Search the Community

Could that be where your port is? If so, it will swell up & down for weeks. I'm 10 wks out and still get some bulging at port site.

There's some good surgeons in Mexico who are cheap. At alighterme.com there is Dr. Lopez-Ortega. He has a package deal with hospital stay+hotel stay, pre-op testing, free transportation, free calls to the US & more for only $5,000. The next cheapest I know is Dr. Almanza. I've heard great things about him. He is $5200. I'm going to Dr.Kelly. He has been doing this procedure almost 10 years. His cost is $5,500. If your dad can give you around 2500 you'll be good to go.

for side protein I use Greek Vanilla yogurt (15 grams of protein tastes great goes down smooth) and for others I use the Atkins bars. I try to find the ones with lower calories but with higher protein. I just had a peanut butter bar one that had 19 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar...but has 220 cals...based on what I've ate for the day I was able to fit it in.

First, congratulations on your loss so far--and way to go with the exercise/training routine!! That's something I still haven't gotten in place yet, so I think you're doing GREAT! I got to a point about 9 or 10 months out where I plateaued for a LONG time, several months, in fact. I wasn't doing anything different--my body just sort of settled in place. I eventually got to goal and realized that I had additional weight to lose; I'm 6'2", and nobody "official" had given me a goal, so I was sort of flying by the seat of my pants there. Back to the point--this summer, I've been focusing more on eating tons of fresh vegetables and fruit and incorporating as much raw produce as I can into my diet--my sleeve is still really small and picky, so I don't eat a lot of junk anyway, but I've been making an effort to eat a much more veggie-heavy diet. In the last couple of weeks, I've dropped three pounds--and I'm 14 months out. So my suggestion is to keep doing what you're doing in the gym--GO, GIRL!! and maybe tweak your diet to take advantage of the summer crop of vegetables. Sometimes I think our bodies just need to chill for a while at a particular point, and then they start losing again. Don't give up hope--you're doing all the right things, but maybe shaking things up diet-wise will move you off that plateau. Check your salt intake, too. HUGS to you, and I can't wait to see your continued progress!

