My husband and I asked to be referred by our PCPs on Feb 22, 2013 (we preferred Kaiser Fresno; twice as far for us, but we had good referrals for there) and we attended their orientation on Mar 1, 2013. We will be called tomorrow to set up our NUT and psych appointments and we are scheduled to see the surgeon (one on one) on Mar 13, 2013.
Kaiser Fresno takes your highest weight on record into account when giving your goal weight at the one on one. Even though I'm 18 pounds lighter than last year, I'm a little nervous to find out how much more they want me to lose. I'm trying to stick to 1200 calories a day now (using My Fitness Pal).
Once you get cleared by the NUT and psych and reach your goal weight, they will schedule your surgery. I went thru this whole process 5 years ago at Kaiser Fremont (for bypass) but chickened out after seeing some friends have complications). This time I am determined. My 12 year old told me the other day she has never seen me at a normal weight (sigh). I'm loving this VSG community!