 20 weeks - is that true?  Also, after completing the Options class, how long does it generally take to get scheduled for surgery?  Reason I ask is fear that my employer may drop Kaiser & go to another provider before I get my surgery - we are up for renewal in June '10.  Thanks!

Hello from Long Beach,

Yes, I have been told recently that the options classes have been reduced to 20 wks.  I did 24 wks, I finish my classes in June 07 and had my surgery August 07 in San Diego.  It really depends on how soon you get your appointments with the surgeon, psy eval, and internist, you can schedule all 3 on the same day, (these are the appointments that scripps will schedule for you) that's what I did and I had to drive to San Diego from Long Beach. 

Many members here have mixed feelings about the options classes, but I am glad that I took the classes.  I was really prepared for my surgery and I am so glad that I had it.

Yes, the waiting will drive you crazy, but it's okay to call the options office to find out where you are on the list and when a class will start that you can attend.  I wish you the best in your journey, hang in there, it's worth the wait!

Great info MsDivine.  I see you had the same surgeon as I did.  I think he is wonderful.  Are you attending the Reunion in October that is put on by Pacific Bariatrics? 
Have a great day!
Terry

Hello Mz Divine -

Thanks so much for the info.  I'm on week 5 of 12 with "Ask the Dietitian" and am determined to see it through to get into Options.  Normally, the "Ask the Dietitian"  class is required for 6 months, is you're missing your documentation, but they're fast-tracking me through to get into Options.  I've had both parts of my Health Risk Assessment, am scheduled for the Sleep Apnea clinic on the 10th, followed by an ultrasound of my liver on the 30th.  I'm going crazy keeping up with all my appointments, but haven't missed any and won't miss any.  I'm really looking forward to the Options classes.

Hi
I attended 24 weeks of Options in January 2007.  My class ended June 25th and I had surgery on August 10th.  However, I hear it generally takes less time now to be scheduled for surgery. Keep in mind that if you miss any of the Option classes then you have to make up the week you missed, which means you have to wait until another class begins and reaches the week that you missed so that you can make it up.  I encourage you not to miss any classes and this will definitely keep you on track to getting appointments with the internist, psych and surgeon much faster.

By the way, the doctors with Pacific Bariatrics, contracted through Kaiser, are great!

Wishing you the best of luck.
Terry

Hi Terry!

Thanks for the post!  Believe me, I have no intentions of missing any of the Options classes.  I have all of my lab work done, except for an ultrasound on my liver on the 30th & the Sleep Apnea clinic on the 10th. I'm on week 5 of 12 of the "Ask the Dietitian" class, dutifully logging every little morsel that enters my mouth & daily exercise.  Everyone here at OH is so supportive & helpful, it's really helped me, not only with my decision to get the surgery, but to help me realize that I'm not alone in this.

Thanks so much for the info & encouragement!

Tammi

Tammi, sounds like you are on the right path and that is great!  I agree with Ms. Shell, you should be completed by June 2010.

If you went to the orientation and they told you 24 weeks then it's "probably" 24 weeks BUT what I did hear was that is you are going along and loosing that 10% they want you to loose...they will FAST track you and it could only be 20 weeks.  Don't quote me but that's what I heard.  I heard it was because those loosing the 10% are showing they are ready for surgery.

It depends on how backed up your surgery location is, but I finished my classes Oct 1 07 BUT had a couple things that needed completing etc.  Saw my surgeon 11/14 and scheduled surgery for 11/26.

I think by June 2010 you'll be done.

Ms Shell -

Thanks for the info.  I'm just a little nervous because our company has a tendancy to view employee health coverage as an area to cut costs.  They tried two years ago to force us all to go with Aetna, because that's what the broker wanted (!), but a few of us refused & got to keep our Kaiser plans.  But, you never know and I just want to do my best to get my surgery done before it comes up again.

Thanks for the boost of confidence

Tammi

I did 24-week Options program...just graduated April 15th and had surgery June 3rd.

I don't think that they have reduced the time frame, unless they are doing so with the new classes that are starting....

I know that a while back the class was a quick 12-week course, but with the popularity of the surgery, they felt the need to expand it to a 24-week course.

:)