MaceoMack

After doing a lot of research and reading all I can on the subject, I've come to the conclusion that Bariactric surgery would be right for me. Throughput the past 30 years plus, I've tried a lot of OTC weight loss products, and I have been in Weight Watchers maybe five times. I have had varying degrees of success, but nothing permanent. Back in 2007, I lost nearly 100 pounds, half through sheer determination and half through Weight Watchers, but sadly within a year, I regained a little more than half of the weight. My highest weight was 357 pounds. My primary Kaiser physician agreed that Bariactric surgery would be a good option for me, and due to my other medical concerns (Type 2 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, and Sleep Apnea) classified the procedure as being "medically necessary". Because of that classification, the Bariactric procedure is covered through my Medicare and my Kaiser Plan. In total, my out-of-pocket expense for the entire procedure would be a single co-payment of fifty (50.00) dollars. I attended an information orientation at the Panorama City Kaiser Medical Offices on May 6, 2010. I attended a one-on-one appointment with the lead Bariactric Surgeon, who also happens to be in charge of the Bariactric program on June 8, 2010. After reviewing my medical records and a question and answer session with me to determine if I would be a good candidate for the surgery, he approved me to continue in the program. Through TV advertisements and billboards, I originally was interested in having the Lap Band procedure, but after reviewing my medical history, the doctor felt that the Vertical Sleeve procedure would be better for me. One of the requirements is that all candidates must complete a 12 week "Options Program". The program meets for 90 minutes once a week for the twelve weeks. The program involves information about the procedure, weekly weigh-ins, a three phase diet to physically prepare the body and the mind for the surgery, nutritional guidance, and weight management. Candidates are urged to loose about 10% of their starting weight prior to the procedure. In my case, the doctor suggested that I loose about 20 to 25 pounds. This weight loss has to to due with reducing the amount of fat around the liver, which will make the surgeons work a little easier. During the final phase of the three phase diet, food consumption will be down to the amount of food that can be consumed post-surgery. I assume this is condition the body not to go into shock when the amount of food consumed post-surgery is drastically reduced. After the 12 week "Options" course, a final medical clearance (if all goes as planned) is granted by the surgeon, and the actual procedure can be scheduled. Those successfully completing the program have up to one year to make a final decision on whether or not they choose to continue with the surgery. My first of 12 weekly meetings is scheduled for July 6. 2010, with program completion on September. 21, 2010. I am so looking forward to the program. This seems like a long time and a lot to go through for the procedure, but it's well worth the time. By programs end, I will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to continue with the surgery, but for now, there is little doubt in my minds. The Vertical Sleeve will give me a valuable tool for changing my lifestyle, improving my health, and making me a "happy camper". This is an opportunity for me to live a better life, and I am committed to doing the work to insure my success. :lol0:

Today, January 31, 2011, markes the 3rd week since my VSG surgery, and I have been extremely satisfied with my results and Kaiser Permanente. My entire process took a little over 7 months, from my consultation with Dr. Alskaf, the Bariatric head at Kaiser in Panorama City (6/8/10) until my actual sirgery by Dr. Benjamin Kim at the West Los Angeles Kaiser Hospital on 1/10/11. I had several pre-existing medical conditions that could have prolonged the process for me as I had to obtain additional medical clearances from the Cardiology Department and the Nephrology Department. Throughout it all, the staffs at the Kaiser facilities were absolutely magnicificant. I attended the 12 week "Options" course at the Panorama City Kaiser from early July through late September - one 90 minute class once a week. My opinion was that the Options course was a "key" factor to the process. It provided a lot of information, support, and provided very realistic expectations of what the procedure involved, allowing the patients the ability to make informed choices on whether or not Bariatric Surgery was a practical solution. The best description I heard was that Options was like "Boot Camp" for those considering surgery. My surgery was performed on Monday, January 10, 2011 in the West Los Angeles Kaiser Hospital by Dr. Benjamin Kim. I wasn't required to switch my diet until the day before the surgery, when I was informed to have only liquids and not to eat or drink anything after midnight. The surgery took about 90 minutes. Even though I was discharged from the hospital that Tuesday with some "heavyduty" pain releivers, I never needed it. I experienced NO pain or discomfort AT ALL !!!. The six incisions made for the surgery heal almose immediately, leaving no scars and practically invisible to the eye. Best of all, at the time of my discharge, I was told to discontinue 9 of the 18 prescription medications and Vitamins that I'd been taking for many years. I lost 30 pounds during the Options course, and an additional 21 pounds since the surgery. I walk a minimum of 1 hour daily for exercise, and I feel great !!! No illness, no dumping syndrone. So far, so good ♥

:blink:CONGRATULATIONS of getting your surgery date !!! I know those exact feelings that you are experiencing. I finally got my surgery date ...Monday, January 11, 2011 at the West Los Angeles Kaiser. It's weird being so excited and sometimes scared shitless at time.

