MaceoMack

:thumbup1:For me, it all started after the family Christmas (2009) dinner. I was very unhappy with my appearance in the Christmas dinner photos. Aside from a big gut, I had other medical concerns that resulted in me going to my PCP for advice. I had heard about Bariactric procedures and I wanted to get a medical opinion on whether or not I would be a good candidate. My doctor felt that it would be a good step for me as it would improve some of my other ailments and possible reduce the amount of prescription medications (about 11) that I was taking daily. The Doctor referred me to the Weight Loss Clinic (Kaiser Permanente) and was scheduled to attend a seminar on the various surgeries. As a Medicare patient, I was concerned whether or not the procedure would be covered. Through Kaiser, I was informed that the procedure would be covered if my PCP determined the surgery to be "Medically Necessary", which she did. Within a week of the orientation class, I was scheduled an appointment with the head Bariactric surgeon, who agreed that I could benefit from the procedure. I was then scheduled for a 12 week surgical preparation and education class. I am currently in the 6th week of the classes, and I am certain that I made the right decision...Bariactric surgery is the right course for me.

KristyKreem I am currently in my 5th week of "Options" in Panorama City. I have mixed feelings about the Options staff. One instructor is terrific, inspiring, and seem dedicated to our success. The other instructor is like a robot trained to disseminate information, all of which is probably correct, but she has no "passion" for the class. I've had one meeting with Dr. Alskaf (6/8) and I am schedule for my Options Mid-Point consultation with him on August 13th. I had my Psychological Evaluation at the Reseda Office on July 28th and all seems to be on track. My two questions: 1) How accurate was the information you received during Options? Was it realistic? Would I be better off relying on what Dr. Alskaf tells me? 2) I lived in LA up until 3 years ago, and the WLA Kaiser was my home facility. I had a great Primary Doctor and Cardiologist, but some of the doctors and staff sucked big time. My first thought was to have the surgery done there, but having read some of the comments, I'm beginning to wonder. What are your thoughts and experiences with the WLA surgical staff?

The story of your journey and progress is truly amazing! I feel so inspired from reading your story. You also answered some of the questions that I have had about post procedure eating. Continued success ... you look fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing.

My guess is that the wait time varies depending on which Kaiser facility you use. In my case: 5/05/10 - Met with my Primary Kaiser Physician and got a referral to the _________Weight loss clinic in Panorama City. My Kaiser office is in Santa _________Clarita. 5/09/10 - Received my Bariactric Info package in the mail from the Health _________Education office in Panorama City. Per the package instructions, _________I called the office to arrange to be scheduled into an _________Orientation. 5/17/10 - Attended the Bariactric Surgery orientation meeting in the _________conference room in the Panorama City Kaiser Health Education _________office. I indicated at that meeting my desire to continue the _________process. 5/21/10 - Received a call from Dr. Alskaf's office to set up an appointment. _________Dr. Alskaf is the surgeon in charge of the Metabolic Department _________Weight Clinic. 6/08/10 - Met with Dr. Alskaf on a one-on-one basis. We reviewed my medical record, my reasons for wanting to undergo the procedure, and discussed his

It appears that the initial wail time varies from program to program. In my case, My Primary Physician referred me to the Bariactric Clinic on May 5, 2010. I received my info package via mail on May 8, 2010. Per the instructions in the package, I contacted the Health Education center in Panorama City and was enrolled in an Orientation class for May 17, 2010. After indicating that I wanted to continue the process in the class, I was contacted by Dr. Alskaf's office and scheduled for an appointment with him on June 8, 2010. At the conclusion of the appointment, I was sent back to the Health Education Department in Panorama City, where the scheduled me for the July 6, 2010 Options Class. I received a call on June 29, 2010 from the Kaiser Department of Psychology in Reseda and scheduled for a Psych Evaluation on July 28, 2010. I started the weekly Options classes on July 6, 2010. I attended and survived my July 28, 2010 appointment with the Psychologist, which was truly enlightening. So far, so good ... Since my June 8th meeting with Dr. Alskaf, I have lost about 20 pounds and have (so far) adjusted well to the 2000 Calorie program suggested during my second week of Options. I just hope that I'm able to maintain my positive during the time between the time I complete the Options program and the actual time I am scheduled for the procedure.

