Newbie looking for help in SoCal

[GdzDva 0]

Hi All,

I'm new to the site and new to considering VSG. I have Kaiser SoCal and just recently graduated from their Options classes on this Thursday passed. All through the program, I was gunho about the LB until I heard from one of their nutritionist by week 11. I understood a little at the beginning that Kaiser wasn't too excited about the LB but I simply thought it was due to slower weight loss results. Then the nutritionist went into detail about problems with the lapband such as erosion, leaks, slips etc. My eyes were bucked open!! I must admit I was always curious about the VSG as a second option but never bothered to look into it due to being LB adamant. However, I now find myself ready to go VSG route so I've been on the boards trying to sponge as much info as possible. That's how I found this board. So if there is anyone out there that is in my area and wouldn't mind taking me on as a mentee, I would love it!! Thanks for your help

Miyme (mimi)

[Caliblonde 25]

Welcome! I'm a fellow So Cal Kaiser patient and was sleeved in May. I'm extremely happy with my decision to get the sleeve. Feel free to msg. me if you want to chat!

[iegal 460]

Hi GdzDva;

Welcome to VST. This upcoming Saturday - many of us SoCal sleevers are getting together if you want a face to face meeting we are meeting in the North Corona area around 11AM. Let me know if you want directions. One of the ladies who will be there actually speaks at the SoCal Options class for Kaiser (sleeve 4 me) so she might be a familar face to you. Our group also includes 3 nurses - 2 who work at Kaiser. Some of us have already been sleeved for over a year or close to a year, while others are newbies like you who are not yet sleeved.

But even if you can't attend, know you are always welcome to to ask any questions. Excited to have another SoCal sleever. Yay!

[GdzDva 0]

Thank you Cali!! When did you go in? Did you got via Pacific? What were your first couple of months like food-wise? Ooops, sorry got carried away with the questions. I'm excited, can't you tell LOL. But thank you again for helping me out with the info. I really want to be sure of my choice.

Miyme(mimi)

Welcome! I'm a fellow So Cal Kaiser patient and was sleeved in May. I'm extremely happy with my decision to get the sleeve. Feel free to msg. me if you want to chat!

[GdzDva 0]

Thank you IEgal. I just recently joined a support group off of Limonite for Pacific Bariatric patients and it runs the same time. I would love to stay in contact with you though...I just recently responded to your group invite. So I look forward to participating on the blog.

Miyme (mimi)

Welcome! I'm a fellow So Cal Kaiser patient and was sleeved in May. I'm extremely happy with my decision to get the sleeve. Feel free to msg. me if you want to chat!

[kellyw74 258]

I was sleeved at Kaiser Richmond, but wanted to put in my two cents.

I orignially wanted to have the band too, but my surgeon told me NO WAY!! For the same reasons you listed. I am thrilled with my sleeve and am so glad after so much research that I did not have the band done!! I have read so much negative about it and lots of people on here have had revisions done!!

If you are looking for proof if the sleeve works, just take a few minutes to look at everyone's ticker's!! The sleeve is awesome! It is truely the best gift I have ever given myself!

Good luck to you!

Kelly

[GdzDva 0]

Thank you Kelly, that is very helpful info to know. Makes my decision easier.

[Iliana82 84]

Hi, I am new here actually my first posting too. I just got referred by my PCP for bariatrics. I have Kaiser insurance. Anyone here with Kaiser in So Cal? I am anxious and wanna know whats in stored etc....I am at the beginning of my journey, any newbies too?

[GdzDva 0]

Hi, I am new here actually my first posting too. I just got referred by my PCP for bariatrics. I have Kaiser insurance. Anyone here with Kaiser in So Cal? I am anxious and wanna know whats in stored etc....I am at the beginning of my journey, any newbies too?

[GdzDva 0]

Hi Iliana I too hv Kaiser. I just graduated in Aug. I'm still waiting to be contacted by the surgeon. Please hit me up with any questions you may have....

[Iliana82 84]

Hi Iliana I too hv Kaiser. I just graduated in Aug. I'm still waiting to be contacted by the surgeon. Please hit me up with any questions you may have....

I hope they call you soon with a date :-) that's so exciting!!! Keep us posted! How long did you have to wait to hear from the bariatric sept after your primary doctor sent the referral? What happens after they contact you?

[GdzDva 0]

Well I was referred back in Dec. Orientation was in Jan. I didn't get called for classes until May. The hardest part was the wait for classes....everything else went so fast!!! I couldn't believe it before I knew it, I was graduating!!! Kaiser has made quite a few changes, so your experience may be faster than mine....

[Tippy2us 11]

Hi Miyme,

I'm from Lancaster Ca. Welcome!

I had the lap band in 2007 and I had no complications, but my weight loss was poor. I just couldn't get the tightness right..it was either too tight or not tight enough. I lost 50 then gained back 15 when it had to be loosened after being way too tight and causing major acid reflux.

At my last yearly exam my surgeon told me about VSG and I loved the thought of it. Just make my stomach smaller DUH!! This makes sense! He got it approved by my insurance and he did the revision on June 27th. I am THRILLED. I didn't realize how much I hated the lap band. Eating was NO fun and the port always hurt.

I'm 9 weeks post op and have already lost 31 lbs and I'm under 200 lbs for the first time in 22 years. I highly recommend VSG. It just makes sense! My email address is tippy2us@verizon.net if you want to email me anytime.

Take care!

[GdzDva 0]

Hi Miyme,

I'm from Lancaster Ca. Welcome!

I had the lap band in 2007 and I had no complications, but my weight loss was poor. I just couldn't get the tightness right..it was either too tight or not tight enough. I lost 50 then gained back 15 when it had to be loosened after being way too tight and causing major acid reflux.

At my last yearly exam my surgeon told me about VSG and I loved the thought of it. Just make my stomach smaller DUH!! This makes sense! He got it approved by my insurance and he did the revision on June 27th. I am THRILLED. I didn't realize how much I hated the lap band. Eating was NO fun and the port always hurt.

I'm 9 weeks post op and have already lost 31 lbs and I'm under 200 lbs for the first time in 22 years. I highly recommend VSG. It just makes sense! My email address is tippy2us@verizon.net if you want to email me anytime.

Take care!

[GdzDva 0]

I like the sound of those results Tippy! I also like the fact that a nice portion of Ghrelin is removed to. I haven't been called for my surgeon consult yet, but I expect it any day now. I'm armed with a list full of questions for him though ;+) now tell me, what was your post op diet like immediately after?