Long time lurker, first time poster . I've actually been thinking of getting WLS for years now. I've always been overweight, at least for as long as I can remember. Having children didn't help much either. I went from overweight to obese. Over the years I've tried every diet. I've done Jenny Craig, to Weight Watchers, to even doing a full fast liquid diet. I would lose weight, and feel good about myself, only to gain it all back and then some. I'm 5'4, 276.5 Lbs., the heaviest I've ever been.

In 2010, I looked into getting WLS, Lap band is what I chose, but after reading all the negatives about LB I decided to check into RNY, because at the time that is what my insurance covered. They ordered me to do a 6 month medically supervised diet. I did well for a few months, then in 2011 I had to switch insurance companies, and I now have Kaiser. I put WLS out of my head because I was doing well on the diet I had started, but of course like so many of us, I gained the weight back and then some.

So now here I am, starting my journey, again. I have decided that VSG is what I want . I've gone to the Kaiser Orientation here in San Diego on 02/20/12, did my labs on 02/24/12. Now I'm just waiting. I feel like I've been waiting forever to start this journey. Has anyone been through the Kaiser program here in San Diego? How long is the process? I know the Options program is 6 months (seems like it'll be forever ), but how long does it usually take to get into the Options Program? Any feedback is mush appreciated.

I am sorry I was self-pay out of Houston - but I will keep you in my prayers - patience, you iwll get there!

I have BCBS. Congrats on your decision! It was the best decision I have made in life and has changed my life for the better! I know it will change yours too! Good luck and keep us informed!!

I'm from OC's Kaiser and I attended the Option's program there. They reduced the 6 month period to a 12 week time period and I had to wait until that department contacted me for class time availability. I took the first class that was available and went through the process. After finishing the Option's I was referred to the Dr. Leport's office. That took about 6 weeks, and then I had to wait for a surgery date. It was a long process, but in the Option's class, I learned so much. It was very helpful. Good luck on your journey, it's well worth it.