jackiesays

Things will definitely get better for us!!!!!! Everyone says so, so it must be true! Lol Everything is so uncomfortable! When will the swelling go down

Hi everyone! I'm 3 days post op. I miss textures in my food. I've become so disinterested that I'm struggling to even keep myself hydrated. I'm going crazy being stuck at home. I haven't felt cold yet but maybe too soon to tell!

I feel you. I had my vsg surgery the day before you (11/13) and I'm missing texture. I'm going crazy at home not doing anything. I've never been the type to netflix binge either. I sat through six episodes of Narcos today before I called it quits. I think I zoned out at episode 3 lol. I get feelings of anxiety and restlessness as I feel stuck in my home. Things will get better for us!

I also went through Kaiser Options program here in Southern California. I have my consult with the surgeon next week. I am planning on having VSG surgery. My surgery is free.

Hey everyone! I’ve been lurking around for a while and just starting to post. I’m starting my Options classes this Monday, 5/7 at Kaiser South Bay. If anybody has any info about Kaiser South Bay/ SoCal Options program, let me know! Looking forward to get to know everyone!

Hello! I have a Mirena IUD (have had 3) I would suggest getting it before your surgery. This way you can focus on your healing and not have to worry about birth control.

Yas! I just feel like I am constantly being guilted because I am in this program. Being in this gray area sucks... i definitely felt out of place at my options class. Had me kind of making my double chin more pronounced and make my belly look bigger so i feel like I belong in the class lol. Then when I go out I am constantly sucking it in. I’ve started accepting my body type as is and that what everyone thinks about whether i fit in or not is not my problem. I know my struggle and what needs to be done. I know you do too.

YES. my bmi hovers in the 39-41 range. Maintaining is so hard for me as well. I had people tell me I look “fine” and maybe surgery is extreme for me. I’m 5’ and 205 lb. I carry most of my weight in my belly area which is very bad. I’m going forward with the process because I know my body and that I need help to lose and keep the weight off. Just get that nagging insecurity about my size. I was the “smallest” person at my Options orientation and didn’t get a questionnaire packet because the instructor thought I was there to support someone. I feel stuck in the middle and like I don’t belong anywhere. It’s rough. [emoji20]

Thank you! This helps a lot. I am definitely vitamin d deficient. I wonder if I could see my current psych for the eval? I have been going to him for two years and he knows me so well. I was also told that whoever loses the most weight/puts the most effort in will get priority. In the surgeon's words, "I will bend over backward for someone that lost the 10% or more to give the date they want." It may be true! I am also at around the 39-40-41 bmi range and can't STAY out of that range to save my life. I worry that everyone thinks I am doing this for the wrong reasons I didn't even get a packet at orientation cause the lady thought I was there to support someone.

Ugh yes! I start my classes 5/7. What happens during the 12 weeks? Do i start seeing nutritionists and doctors during that time?

In Kaiser primary care we generally do bloodwork and EKG. If you haven’t had a physical in the past year, that will be done as well.

If anyone went through Kaiser socal (specifically South Bay), how does everything run once you start Options? My first class is May 7th. I’m so lucky to have a supportive manager, too. They are accommodating my schedule for Mondays the next 12 weeks so I can leave two hours early. I might even get payed for education time! (I’m a Kaiser employee)

My shakes got this gross, slimy film when i got some out of the car. It has been warm a couple days here in socal. Heat is no bueno! They taste fine but the slimy stuff gets me every time and I can’t finish the bottle [emoji24]

I drink chocolate Premier Protein. It’s easy— grab and go! Definitely one of the best tasting I have had. I keep a couple everywhere for a quick snack. Just do NOT keep them in the car. I learned the hard way 🤮

So I just got back from my Options orientation at Kaiser and will be starting 5/7, which puts my finish date at 7/30! We just filled out a questionnaire on our health, mental health etc and a brief history. Then one of the bariatric surgeons, Dr. Zane, gave a short presentation and q&a session. He is SO nice! Everyone is right about him. Then at the end we had a choice of three tracks to join. Hope this helps!

Hey! I’m Jackie. 26, 5’ even, hovering at 210 lbs. i am also new to the forum and starting the process tomorrow! (SO fast— got my referral last week) I have Kaiser in Southern California. I am leaning towards the sleeve but since I am a snacker I am keeping an open mind. Research, research, research! Keep in touch!

Totally! It sounds like the process is different in your area. I did not have to do a 6 week online class before orientation. I was scheduled for orientation two days after my pcp submitted my referral.

Same! I take both Adderall XR and IR. I will be sad to stop taking it because AINT NOBODY have time to stop and take another pill (if I remember to!) you will likely end up taking an IR tablet twice a day.

Yes! So the referral will read healthy weight program-bariatric surgery. I only know this because I am a kaiser clinic nurse and see the referrals a lot lol. Is your orientation 5/7 or did you do that part already? How exciting! I will be at the South Bay med center. How about you?

I have my orientation for Kaiser’s 12-week Options program on Wednesday. I am so so excited and nervous to do this- it does not feel real yet. I am from Southern California[emoji5]

I have kaiser socal and I have no copay at all. (i am also a Kaiser employee) my friend did not pay for hers either. That is a lot of money! At least you save some with your out of pocket.

I have Kaiser socal insurance, my doctor is in the South Bay medical center. How is the process from when you get a referral? Is the Options program 12 or 24 weeks? I am so relieved that I have the referral but I’m stressed and a little anxious thinking i may not be approved once there. I am 5’ and 208lbs BMI of 40.6. I’m worried my bmi will dip below the threshold i will be denied. I have no comorbidities— just a lot of PCOS symptoms but no official diagnosis and a bad family medical history. Kaiser socal patients, how was your experience? Any advice re: weight? Should I pack on a couple pounds for a cushion? Will i be denied if i lose weight and fall under 40 bmi during options? I am so nervous but very excited🤩