So I’m now a little over a year out and wanted to share a few reflections on my journey so far. Please know that this was my journey….yours will be different. But I thought maybe you might find something that will help you along the journey, like I did from all those that shared their stories for me. Warning its very long!!! Sorry about that. I just have so much I want to share with you guys!! A little background. I started this journey March 19,2012 at 236. I was never heavy until after the birth of my 3rd child. I was very sick with that last pregnancy…… contracted a rare and deadly pneumonia that put me in the ICU for weeks. This damaged my lungs and it seemed like it was all downhill from there. I’m just now feeling “normal” again. That was almost 15 years ago. For me this journey was more than a physical makeover. It was a physical. Emotional, spiritual make over. There was not one area of my life I didn’t dig into. I will save that for another post. For now let’s just stick to what worked for me. Pre-op What helped the most was educating myself. I LIVED on this site the last few weeks before my surgery I prepared myself mentally for everything. I created a Stock My Pantry List that I see still gets around on this site. It helped me tremendously and gave me something to do (controll). This part of my journey was very much like I was nesting for a baby. Cleaning, cooking, and organizing everything in preparation of being out of commission for a couple of weeks. If you want a copy of the Stock My Pantry list….fill free to inbox me and I’ll be glad to send it to you. The best advice received during this stage: Follow doctor orders no exceptions! Post-Op No matter how much I prepared for the surgery….I still was unprepared. You see there were so many people that had such a quick recovery; I just knew that would be me! I have a very high tolerance for pain….Well I guess not!!! I did have several other things done at the time, but OH MY!!! Prepare for the worst and hope for the best! I had two hernias and adhesions removed along with the band..so maybe that was the difference…but I didn’t feel good for at least a week. Best Advice: The 4-6 weeks is for healing….so focus on that not weight loss!!!!....And stay off the scale!!! MY Journey I have been asked several times what made the band work for me, while others struggle so much. I’m a rule follower and a little OCD so if I get something in my head I can’t let it go. So I really never doubted I could get the weight off….I knew I could (I had done it several times before), but my problem lied in keeping it off. The band alone will not do this for you!!! The one thing I have learned is that utilizing the band and making it work for me was very much a head game (demanding your body to co-operate!!). I never thought of myself as “Addicted” to food. I could see how that element would make the process even harder. I might even consider a different WLS. It took 8 fills for me to feel anything!! If I hadn't been so determined I could see how it would have become very discouraging. And I still think I need another fill, but I’m waiting till after my abdominalplasty /Breast Lift that is scheduled in less than 4 weeks. This process takes time. You must be vigilant and dedicated to the process. For me, I have a condition called PCOS. I never realized that it was this condition that made it so hard for me to lose weight until my daughter was diagnosised with it at about the same time I had my surgery. I saw her struggling to lose her 50 pounds. Her doctor did well at educating both of us. I knew I had PCOS)( they told me that was the reason for my infertility 20 years earlier)….but I guess back then they didn’t know as much about it as they do now. I just thought it was an infertility issue….I was skinny (120 pounds) and Physically fit back then. After I had my family, I put it out of my head…it never dawn on me it was the source of my weight issues 20 years later. So with that new found info I was able to educate myself on the condition and put in place significant diet changes. Here is where some controversial ideas come in play. REMEEMBER this is MY journey!!! This worked for me. If you have similar issues, it may work for you….that’s why I’m posting it. But it may not work for you. You see there is a large group people that believe we are all basically the same…you know a calorie is a calorie…..and that we all basically need the same amount of them and that our bodies need the type foods. I STRONGLY disagree. I think we are ALL different….none of us are the same. We all have unique set of genes that determine how our bodies will respond to different foods. That’s why two people can follow the exact same plan and have extremely different results. I agree that the majority of people fall right in the middle in calorie needs however there are a large portion of people that fall on the outside of those averages. Some of us could NEVER consume 1200 calories a day and still lose weight!! Most people could…not me. While there are others that could consume their 2500 calories a day and never gain an ounce (I doubt there are many of those on this site-haha). Others could follow the food pyramid and all would be fine…not me. My body hates carbs…(I LOVE them). Others follow a strict High protein/low carb diet and just become sick. It’s no wonder why we give up!! I decided to be successful, I had to figure out what was right for me. So what was right for me? Well, I knew that in general before surgery I doubt I ate 1500 calories day normally. And I knew that I was gaining about a pound a month. So after post op, my nutritionist wanted me to eat 1200 calories a day with at least 70g of Protein no limits on carbs. At first (being the rule follower I am , I went along with the plan)The only exercise during this time was a 30 min walk about 3 days a week. I knew that this wouldn’t produce much loss, but I gave it a try. As I thought…I actually gained a pound by my 8week visit). I then (on my own) reduced my