BlaqBeary

I posted to you PM; did not know you posted here how you made out. So happy to know you are doing well. The days will get better. How are the liquids going down now? Is there ever a time you feel hungry, only because you didn't remember to drink anything? Have you begun Protein yet? Overall, how does your body feel?

I use a product called Syntha-6. The flavor I get is Strawberry Milkshake. Just the smell of the powder makes you melt. I use skim milk to mix with. It actually taste like a milkshake.

we all have our fears; understandably. but to hopefully re-assure you, a close friend of mine had the sleeve procedure a year ago August. her surgery date weight was 433 and she is now 270. she had many pre-surgery issues: diabetic, high blood pressure and edema to name a few. some meds have been cut or she's not taking any of some of them. i say the decision is up to you which month you have surgery. and only your doctor, basically , has the last decision if the surgery is right for you at this time. as for your cpap, be sure to use it every single night.

Do you all remember in the early 80's the :20 minute workout that came on TV? I believe it was channel 5 here in the Los Angeles area. Well the other night I found a website that no longer sold the tapes of it, but allows you to download for free. I downloaded it and have it on my laptop. When I use it, I just turn on my laptop and get to moving. I remember the days doing this every single morning. I was only 16/17 years, but I loved it and so glad I found it.

PCP today to the doctor that is over the Options departments. He is accepting new patients. I did this because I will feel comfortable with a doctor who knows the changes I will endure for the rest of my life. He may even not be around for that long, but at least I can be at ease knowing there is a doctor who will understand what I've gone through and stay on track. Am I wrong for changing? My current physician is very dry natured (sp) and seems that she cares, but I can never tell.

Boo, I knew when I typed it you were NOT coming wayyyyyyyy down here. If you know the doctors name who signs off your Options to referred you to your next steps, look his name up in the "clinical staff directory" of Kaiser's website (if this is the insurance you have) and type his name in and the name will come. Usually their picture is there and a lil something about them along with the icon mentioning accepting new patients. Lol. Good luck to you.

downey/bellflower

Hey Christie .... I'm Kristie too. You are beautiful. Keep up the good work. The hair color is HOT!!!!!!! Have fun with it. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Just think your next 3 month mark could be that you met goal. How exciting is that? Where did you get the graphic name?

gyrlie you look awesome. 3 1/2 months. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm hoping for surgery in early November. you are such an inspiration. do you have your pics on your fridge? I would. CONGRATS to you.

Gyrlllllllll!!!!!! Cracking up ova here. We can't cry no more. Laughter and happy tears is what we're all about now. Best wishes to you.

How did pre-op go? What are your instructions?

I have 2 more Mondays after the Holiday next week. I am well on to another stepping stone of my life. It's excitement flowing through me, with a lil bit of nervousness. I learned last night from the Case Manager, that Pacific Bariatric is on time with a waiting period of 4-6 weeks; if all your labs, EKG and ultrasounds are in-tact. But first, it is very important that you go to the seminar for PB, because they will not take you until you do. The next class is September 16. Be sure to lost at least 7-8% of your weight. If you use a C-pap machine, you must use it every single night before surgery or risk going into cardiac arrest. If you smoke, STOP, STOP - your will be given a nicotine test. Quit smoking 6-8 weeks before surgery. Kaiser Harbor City has a waiting list of 200 people and are not taking patients for another list nor is West LA.

Whomever is going to Pacific Bariatric check with the Case Manager where you are attending classes. I'll be glad to fax to you to show them what it is. Up to 130 for gas & up to 100 a night for a hotel room. Also if your companion goes seperately, i.e. has to leave later than you or meet you there the day of your surgery they are also refunded for up to 130 for gas. I for one am not using the refund service. It's good but, my father lives in Chula Vista, 15 minutes from the hospital and we are always up there at least 3-4 times a month.

Thank you. Good luck to you on your appt. tmrw. You obviously have waited a very long time. Your new life and a new you are just beginning.

Well Ladies and Gents --- Down 2 more lbs. One Holiday to get through and 2 more classes and I'm done with Options. Last nights class was very informative. I will send info on that later. One important thing I will mentioned is Kaiser reimburses for the gas to Pacific Bariatric, hotel stay-up to 130 bucks and gas for the post-op visit to Anaheim. The Nurse Case Manager stated this is something new. I'm not if we are the first group to use it or what. But I thought it to be a good thing if this is your decision. The duration of receiving your refund is about 60 days.

I have until Sept. 20th to finish my Options class. I have weighed in up and down, and technically have only lost 2 pounds since June 21st. I am thinking of going straight liquids with 3 Optifast with 24g of Protein and have 2-22 grams of protein for the day until the end of class. I want so desperately to lose something and with this program I have in mind, I know I can. I have been on the Optifast program with Kaiser before and know what it entails. Soooo, on September 1, I will be going "Cold-Turkey".

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Checking in since now I am alone. Hubby is gone to watch the Cowboys pre-season game with his relatives and daughter is gone to work til 3AM. And I'm washing, cleaning and whatever leisure something I decide to do. Nonetheless, I had my EKG done yesterday. I rcvd a original copy of that to send to Pacific Bariatric. I have to do my last blood work on Monday. Also rcvd a call to have a ultrasound of my kidneys and liver; gallbladder removed last year. I believe my PCP ordered this and not the Options department. I say whatever, better to know something if there is anything else, right? I want to say to those that are in the Options program. I have been doing all the phone work and getting my own questions answered. I thought Options will have you referred to have all the test done. But No, No they do not. I learned that all you have to for the EKG is walk-in to where you see your PCP and say you need a EKG for the Bariatric Options program. Be sure to do your labs. Just go to the lab and have your blood drawn. Please do not wait for Kaiser to give you information. You will wait, wait, and wait. My psych, surgeon and internist will be scheduled for me because I am deciding to have the procedure in San Diego. By all means please find out and contact who your Registered Nurse Case Manager is for Options to find out what is next. I send emails to mine and she answers the same day if she is not busy. She will call me also. So if you are cloae to the 10 week mark, get those last labs in, EKG done and if you need a gallbladder ultrasound be sure to have your PCP send the referral. Any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask. Krys

Did you go? How did it go? What did you think?

equal opportunity