I have Kaiser and I started the process with my PCP in February and got banded August 25th. It actually went a lot faster than I at first expected.
I thought I was going to have to go through the program here, then get transferred to one of the Bay Area programs but then they got a new surgeon here. Going to the Bay Area I was hoping to get banded late spring of '09. When the new surgeon came, I thought it might be late '08 or very early '09 and was thrilled with that. Late July they called me and wanted me to have surgery the next week. I couldn't swing it with my DH's job and our 2 year old so I had to put it off a month. It all worked out great in the end.
I think Kaiser has a very comprehensive program. I had a BMI of close to 42 and was already on a diuretic to control my BP. It was but barely. I'd also noticed some things were starting to happen more. Asthma acting up more often, back aching, foot problems, etc. I am glad that I had to go through their program. It made me research and really LOOK at myself and decide whether this was going to really work for me and whether I was really going to MAKE this work for me. By the time I got to surgery, with God's help, I was not nervous AT ALL about surgery. I went in with a great attitude and came out with one as well. All of my nurses commented on how much they loved my attitude and what a pleasure it was being my nurse that day.
Take it as a blessing that you have so much time to prepare for life after surgery with a band. Do your research, go to your classes, make the program work for you! It will ALL be so worth it in the end. I'm a week and a 1/2 out from surgery and I feel good. I'm healing nicely and am eager to start my new life! I'm also eager to get to full liquids, purees and very soft foods this weekend too! LOL!!
Can I ask which program you are going through? I went through the Fresno program. I also know of Fremont, Richmond and S. San Fransisco for Nor. Cal but I don't know about any of the ones for So. Cal. Or are you even IN California! LOL!
And I do totally understand your frustration. Especially if you made the determination that this IS for SURE what you want to do. I got that way for a bit. I'd decided that this was what I wanted and darn it! I wanted it NOW!! I am glad I had to wait. I learned more for it.
Take care and keep us up to date on your progress!
__________________ Michelle
Surgery - August 25th, 2008
Highest (documented), 250
Program Start Wt, 236
Surgery Day, 209.7
Current, 179
Goal, 130
 ~Since March, 08  | 