calories to 1000. My nutritionist didn’t agree with this but she told me to give it a try. Next visit I did have some loss but it still wasn’t where I wanted it (about 0.5 pound a week). I told her I was listening to my body and it needed something different. *I changed the calories to 900/protein at 70 gram/ and set a limit of PROSSED carbs to 30 a day (the nutritionist about flipped) *I Changed my 30 minute walk 3 days a week to a 15 min walk every day ( I wanted to establish a exercise routine but didn’t want to spike my appetite and want more calories) BINGO!!! This was the winning combo. The weight fell off at about 2-3 pounds a week. This lasted for about 5 months of steady weight loss. At my 7 month check in I was down about 50 pounds. My nutritionist was convinced!! She now supported my plan. But I also noticed that as I lost I the amount I was losing was going down too.Why? I was doing the same thing. Why would it change? It didn't really matter why...do it did mean I had to switch it up again. On reflection I kind of figured out that it was the same with other methods.Just like weight watchers point program…when you are heavy you get extra points…but as you lose they take away points. They have to take the points away to keep you losing weight.The same is true here. As I lost, my body required fewer and fewer calories just to move…my body was becoming more efficient. At the end of the 5 months (7 months after surgery) I was back to the 1 pound a week. (I was now 180 pounds and 7 months out)At this point, there wasn’t much I could cut out in the diet area…so I knew it was time to get sweaty!!! But I knew that exercise was out of the question on 900 calories a day!! I wanted to lose another pound a week so that was 3500 calories and I could go to the gym 5 days a week (it’s just math….that means I had to burn 700 calories each day at the gym. increased my calories to 1100 and started hitting the gym) ) Yes… I was hitting the gym hard!! About an hour on the Eiptical and 15-20 min on weight machines!!!! Yes I know that is an extremely low net calorie intake….but this is what I needed to do to get the weight off. I wasn't going to die from lack of food! There was still plenty of reserve!!!! No it wasn’t easy!!! Yes I struggled!!! Yes I cried, But I did it!! I ate a huge amount of healthy foods like spinach, celery, cucumbers, cabbage,broccoli, green geens ( I call these "free" foods VOLUME CONTROL things I simply eat because I need to take up space… I also ate tons .chicken, berries, nuts, tuna not to mention the countless low calorie protein shakes….I never went hungry….if I was hungry I ate. I might have been what I wanted to eat, but I gave my body the nourishment it needed. It wasn’t a exciting diet in fact I ate almost the same thing every day. I just kept telling myself “I could do ANYTHING for 20 more pounds…once I get it off I could return to a more enjoyable diet”. And it worked!! Off came the weight again!! At 2 pounds a week!!!BY January 2013 (10 months out) I was at my personal goal of 160 pounds!!!(76 pounds lost!!!!) When I asked my doctor If I needed to lose more he said absolutely not!! That the 15 pounds that I have left was all skin and he put me in the success file! Now he has taken my diet plan and is sharing it with his other PCOS patients. That made me feel good. Now, I’m a little sad. I always thought I would be able to return to that “normal” range for calories…that I would be able to eat at least 1200 calories and maintain…but that’s not the case for me. I maintain now. But my numbers aren’t pretty. I have figured out that my “Base Metabolic Rate” is more like 900 calories (and that is with a pretty good amount of muscle mass) if I don’t exercise and I hate exercise. But I like to eat…so now a days I simply add whatever calories I burn at the gym to my daily calorie intake. I try to go to the gym 2-3 times a week and burn about 500 calories each visit so to keep it simple, If I go to the gym 1 time a week then I can have 1000 calories a day for that week; 2 times a week=1050 calories a day weekly; 3 times a week =1100 calories a day weekly if I don’t hit the gym I get the whooping 900 calories. These are my numbers. Like them or not I had to accept them. And they are pretty accurate. I’m now at month 13. (3months into this final phase) and I’m simply maintaining at 158-160 pounds. Lessons lerned *You are unique!!!You must figure out what your body needs and respond to it . And most likely its not going to be what YOU want it to be. But you need to accept it and deal with it. I wish my body liked carbs…..I miss them a lot!!! It doesn’t mean I NEVER have them. I just need to be mindful there is a price to pay for having them…so I keep them to a minium. Nowadays I allow myself some healthy/nutral carbs but nothing like the average person eats. For me My diet is 900 calories a day (+exercise), 70 grams of Protein/ 60grams of healthy/natural carbs * gave up almost all processed foods * I try to exercise 2-3 times a week * If a plan isn’t working, mix it up until you make it work After re-reading this it may sound like this was just easy for me. I want everyone to know this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done. I could have not did this without my family willing to give me the support to put myself before all of them for a while. Instead of me coming last in everything….I was first!! They worked around what I needed. That’s what families do for each other. I have always been there for them….this time they were always there for me. To a husband that was firm with me and would accept excuses from me (but yet hugged and encouraged me the whole way)….to a daughter that was my cheerleader….to another daughter that was my inspiration and motivator to a son that simply kept telling me how pretty I was. I will NEVER be that other person again!!! It was I life makeover!! It even made us a stronger family...We as a family lost over 150 pounds!!!! Good luck everyone!! Inbox me if I can help you in anyway.

