Well, I am on my way on this long journey!

I am scheduled for a 9/23/2008 Pre-Op Surgery Class. And the Alta Bates Bariatric clinic just called and scheduled me for the second orientation class, which is 9/26/2008. Plus, I am scheduled to meet the surgeon, Dr. Kim, on October 8, 2008. The bonus is that Dr. Kim is a female. YAHOO!!!

I am almost there. I am sure Dr. Kim will order lots of tests and depending on the results of the test, will recommend or not recommend surgery. If surgery is recommended then we ask BC/BS for approval.

Sounds like things are moving. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you that all goes well.

Thanks. I am hopeful.

Hi There! I'm from California, too. I'll be having my surgery at Valley Care in Pleasanton. I'm just about a week behind you in the process...I meet with my surgeon on 9/29/08. In fact, I'm doing sort of a 'consultation blast' that day, meeting with the nurse, dietician, psych and surgeon over a 5 hour period in one day. I'm so glad that they offered an all-in-one, as those individual appointments would have really dragged out the process. If I am deemed a candidate, I'll be well on my way!

My BMI is 42, no co-morbities but for joint pain associated with my extra weight, and slightly elevated cholesterol on my last lipid panel. Like you, I have Anthem BC. But boy do I have a long history of unsustainable weight loss. Been battling the bulge for over 30 years with little success. Valley Care tells me that they are pretty good about turning around approvals, so I could be banded by the end of November! I am psyched!

Good luck to you!

Congrats!!!

I have CALPERS BC/BS Netvalue HMO. Talk about jumping through hoops and hurdles to meet the insurance requirements and then the surgeon requirements. I wish I could have done an all day marthon of appointments.

I think it is great that you get to have your surgery in the same area that you live. Best of luck to you and keep in touch.