[jujubeee]

Well I finally decided to start thinking about WLS after yet another failed diet. I went to see my endocrinologist (who I see for my low thyroid) and he told me I would need to go to the weight loss class they offer at this clinic. (It's kind of like a Kaiser, all the departments are in one building etc.) I signed up and have been going for about 6 weeks now. This is not a class only for those considering WLS, it's just about weight loss and there is a tiny bit of talk about surgery every now and then. The instructor is definitely against WLS and makes that very clear. I have a few questions and am hoping somebody might have some answers.

1. Where do you get the Dr from? I'm sure my endocrinologist isn't going to follow up on this and I have no idea where I would find or go about contacting one.

2. Is there anything I should start doing now to get things moving or do I generally have to wait until the class is over?

3. How long after taking the classes does it generally take to be scheduled for the surgery?

4. How long are most people off work? I have a sit down job if that makes a difference....

I'm sure there are a ton more questions but these are the ones I'm obsessing about right now. I know nobody can give me specifics and I'm just looking for generalities.

Is there any chance anybody here is going thru or has gone thru Riverside Medical Clinic in Riverside, CA? How about with Health Net?

[jiffypop]

well, ,jujubee, a lot of quesitons, but unfortunately, very few answers. it sounds like this weight loss class counts towards the requirement that MANY insurane companies have - 6 months supervised weight loss program. some now require a year. as for the rest of it, you'll have to contact your insurance. the referring MD is generally your primary care - the person you go to for colds and sinus infections.

how long from referral to surgery?? every program is different. in some cases, it's as little as two weeks - but most are 3-4 months. you'll have to check with the surgeon and the insurance company.

sorry i can't give you better information, but you'll just have to follow the hoops your insurance sets up for you. unfortunately.

[jujubeee]

That actually helps a lot Jiffypop, thank you!
Unfortunately I no longer have a primary care physician there as she left and I haven't selected a new one yet. I wish there was a way of finding out which ones are pro WLS and which are not.
Do you know how long you're usually off work?

[jiffypop]

juju - i think the best way to see if a PCP is anti-WLS is to discuss it with them! and you can change your PCP until you find one who will work with you.

as for time off - it varies. for lapband, i think people are off for up to 2 weeks. for bypass, it's often 4-6 weeks, depending on the condition you're in when you get the surgery. i've heard of some people going back to work part-time after 2 weeks, but they're generally people with desk jobs and a certain amount of professional freedom, so that they're able to work a reduced schedule with no temper tantrums from above.