New here going through SoCal Kaiser's Options Program

[RCN 25]

Hello! Im super new here and I am so glad I found this site.

I was just referred by my PCP last week to start the Kaiser OPTIONS Program in Panorama City. I have

already received their packet in the mail that gives information about the different bariatric surgeries they offer.

I'm really excited, but nervous because I've barley hit the 40 BMI mark. I have been yo yo dieting for the last

4 years after giving birth to my 3rd child. I have not been able to get my weight under 215 pounds in these

last 4 years (instead going up and up in weight then back down to 215) and I have tried it all! From regular

diet and exercise, vegetarian for a year and a half, diet pills, and diet programs such as Weight Watchers,

Nutrisystem and Adkins....nothing seem to help. I now find it harder to exercise: I loose my breath really quick

now and am having back (sciatica) pain as well as knee pains ;( Besides those few symptoms my recent labs

showed that I am very healthy with no diabetes, high cholesterol, or any other obesity related diseases.

I can't wait to start this journey and learn as much as I can through the Options program.... also, so I can

live healthier and hopefully help prevent my children from a life of obesity.

Have any of you went through Kaiser's Options and are in the process of getting a referral to actual surgery

with a lower BMI (39-45)???

[RCN 25]

.

[chrmen85 11]

Hi, I am three months post up. I also went thorough kaiser in pan city

[sleevie.wonder 306]

Hi there! I start my first Options class on Oct 11th in Fontana Ca. Should be finished by December and hoping for a New Years surgery!

[SleevedSmurf 18]

Hi, I was sleeved on 8/29 at Kaiser West LA and went through Options. I am so happy I did it. The options class was good, but to be honest, since surgery I haven't looked at the book once. They give you better information after surgery before you leave the hospital. The options program seemed to be more for people that really know nothing about basic nutrition or how to eat well. Also, the class is designed to scare you. They tell you all kinds of crazy things and new ways to live that you "must" follow. Don't let it scare you. My surgeon said most of that stuff was not necessarily true and since surgery I hadn't had to do any of those things.

Examples:

They tell you that you can't swallow pills for at least 6 months. My doctor said that as long as they were smaller than an M&M, you can swallow it. I am 1 month out and hated my chewable multi Vitamin and my doctor told me I could swallow a Centrum. Centrism are HUGE and I have no problems.

They tell you you have to drink 2 ounces of Water every 15 minutes. I get why they tell you that because they want you to stay hydrated but you will never have to drink your Water by a timer. Your body will tell you when to drink and when you are full. I had one girl from my options class completely decided against surgery just because of that one rule. I was a huge water drinker before surgery. I had at least 2 L a day and would chug them. Since surgery I am drinking, not nearly enough but I don't need to set everything to a watch. I have not been dehydrated and I'm feeling great.

There are some others that I can't really remember, and by no means am I telling you not to follow their directions. I was very lucky and had a great surgery and have felt wonderful since day one. Some days I even forget that I had surgery except for when it comes to mealtime When I am reminded that my eyes are literally bigger than my stomach

Good luck to you I know you will have a great class and make some great connections. That was the best part of my class. Meeting wonderful people to go through this journey together with.

- Jen, Sleeved 8/29

[chrmen85 11]

Yes I agree with you, they do scare you more then they should. Having surgery was the choice I could have made. I am a bit of a slow loser but at least I am losing. I am three months post op and I am down 50 lbs including the one week pre op diet my dr put me on.

[peachie86 63]

I went through Kaiser Palmdale for my Options class. My BMI was 35 with high bp, diabetes and high cholesterol. Unless, you have medical illnesses I was told by my PCP that I did not qualify due to my BMI was not 40. She told me this for many years. I was so glad they added the 35 BMI eligibility.

[sleevie.wonder 306]

Hi' date=' I was sleeved on 8/29 at Kaiser West LA and went through Options. I am so happy I did it. The options class was good, but to be honest, since surgery I haven't looked at the book once. They give you better information after surgery before you leave the hospital. The options program seemed to be more for people that really know nothing about basic nutrition or how to eat well. Also, the class is designed to scare you. They tell you all kinds of crazy things and new ways to live that you "must" follow. Don't let it scare you. My surgeon said most of that stuff was not necessarily true and since surgery I hadn't had to do any of those things. Examples: They tell you that you can't swallow pills for at least 6 months. My doctor said that as long as they were smaller than an M&M, you can swallow it. I am 1 month out and hated my chewable multi Vitamin and my doctor told me I could swallow a Centrum. Centrism are HUGE and I have no problems. They tell you you have to drink 2 ounces of Water every 15 minutes. I get why they tell you that because they want you to stay hydrated but you will never have to drink your water by a timer. Your body will tell you when to drink and when you are full. I had one girl from my options class completely decided against surgery just because of that one rule. I was a huge water drinker before surgery. I had at least 2 L a day and would chug them. Since surgery I am drinking, not nearly enough but I don't need to set everything to a watch. I have not been dehydrated and I'm feeling great. There are some others that I can't really remember, and by no means am I telling you not to follow their directions. I was very lucky and had a great surgery and have felt wonderful since day one. Some days I even forget that I had surgery except for when it comes to mealtime When I am reminded that my eyes are literally bigger than my stomach <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Good luck to you I know you will have a great class and make some great connections. That was the best part of my class. Meeting wonderful people to go through this journey together with. - Jen, Sleeved 8/29[/quote']

Thank you for the info! I will be glad once it's over. I've been looking in to this surgery for over a year so at least I know I won't be sitting in class and then hear something that will change my mind. I'm in it for the long haul!