Mines did not use staples but have to change dressing everyday but they look good after 10 days.

I am only one week post op and I have not lost an ounce since surgery. I lost about 13 lbs on my pre op diet (10 days prior to surgery). I feel like I am still holding on to a lot of edema and swelling from the surgery. I have to stop weighing myself everyday. I think I am going to wait one week b4 I weigh myself again..... who am I kidding. I will wake up, strip naked and get on the scale in the morning like I do every day.

I think there is more worry and doubt in our minds during the qualifying waiting stage than the actual surgery. Are we gonna be approved? Are we gonna prove we can lose weight before surgery? Are we gonna gain weight? I don't care if I get approved? I've always failed at losing and this is no different. What if I don't change after surgery. I enjoy the food too much and don't want to give it up. I'm fooling myself ! ! I couldn't get my mind into the process and it just didn't seem real to me. I continued to eat as I always had. I even gained a few pounds and made excuses as to why when I went to the monthly PCP appointments. I felt guilty constantly thinking I should be trying to get used to the eating habits or I'd be in big trouble later. But at the same time it felt like I was being asked to kill my best friend and I wanted to cherish whatever time was left. So I ate. Not just normally. I went out of my way to re-visit my favorites to get in a farewell, so to speak. And while savoring those delectable dishes, my mind was reinforcing the thought I would never get used to "rabbit" food. During those moments I reveled in the pleasure of food and the thought of some undesirable WLS was the last thing on my mind. The months passed. I continued going to appointments to keep up appearances of my big deception. And as delays set in and additional tests were required, it just made it more likely that probably nothing was gonna change. I wasn't sure if I cared or not. Either way, why bother to try to adjust to some unnecessary weight loss requirement if the surgery wasn't gonna happen anyway. Hmmm, did I really think that or was I trying to subconsciously sabotage the process. Who knows. Out of the blue, the "call". Your approved......now pick a surgery date! After hanging up the phone, nervous anticipation sets in. It's real and the surgery doesn't even make me flinch. The life style change afterwards does. Can I really do this? I should have been getting used to this for the last 8 months. Damn, this is gonna be 10 times harder now. Two weeks. Are you kidding me. Pre-op diet tomorrow? Cold turkey? This is just too soon. Breathe..........think about the skinny you. Think about not dying from a heart attack. Whatever, just get on board, cause your life changes in two weeks. OK, panic is over. I've been on the pre-op for two weeks and it wasn't so bad. I really can do this. Surgery is tomorrow and I'm anxious to feel the pounds coming off and see me changing. Wow, that was fast. Surgery is over. Not as bad as I was prepared for. The post-op stages seem game-like. Drink this now. Walk. Now you can eat blended stuff. Not bad. Learn about nutrition. Choose the good stuff for the tiny stomach. Easy pesy. And I'm losing. I am doing it and really losing. Alot. It is gonna work and it appears I can adjust. And most importantly, life moves on and I adapt and change. Who would've believed it ? The food choices are fine. The nutrition requirements are fine. I'm satisfied and I don't feel I'm missing any foods from my pre-op life. My mind is set on the future and my goals and whatever doubts I had pre-op are distant memories of a past life. Message: Don't sweat the waiting period!

I had a problem with peanut butter post op. My surgery was April 10 when I was allowed soft foods I tried the reduced fat peanut butter to get the extra protein. The first time it sent me running to the bathroom and the second time it just sat like in the middle of my chest for hours I couldn't sleep I hated the feeling so I won't eat it again for a while. But everyone is different.

I had surgery on Dec 19, 2012 and 8 months later I'm down 80 pounds! I reached onederland about a week ago. I've lost more than 50% of my excess weight. Overall it's been a great experience. Just wanted to share this with people that would understand. Very glad I found this forum.

