FinallyWhit76

5'6 and 320 was my starting point. weighed 272 this morning 7 1/2 weeks post surgery. I do not regret the discision a bit.

Hello all.
As you guessed , that is my height and weight. I am waiting to hear back regarding my wls consultation and wanted to know how someone is similar shoes is doing? Tough parameters and the chances are slim but it is easier for me to relate to. Love all the stories and info from anyone in general. You are all such an inspiration!!

Last summer when I started thinking seriously about bariatric surgery, I had trouble finding info on the timeline for Kaiser patients in the DC/MD/VA area. So for anyone who's interested, here's the process (and my timeline):
Got a referral from my primary care provider (9/3/19) 1/2 WLS class with a nutritionist (9/19/19) 1/4 appt with a nutritionist (10/23/19) 1/2 Surgeon-led bariatric info session @ Holy Cross (11/12/19) 2/4 appt with a nutritionist (11/22/19) 2/2 Surgeon-led bariatric info session @ Holy Cross (11/27/19) 2/2 WLS class with a nutritionist (12/20/19) 3/4 appt with a nutritionist (1/16/20) 4/4 appt with a nutritionist (2/12/20) Got approved for surgery (2/14/20) Appt with surgeon @ Holy Cross to schedule surgery (3/3/20) It's designed to be a six-month program starting with your referral and ending with the appt with your surgeon to schedule surgery (with variety of mandatory classes and one-on-one sessions spread out over the course of those six months). Here are some of the other requirements you have to take care of before a board will review your medical record and approve you for surgery:
Ideally, you lose some weight, but there aren't a set number of pounds you have to lose. Behavioral health evaluation H-Pylori antibody stool test sleep apnea screening Write a letter to the surgeon about why you want to have surgery Although my nutritionist is at South Baltimore County Medical Center, the only two bariatric surgeons currently available for Kaiser patients in the DMV are at Holy Cross in Silver Springs. My surgery will likely be at Largo Medical Center, and once it's scheduled, I'll update this post but I've been told to expect a six to eight week wait.
I hope this helps!

Just crack an egg. I could prepare the ingredients myself but this is great for when I’m lazy. I use an egg white instead of a whole egg.

Hello,
The 12 weeks are very informative, I went through West LA.
You'll complete your labs. No smoking because your urine will be tested. Some weight loss is needed, but you absolutely can't gain any weight after your first weigh in. Maintain a positive attitude because classroom participation and attitude was evaluated, don't be late and you can only makeup 2 classes.
Try to complete everything during your Options classes as early as possible and make your required appointments as soon as you start the program if not before. Surgery approval is as soon as you complete everything and then your file will be evaluated by the Bariatric team. Some people had surgery dates as early as 3 weeks after class. One person was a revision, she had surgery during, those of us who were serious had dates. You have one year to complete your surgery after finishing the class.
I was in a pretty decent group of people. Everyone wasn't serious about the surgery, some were just into the hype. Some people had been through the class 3 times and never had the procedure due to fear or blocking themselves (they admitted that), didn't want to commit to the lifestyle change, there were a few negative Neds & Nancy's (ignore them and distance yourself from those ppl) and finally the know it all ppl., because they know someone or a close family member had the surgery and their plan wasn't like this!!!
Get the information that Kaiser wants you to follow, show up and commit, communicate with the Bariatric team, one week you'll get samples of the Bariatric Vitamins, get z highlighter to highlight your notes (makes it easier to review and refresh once you have surgery). Enjoy the ride, this journey is for you and you get out of it what you put into it.
Please note: All Kaiser Permanente Bariatric programs are not the same. My program at West LA Kaiser was totally different from my friend who went through South Bay Kaiser. Even our after surgery stages per our surgeons. Still both very affective. Each surgeon has their own experiences and methods.

Anyone else hold off dating until after surgery? I have decided to wait 6 mos. post to start again. I just feel like I need to focus on my weight loss. It is hard because for some reason I keep getting asked out. Where were they before I decided to do this! J/K I am grateful.