For me, Monday, January 10, 2011 is my date. I will be having the procedure done in the West Los Angeles Kaiser Permanente Medical center. My surgeon is Dr. Benjamin Kim. I have my pre-op appointment on December 28th with both Dr. Kim and the Anesthesiology Department Head, Dr. Mitchell Friedman. I assume that at that time, I will receive final instructions on when to start my pre-surgical liquid diet.. I started this whole process in May of 2010, attending an orientation. I spent July, August, and most of September doing the Options classes at the Panorama City Kaiser Medical Center. After Options, test were ordered for me by the doctor. I had two EKG's, an Ultrasound of my veins and lower extremities, a Echocardiogram, had to get additional medical clearances from the Nephrology and Cardiology Departments, and attend a class on Chronic Kidney Disease Care. I have a 4 hour Cardiac Stress Test scheduled for mid December ... then I will be good to go. Now the nervousness is beginning to set it...but I am in good spirits and looking forward to January 10th,

* My Options classes were at the Kaiser Panorama City Medical Center. * The classes met weekly for 12 weeks * Each class was 90 minutes in duration * The classes were restricted to participants - no visiting family members or friends. * The classes could NOT be accelerated, and after starting, you will not want to move any faster. * The classes provided a tremendous amount of information and was well worth the time.

I am pre-op and hopefully will get a surgery date this week when I have my surgical consultation with my surgeon at Kaiser. Throughout the 12 week Options program (which I completed on 9/21), the focus was on daily calorie count, and I logged everything that I consumed. The first half of the course, the calorie range was between 1700-2000 a day. For the second part of the program, the range was 1300-1500. A minimum of 70 grams of protein per day was required. During the Options course, I lost 32 pounds. Post Options, I still watch everything I eat, staying mostly with the 1300-1500 calories and 70 grams of protein.

Greetings ... I completed my Options classes on September 21, 2010, at the Panorama City Kaiser Medical Center. Labs specific to the surgery were scheduled after completion of the course following a meeting with the Director of the program, which was required by all participants. I did have labs during the course for other medical matters, and I'm told those results were forwarded to the Bariatric Program doctor. We were given the choice on where the procedure was to be performed and the option of having the procedure completed at a Kaiser Hospital or a hospital contracted by Kaiser to perform the procedures. I was scheduled for an appointment on Nov. 9th with the surgeon who will be performing the procedure at the WLA Kaiser, which was my choice.

CONGRATULATIONS !! You've accomplished the hard part ... it's downhill from here. I finished Options on September 21st, and loved it.

Hang in there ! I wish you luck AND I will keep my fingers crossed for you. ☺

FIRST THING FIRST ... Don't be too hard on .yourself. At some point, most of us have felt as you do. This is a life changing experience, and I know that you know that the end results are well worth the efforts. You must make the weight loss a PRIORITY in your life, find out what works for you, and commit to it For me, it was getting on a good eating schedule ... five small meals a day at regular intervals. This prevented me from ever feeling hungry. Prepare a daily menu and eating schedule (in my case, I did it the night before), make sure that the calories are within your diet range, and stick to you plan. Resist the temptation to eat just for the sake of eating. Eat only when you schedule yourself to. If going to the gym doesn't appeal to you, don't do it. Commit to a certain amount of exercise, and do something less stressful or something you enjoy...Walking around the neighborhood, swimming, whatever, but just remain true to the schedule. Think about how you will feel and look after you complete the process and the new, healthier life you have created and will maintain forever. It is truly a matter of "mind over matter". Believe in yourself...you can and will do this thing, and will be much happier as a result.

The fact that you are in the Options program is a good thing. Somewhere along the line before you started the program, someone of authority in the Weight Management/Metabolic Department approved you and referred you to the program. As long as you complete the program and your assignments are completed (food, and exercise diaries, plus other assignments), you SHOULD be eligible for the surgery. I was told that my qualifications would be based on my starting weight and BMI, so losing weight during the program would NOT result in the surgery being denied. I completed Options on September 21st, and I am still waiting for the call regarding the next step. (they said it would be within 2 weeks) At this point, I trust what I have been told by Kaiser, but that of course is subject to change within the next few weeks. I'll let you know.

I agree that you shouldn't give up. At this point, you should do whatever is needed to qualify for the surgery...including the use of weights. In the end, you are responsible for your health, not the doctors. You're looking a Bariatric surgery as a means to improve your future overall health. That's worth fighting for. Kaisers company line is "Thrive". What you are doing is trying to ensure that your future life will be a healthier one and that you will THRIVE. Hang in there ...