I thought after four days I would be at least 75% and slowly crawling back to 100% but that seems to be too far gone from the truth. Yesterday was feeling well, I wasn't sweating a lot, I barely felt any pain besides that damn acid reflux. So I wake up this morning and oh boy the drama begins. First I wake up with acid reflux that won't go away for nothing, then when it finally goes away and I hop into the shower I became very dizzy and discombobulated. Taking a shower actually took me so time because I began to feel Ly incisions stretching with every movement and pain just happened to tag along, no surprise there. I finally get dressed up suit and tie, you know the whole 3 piece. As soon as I put on my tie I start sweating like crazy and became disoriented again, Smh. After sitting down for a while and making some protein shake I bean to sip on it. Everything was getting better, so I thought. I looked up at the time an I'm already an hour late for work, mind you this is a fresh new job that I got before surgery. Now I'm in a rush to ER to the train station because I realize that I am in no condition to drive ANYWHERE with these dizzy spells pop in on me like an unannounced relative. I start walk to the train station and I begin to have stomach pain from the vigorous walking. When I finally get on the train I find a seat and sit down. I reached into my suitcase to grab a bottle of water and it slips out my hand and rolls across the train. I Lear my bag in my seat and make my way towards the elusive water bottle that refuses to roll back. When I finally grab the bottle I returned to my seat only to find my suitcase has been replaced by an elderly woman. So now I'm in pain, pissed, sweating and becoming extremely aggravated because my stop is literally 12 stops away then I have another 9min walk to catch my connecting train to my final destination. The train decides to be an a*****e and goes local which made it a 19 stop train ride. Mind you I'm standing up in this train that practically enjoys rocking from side to side like an isolated baby carriage. This motion starts to stir up this discomforting feeling within my guys that slowly begins to aggravate me with each repeated motion. Now I'm jus mean grilling the elderly lady who took what was rightfully mine. When I finally get to my stop my legs and calves are burning and my stomach is knotted up like Christmas lights. I have no choice but to walk slowly in hopes of unknotting this irritating condition that is desperately trying to fight me at the moment. With all this going on I come to find out that my connecting train has already left and another one would not be appear till 30 mins from now due to a technical difficulty along the tracks going northbound. Now I'm over 2 hrs and 30mins late feeling the, pardon my mouth, weathered down **** in the middle of road. When the train finally decides to come it is PACKED UP, practically overflowing, like shaken soda bottle, with people. I mean getting a foot in a door was like trying to fit a a mans size 14 foot into a woman's 6. I mean it was totally ridiculous. If there was ever a fire hazardous this would be the ultimate definition, period. I decide to wait for the next train, since I'm already late I doubt it could be any worse. So I wait and the next train is jus as bad as the last one who passed. I jumped on it and I couldn't have been more uncomfortable... People were pressed on me like starch. My stomach starts to hurt again... Acid reflux l, so I popped a Tums and drank some water. I finally get off the train at my destination walk into my new work site which I find to be gorgeous only to find out that I will be starting working officially in a week because they are still going through an organizational reconstruction... Just my damn luck

You go girl! July 10 wi be my 1 year surgiversary, and it was the best thing ive ever done for myself!

CONTENTS FOREWORD INTRODUCTION PART 1: The Epidemic CHAPTER 1: How Obesity Became an Epidemic CHAPTER 2: Inheriting Obesity PART 2: The Calorie Deception CHAPTER 3: The Calorie-Reduction Error CHAPTER 4: The Exercise Myth CHAPTER 5: The Overfeeding Paradox PART 3: A New Model of Obesity CHAPTER 6: A New Hope CHAPTER 7: Insulin CHAPTER 8: Cortisol CHAPTER 9: The Atkins Onslaught CHAPTER 10: Insulin Resistance: The Major Player PART 4: The Social Phenomenon of Obesity CHAPTER 11: Big Food, More Food and the New Science of Diabesity CHAPTER 12: Poverty and Obesity CHAPTER 13: Childhood Obesity PART 5: What’s Wrong with Our Diet? CHAPTER 14: The Deadly Effects of Fructose CHAPTER 15: The Diet Soda Delusion CHAPTER 16: Carbohydrates and Protective Fiber CHAPTER 17: Protein CHAPTER 18: Fat Phobia PART 6: The Solution CHAPTER 19: What to Eat CHAPTER 20: When to Eat APPENDIX A: Sample Meal Plans (with Fasting Protocols) APPENDIX B: Fasting: A Practical Guide APPENDIX C: Meditation and Sleep Hygiene to Reduce Cortisol ENDNOTES INDEX