Thanks for the info. It really helps to know what's in the future and what is expected. Dr Alskaf's office is also involved in my Options Class. I met with him (one on one) back on June 8th, and he scheduled me for the July 6th class. Miriam and Kelly are conducting the Options class, and so far, I am impressed with their program presentation. Dr. Alskaf told me on June 8th that I would have to loose 20 pounds. With all the enthusiasm I had for the procedure, I've been able to stick to the 2000 calorie program and have lost about 18 pounds so far. Is it difficult to maintain that "enthusiasm" after the Options class and before the surgery date is given? I was totally unaware of the amount of time between the end of the Options class and when the actual procedure could be performed. So far, I have been keeping up with my food and exercise diaries, and I have stayed current with the homework. Any other suggestions you could offer? I appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks

Good to know what I may be into. I am in my fourth week of the "Options" program at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City. So far, everything has been going according to schedule, but I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am scheduled for my Psych evaluation on July 28th at another Kaiser facility in Reseda. I was previously told that there were only three Kaiser Hospitals in Southern California where Bariactric surgeries were performed ... the closest to me being Kaiser West Los Angeles. After the completion of the Options program, what kind of wait would I be looking at before obtaining an actual surgery date with Kaiser?

I never for a moment thought anything you said as being negative. So far, I am extremely please with Kaiser, and convince that for me, it's the way to go. Your comments help me to as far as getting a full picture of what I am getting myself into, and being able to make an informed decision. You'll never know how much I appreciate that. I'd love to hear anything about your particular experience. One thing is certain...you made the decision that I am still a little fearful of, and you are happy with your decision. That is a boost to my confidence level. Take care.:thumbup:

FYI After my referral from my Primary Care Physician's office, I received my package from the Health Education Department within a week. The package included a Kaiser book call "Bariatric Surgery Preparation Program Options program" That booklet contained a lot of useful information, answered many questions, and listed what the next step would be for the procedure...which is to attend an informational class about the entire process and procedures. Best of luck for your journey. It's a step towards a happier and healthier lifestyle. Well worth the effort.:thumbup1:

As I indicated, some of the greatest and most supportive people I have had the pleasure of encountering have come from the Options program and this forum. Mommyof4 - I get the vibe that your journey will result in a resounding success. My Birthday was on June 8th, and that date has always been lucky for me:biggrin0:.

The Options program provides must of the needed technical information, but my real education on the subject have come from the great people like you and all those who have taken the time to post comments, experiences, and suggestions on this forum. Thanks to ALL of you!:cursing:

