ChanteurSF

I haven't as focused on calories as I have been following the meal plan suggestion in my bariatric binder. Eating the right foods in the right portions has been the winner for me. Also, if I make anything that needs to be puréed, I ALWAYS add my protein broth. I find the more protein intake in, as well as the constant sipping of water also helps. I don't drink any crystal light type drinks. I HATE artificial sweeteners, and by not drinking those drinks, I feel like I'm keeping those chemicals out of my body and that is keeping my system clean. Just ordered some new protein powder from Quest Nutrition. One of them is a multi-purpose powder for baking, etc. they have GREAT recipes that will will be able to integrate very soon. They act as a reminder that there is still GREAT food out there for us to eat! (Especially for this of us that love to cook!)

Weight loss has been: 3/6/2014 - 3/6/205 - 61lbs 3/7/2015 - 7/28/2015 15lbs 7/28/2015 - 8/5/2015 25lbs

10 days post op and feeling great. Have been exploring recipes to hel make sure my mind and body felt satiated. I made a HUGE supply of high protein infused beef broth. Recently, I Made a soupy version of instant mashed potatoes and paired that with a protein powder "country gravy". Have lost 25 pounds since Tuesday, July 28. The journey is much more fun and exciting than I dreamed it would be! Cheers to everyone!!!

Today is the day!!! It is 515am pacific time. Getting ready to hop in the car with my parents on our way to Kaiser - Fremont, Ca. Of course, I'm nervous, but I know I've been doing "my job" and have the support of my surgeon and the bariatric team. If they didn't think I was 100% ready, then I wouldn't be scheduled today. So, here is a hearty congratulations to all the previous sleevers and good luck to everyone to come!!!

Hi, I'm Michael. I entered the Kaiser South San Francisco Bariatric program in August 2014. I went through ALL of the classes, meetings, appointments, phone appointments, EVERYTHING...(and EVERY person I dealt with was continually telling me that I WAS ready to go forth with surgery) That was until I had an additional meeting with the surgeon. He decided that he did not want to do the surgery. He wanted my BMI in the 40's and I was nowhere near that. Fortunately, my primary care physician in PHENOMENAL and called the surgeon and asked, point blank, if there was someone with more experience than him. (Apparently, he did NOT like that...) In January 2015, I had to have emergency surgery on an incarcerated umbilical hernia. It was pretty nasty. I was REALLY worried this was going to be a huge setback. In May 2015, I was transferred over to Kaiser Fremont Bariatrics. My current surgeon, Christine Chu, celebrated the fact that I had already lost 71lbs on my own, and WELL exceeded the "10%" loss usually required. I just had my Pre-Op appt, and I have my VSG surgery on Tuesday, July 28!!! I feel well informed and ready for the surgery. The other thoughts I have relate to future dating and relationships. All of my past boyfriends are all considered "Chasers" I'm not necessarily afraid of the new world that is ahead of me, but I am just curious to see what the "other" world is like. Anyway...I couldn't be more thrilled to find this forum, and to access it during this part of my journey.

I've got six days until surgery. July 28 at 1030am pst. Very excited. So grateful for everyone's posts about experiences!!!

I am being "sleeved" by Dr. Chu at Fremont Kaiser on Tuesday, July 28. I was originally with Dr. Le in South San Francisco, but that did NOT work out. I was able to transfer to Fremont and I could not be HAPPIER. I've lost 71 lbs - on my own since March 2014. Dr. Chu has been so supportive. I am so excited! How was your overall hospital stay?

So...The journey begins. My name is Michael. I am 40 years old. I am a single gay man working as a professional singer and arts educator. I began to take on excess weight in the mid/latter part of middle school. My first attempt at weight loss was in the 7th grade. My parents sent me to Diet Center. I am quite sure that began the shame cycle. Fast forward to 2004. In July of 2004, I suffered a profound and significant personal loss. I have struggled over this time to deal with an extreme, and debilitating level of grief. During this time I saw the greatest amount of yo-yo-ing with my weight. In March 2014, I found a new physician with Kaiser. My left changed forever. This doctor became a true, supportive, non-judgmental partner in my wellness. For any, and all, health concerns, we approached it as something that WE need to deal with. We began to treat my depression, and within 3 weeks of starting an anti-depressant, I lost 8 pounds. In July of this year, I suffered another significant personal loss, 4 days after the 10 year anniversary of my previous loss. In addition, I watched someone in my family suffer the devastating complications of a massive stroke. After some soul searching in August, I approached my doctor and said I was ready to explore surgical options for weight loss. I attended my first orientation at Kaiser, South San Francisco. I then received my referral to attend the next major orientation. To date, I have attended my pre-classes, a support group, and an appointment with the Dietitian. I have my surgical consult in 3 weeks, and my psych appointment the following week. I began using the suggested bariatric food plan after my orientation meeting on September 23. As of October 8, during my meeting with the dietitian, I discovered that I lost 17 pounds. I am now officially, since March 6, down 41 pounds. I am looking forward to my surgical meeting and beginning the next steps in my journey. I am also looking to connecting with the members of this site, so as to add new partners in my health and wellness journey.