You will be so pleased with everything! I went to the informational meeting in April of 2012 and was sleeved January 2013. I had to do dietician visits for 6 months and that kind of stuff too due to my health insurance. I heard more insurances are not requiring this now. What I wish I would have known- How painful it was to have my GB removed How DISGUSTING oral pain meds are How much gas pains I would have That I wouldn't be able to drink freely right after surgery How much I hate Protein shakes Things I knew, but took getting the surgery to really know How great I would feel after being sleeved (a couple weeks later) How pleased I would be ONE year later How in tune I am with my body How I am able to be healthier and how close of attention I pay to what I eat How I can exercise and have endurance How I can play with my kids more and be active How I am no longer the "fat friend" The amount of confidence I have gained I am now able to drink Water freely and drink easily 7-10 20oz cups a day. The things that were "taken away" at first slowly come back, but it is a second chance to be in control. I have control over food and my health and I couldn't be happier. I hope you have a seamless journey, but be prepared for some bumps! Let me know how your journey goes! Let me know if you have any other questions! Take care and well wishes to you!

Thank you both for your suggestions. I was on 2 different BP meds before surgery and I started on just one afterwards. That lasted abut 3 days before we realized it was dropping it to low. This morning it was 107/73 without any meds. I am very pleased about that. My wife is a teacher in the same school and we have been discussing some of the suggestions you have made about the Protein shakes. We are going o make one for me to have each day and different ways to make sure I keep my Water intake up. At this point, I am still not really getting hungry yet so I called my dr to ask him about it. He told me that I should probably still try to eat on a schedule until I start feeling hungry again. I think we are thinking of having some unsweetened applesauce or something like that around 815 then at 10 start the Protein shake and sip it during the first part of that class. Have my lunch and after school have another low sugar snack. Just found out that 2 of the first 3 days will be tied up with meetings so everyone will be very busy. I hate the meetings, but I am glad that it will keep everyone busy so I wont get asked 100s of questions. Thanks again for the suggestions

What is a pouch test? When do I need to do one? I am 10 months post RNY and am very happy with115 lbs lost, but of course it is starting to slow down a bit, and I find myself starting to feel (or is it "think?") hungry again. I want to loose another 30 lbs and don't want to "fall off the wagon" at this point. I am still so thankful for this surgery and the drs/staff/family that are supporting me!!!! Love my new life! I want these habits to STICK, and I know that means I have to continue to WORK the program. Just needed to hear from someone out there, I haven't been on in a while. Hope all of you are well.

I feel OK, unless I drink too fast. Working really hard to get my protein in. Other fluids seem OK. I only have pain on my top 2 insion. Hurts to stand then I am fine. Also sleeping a lot. New_Me 2019

My surgery is tomorrow at 10 am. God bless everyone through this journey. I pray for a smooth journey. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I like the idea of a monthly thread as well. My weight loss has slowed down tremendously, but I'm still dropping sizes in a hurry, so I'm not too worried about the scale. I've lost 94 pounds and nearly 10 sizes. I'm in between size 18 and 16, depending on the cut of the clothes. I started in a 24/26, so I'm thrilled. I'm still trying to stay around 1,000 calories a day and I'm doing very well with my Protein and Water goals. I've also been ramping up my exercise as I go. I'm now doing 30 minutes of cardio every day. 3 days a week I add in a second 30 minute cardio session. 3 days a week I do weights for my full body. On Saturday I rest, but I am still doing either cardio or a lot of walking on Saturdays. I had an EKG recently that shows how much good the cardio is doing me, along with chest x-rays where they could actually see my lungs without all that fat in the way!! Althought I don't talk about it much now, my libido is still extremely high! It really sucks when you're single!!

That makes me happy! Thank you for sharing! I may have my surgery June/July & we're going to Disney World, Dec 18th for 10 days. I keep wondering what I will be eating by then?? Regular (limited) foods, or am I still going to be eating mush?

I have to agree with your assessment of the study. Europe in general has had many more problems with their lap band patients- I can't remember from my reading if it was technique, device or both. I know it would be great to see some date from within the past 8-10 years using patients who had the LapBand or Realize Band put in to get more accurate data about outcomes.