Let me provide an update on my journey ... This evening (7-20-2010), I attended the third of my scheduled 12 "Options" classes Kaiser Permanente requires before being cleared for a Bariatric procedure. So far, I think the program is superb, and I look forward to the remaining weekly meetings. My classes take place in the Health Education Center at the Kaiser Hospital and Medical Center in Panorama City. The class was described by one of the instructors as a "boot camp" for Bariatric candidates, which is very accurate. By the end of the 12 sessions, each participant will know and understand the actual procedures of the surgery and be ready mentally to make the life changes required for the procedure to be a total success. Prior to each weeks session, each participant is scheduled for an appointment with one of the nurses in the Metabolic clinic. In my case, the appointments are scheduled for 4:40pm. The Options class starts at 5:00pm. At the appointment, participants have an "official" weigh-in, and a Blood Pressure reading is obtained. At the conclusion of this procedure, which takes less than 5 minutes, each participant is presented with an "After Visit Summary" which list the results. The Options group that I am a part of is lead by two Kaiser Health Care Professionals--one leads the classes on odd numbered weeks, the other taking over on the even numbered weeks. On the "odd" numbered weeks. the instructor is a Behaviorist, while on the even numbered weeks, we are lead by a Nutritionist. Both instructors are extremely well trained, knowledgeable, and committed to the success of the participants. The Behaviorist discusses the social and psychological aspects of the procedures while the Nutritionist discuss the dietary needs as well as individual food plans for each participant. Based on your weight, a specific calorie program is recommended for each party. The "rule of thumb" used to determine the correct calorie intake program is for the participant to take his or her current weight, and multiply that number by 10. The resulting number is an estimation on how many calories are required to maintain that weight. One pound being equivalent to 3500 calories, an eating program is suggested to to reduce the number of calories daily for the next seven days. Reducing calories by 500 each day will result in ingesting 3500 fewer calories per week, or a loss of 1 pound each week. Required exercise (in my case, walking) will also burn calories. We are cautioned to remember that your intent is not fully understood by the brain. When your brain is alerted that fewer calories are being consumed, it could signal the rest of the body "starvation" and starts to "slow down" the body's functions as a matter of self preservation. This is why you can do everything you're supposed to do, but the weight doesn't immediately come off. The "plateau" will be defeated as long as the participant sticks with the program and continues to exercise. For me, I thought that skipping an occasional meal (usually) breakfast would help my weight loss efforts ... WRONG. Regular meals help to keep the metabolism strong, which will result in success. Each Options class last for 90 minutes. Prior to the start of each class, participants pick up a packet of notebook pages that covers that weeks subject. Participants also pick blank food and exercise diary pages to be used for the coming week. In addition to information to be covered during that session, pages in the packet contains a number of quizzes and personal information gathering documents. At the beginning of each class, the completed packets from the previous class, along with the completed food and exercise diaries are collected by the instructor. The packets are returned to the participants on the following week after being reviewed by the instructor. Participants are free to discuss either in the group setting or in a individual conversation with the instructor any comment or concerns written by the instructor on the "homework". The class that I am a part of has approximately 25 members with 80% of the group being female. I don't know if it is typical in other classes, but about 1/4 of our class is comprised of Kaiser employees who are interested in having the procedure performed. So far, each session has brought a weight loss for me. While this is important, the real goal is to adjust to the "behavior modifications" required to insure total success for the procedure. We are reminded that the actual surgery is no more than a "tool" to assist in the cause. Success depends on a lifelong commitment to be selective in choosing foods, consuming a well balanced diet, and EXERCISING on a regular basis. The program surgeon recommends that each participant looses at least 10% of their starting weight PRIOR to the surgery. This is designed to reduce the fat around the liver and makes the actual surgical procedure safer to perform. For me, this spoke highly of the program. One concern I had was that If someone were to loose too much weight and reduce their BMI, could this be a reason for the surgery to be denied. I was informed by Kaiser the pre-surgery, candidates are encouraged to loose as much weight as possible, AND the surgical procedure would NOT be refused or declined by the surgeon based on a new pre-surgery weight and stats. My next Options class is scheduled for July 27th. On July 28th, I have an appoint at another Kaiser facility in Reseda for my psychological evaluation, another required part of the process. I will return following that appointment with more info. As of now... My initial meeting with the Bariatric surgeon was on June 8th and my weight was 324 pounds On the day of my first Options meeting on July 6th, my weight eas 316 pounds. On the day of my second Options meeting on July 13th, my weight was 312 pounds. Today at my third Options meeting (3/20/10), my weight was 309 pounds. While I am pleased with these numbers, I must remind myself not to become a "slave" of the scale. My self worth, efforts, and commitment are NOT dependant on a number I read on a scale. The human body is a "complicated" machine, and often exhibits a mind of it's own. I consider the group participants to be the real magic behind the program. It's always nice to be in an environment with a group of people who have experienced the same challenges, and it is nice to exchange and receive information from peers who really understand the struggle of being over-weight, but the warmth and friendliness of the group members is fantastic. Just within my short time in the program, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the greatest people on the planet.

Hi VKGIRL The entire procedure of VSG both excites and terrifies me. I am 99.9% sure I want to go through with the surgery, but there is that bit of apprehension and fear. Finding this forum has been like a gift from above. Being able to read about others in the same situation and how they have managed it has given me both inspiration and focus. I think the the KP Options program will both mentally and physically prepare for the procedure and will prepare me to succeed. VSG will give me a tool to help change my life. It's a lifelong commitment, and a second chance to become a healthier person. I am looking forward to the experience and I thank those here who have allowed me to know about what is ahead of me. :blushing:

Wow ! Great Results so far ... Congratulations !!! Stories such as your have made it much easier for me to decide on the Vertical SleeveI am pre-op, totally inspired, and looking forward to working on my new life.

I'm somewhat in the same situation. I've done a lot of research on the Lap Band, and this past Tuesday, my doctor gave me the go-ahead and termed the procedure "medically necessary", which clears the path for my insurance to cover the procedure. I should be meeting with the plans weight loss counselors next week, and with any kind of luck, I want to be banded by mid June. This has been a long time coming, but I am convinced that this is the best way to go.