M Ashley

I am at the very beginning of my journey, (my first class is on 8/17), but I have known for several years that I am Vitamin D deficient. What dosage of OTC Vitamins would you recommend to start taking now so I get those levels up before surgery? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for the best way to take the Vitamin D supplement? I have heard some contradictory things like taking it at night vs. taking it in the morning, or vice versa. Taking it with/without food, and so on.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. The last time I had my vitamin D checked was four years ago. It was at 13 then. I went ahead and bought 1,000 IU caplets to start off with. If I need more, I'm sure pre-surgery tests will show it, but at least the 1,000 IU will give me a good running start.

I'm so excited for you. So cool to have a concrete plan and a timetable.

Thank you for this post. Your attitude is truly inspiring.

Remember, this new chapter is going to be a great one. Think of how many people here, and elsewhere, have said that no matter what, this was the best decision they ever made. I wish you all the best. I'm pulling for you.

Hello Everyone, Let me introduce myself: My name is Michelle. I am a writer who lives in Southern California with three fantastic mutt-dogs. I am 37y/o. Last Thursday, I finally got up the courage to ask my GP about the possibility of bariatric surgery. She almost looked relieved that I was the one who brought it up first. She said that with Kaiser, she doesn’t refer me directly to surgery, but rather to bariatric surgery orientation which then leads to bariatric classes. That leads me to my first question: Does anyone have experience with Kaiser in SoCal? If so, do you have any wisdom to share on what to expect? I made another step on my journey yesterday by calling Kaiser and asking the dreaded question: How much? I was told I would only be paying for my hospital stay at $260 a day. Not bad at all if I only stay the two or three nights most people seem to stay. That is a huge relief! It’s strange, since I’ve made these first steps, I have felt like crying a lot, (and I am not usually a crier). Has anyone else experienced this? My current thought is that maybe it’s because my body and mind are feeling relieved finally and seeing, for the first time, a real solution on the horizon. That’s it for now. I look forward to keeping up with the posts here and getting to know you all. -M.

My Instagram for bariatric stuff is mashleywls if you'd like to connect there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I never even thought of using Pinterest. What a great idea. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was wondering about the liquid diet. Good idea not to have a giant liver I guess. Lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's good to know about the weight loss. I don't mind working on lifestyle changes, but I was nervous if they had one of those lose ten percent of your body weight requirements. I have never been able to do that. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in San Bernardino. It's so good to connect with someone so close by who is going through the same program. I looked on YouTube for videos from Kaiser bariatric patients and most of them were a couple of years old. Some good info, but you know how they like to change things from year to year. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all for sharing your stories. My takeaway is that I will stay on my cocktail as long as I need it and that, if weight loss helps, that will be great; and if it doesn't, then I know what medications work and I will continue to take them. I wish you all the best in all aspects of your health.

For those of you who are post-surgery: Have any of you experienced positive changes in your mental health, particularly in regard to needing psych meds? Right now, I have to take a cocktail for depression and anxiety, and I was wondering if this might get any better.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself as another Kaiser Fontana person. I am starting my options class 8/17. I'm really excited. After reading your posts, I realize I should start now supplementing my Vitamin D. It has been low since I started with Kaiser four years ago. Do they require you to lose weight during the options class? If so, how much? Do they give you access to buying the New Directions products to help in the weight loss? The shakes are fantastic. They taste pretty OK and have 27g of Protein. I used them when I went through their Healthy Balance weight loss program a year ago. I lost something over 20lbs, but put it all back on when I was prescribed a certain psych med.

Nice to meet you too. We are Kaiser Fontana buddies! That's exactly where I'm going. How cool. My options class starts 8/17. I'm full of questions if you don't mind: How was the class? Did you have to have a psych evaluation? How long do you have to wait now for surgery? I hope your anxiety lessens and your excitement increases. It's such a great opportunity, isn't it? And we're definitely in the best medical hands in the inland empire. Thank you so much for introducing yourself. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When I come home just after surgery, how much help will I need from others to get around and handle the basic necessities of life? I really only have my elderly mother to help me, and she is not nearly strong enough to lift me out of bed or anything like that. Please let me know what you think. Thanks so much.

Thank you so much for that. It is extremely comforting to know. My mom can do some things for me, but mobility would be absolutely up to me. Congratulations on your surgery and your first week. Sending all my best your way for a wonderful journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@KristenLe I hadn't thought of that—about feeding the dogs, but you're right. That's something to consider. Not a huge obstacle though, by any means. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I'm like you. I prefer to be alone when I'm not feeling well with just a little check-in each day.

I have three fantastic mutt-dogs myself, so it sounds like we'll be OK after all.

Thank you! That is really helpful to know. I'm able to get around just fine now, so it's a relief to know that will translate to recovery.

I am also just beginning this process. I am glad you are receiving some comfort both from here and from your friend. All my best to you on your journey.