Hi, congratulations on making the decision to have WLS. I'm Kaiser Southern CA and the first thing you should know is that the insurance requirements vary greatly, not only from company to company, but area to area with the same insurance. Kaiser is a very good example. So what I'm describing here could be very different for you. I started my journey back in August 2014, which was when I first talked to my PCP about the possibility. He was very supportive and told me that all I needed to do to start the ball rolling was to call the Wellness Center in San Diego. When I placed the call I was told that I would be sent an info packet and after reading, if I decided to proceed, to call back to schedule a date to attend two mandatory seminars. One for weight management and one an intro to the Options program. I attended both seminars on 09/11. There they gave us a 10 page questionnaire to fill out that had to do with medical history, past weight loss attempts (you only have to describe them not provide actual proof), etc. After about a week I received an email telling me to get a few pre program labs, blood draw, EKG, stool sample, fasting glucose, and I think that was it. The faster you comply with their requirements, the faster you move along. A week or so after this I was contacted again to make an appointment for a one on one meeting with the head of the Bariatric Options program. Mine was for 10/06, and it only lasted about 20 minutes. The weight for this appointment is considered your Options starting weight. There I was told that I had been approved to enter the program and I would be contacted with the information on when my Options classes would begin. For my area Kaiser requires 24 weeks of classes (or 6 months), one class a week. But most other areas of Kaiser in CA only require 12 weeks (or 3 months of classes). I was also told that I will be required to lose 10 percent of my weight, which in my case was 24 pounds. My classes started in November and meets each Thursday night. This week will be class #11 and I've been surprised by how fast the time goes by (mine end in mid May). For the most part they're interesting and last 90 minutes. Last week we had a speaker, which was a former student who had the sleeve about 1 1/2 years ago. You can only miss four classes, and have to make up each one you miss. If you miss five you're out, and this has actually happened to a couple of people in mine. You're weighed each time and will be required to keep food and exercise logs. In my area Kaiser contracts out to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego, and the surgery is done at Scripps Mercy, also in SD. We are required to attend one of their seminars. I go next month. From the workbook material I've read that after graduation, if you've lost the 10 percent you then wait to be contacted to take a stress test. If you pass, then your file is forwarded to Pacific Bariatric. You will be asked to get a series of pre surgical labs/tests, not sure which. Then PB will contact you to schedule an all in one appointment for psych eval, surgical consult, and I think a medical internist. And at some point in all this you will get your surgery date. They do the sleeve or bypass. They no longer offer the band. If you don't lose the 10 percent there's an extra step before the stress test where you have to go back and have a consult with the head of the program. We were told in the intro seminar that the process averages about 9 months and it's been on line for that. Good luck with your journey!

@@KingMoose - I worked as an Air Force Cop, know exactly what you mean. I can remember being part of my local gym's 1300 Club. (405 lbs bench press, 600 lbs deadlift, and 375 lbs squat), and being able to run 8-10 miles with a 100 lbs of equipment on my back... While I don't need to be able to do this anymore, I want to be able to pull up my own(lighter) weight, and at least have a 4-pack... I'd like to run some local 5ks our town has every year. And I want to be able to go shirtless without having to fill out an environmental impact study first! LOL!

This morning I wanted to throw the scale at something or someone. I can't imagine how I could gain 2.5 lbs not eating more that 550 call a day. This is so discouraging! I am at yet another emotional low in this process. List 25 before surgery on 5/22, lost 10 lbs the week after surgery and now going into my 3rd week, no weight loss, but a gain. I also have a new pain in my lower left stomach this morning. I still have no energy.

I haven't bought anything - I only just got my surgery date and it's at the beginnng of Feb 2019. BUT, I have started making a sweater in a size 34 chest. Let me explain, I'm a knitwear designer, and I have to make the samples for the designs I publish, to be photographed for the front of the pattern. 34" is the norm, and it's not easy to find models locally. Today, I started a sample in a size 34" in a beautiful olive green that I know will suit my colouring, with the intention that I will model it myself for the pattern pictures. I am only a 38B bust right now, but that's because I had a breast reduction 5 years ago. I used to be a 44H. I may as well be bigger than I am, because my belly sticks out furhter than my boobs at this point. Not loving the eternal 9 months pregnant look, have to say. I have always been too embarrassed to model my own designs. I am hoping that by this time next year I'll be a 34B, with the rest in proportion, and I can save myself a lot of time and money and angst looking for models. It will be such a proud moment for me, I can't even express how much.