New - eager to live again

[listic2001 4]

Hello all , I hit rock bottom , I'm 42 turning 43 June 25h. I'm 5"3 CW 215. BMI 38.1 - I've been pre diabetic and all the other complications. With weight gain . In April , I tore my ACL and just recently had surgery for that. So I've been home bound for almost a month . I can't exercise or bear weight on my leg ... The weight has been creeping up ... I'm a single parent of a 17 year old boy and 4 year old girl . I never go out or want to be seen due to the shame i feel. Recently I was browsing through my iPad pictures and I found a full length picture of me while waiting for my RX at Kaiser . I looked in horror - I had no idea I looked so big . Depression kicked in badly so much I scheduled an appt with my primary doctor and saw her the next day ... I bawled like a baby when she asked me why I was there ... I just broke down. It was. The best thing that could of happened ... She was so compassionate. And offered the weightloss surgery ... She prescribed a stronger dosage of my Wellbutrin and was concerned about my emotional health . While there at the office , she called the psychiatric dept and put in a referral . The next morning I got a call from the p psychiatric dept to schedule a visit - I go this coming Monday - and then I got a call from the other dept that schedules for the weightloss classes - I am scheduled for next Wed ( which is my birthday) for the two hour class ..... My question to you KAISER / OAKLAND patients ; what happens next ? I believe only one class is needed ... I just had knee surgery so I imagine I meet all the criteria ... I could really use a friend since I am keeping this a secret from my family and work except for HR ofcourse . How long is the process ? Help - btw I m new here and to all of this.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

We are in such a similar situation so I can totally related. I was 210 at 5"4' so was a relative lightweight for surgery. I'm a 48 yo single mom of 3 (23 20&14) I have sleep apnea and GERD and some Ortho issues

I'm not kaiser but my first visit to surgery last Monday was 84 days. Seemed like forever but here I am 6 days out. I had surgery Monday and was released Wednesday then landed back here Friday with pneumonia.

Even with this little bump I still feel like this was a great decision. Very little pain except for this chest pressure lost 10 pounds in 4 days.

I'm looking forward to a healthier life, shopping for regular sized clothes and dating with a lot more confidence. I am also treated for depression

If you'd like a support buddy in addition to all the great things you'll learn on the boards feel free to private message me.

Best wishes!

[listic2001 4]

Wow , I hope you feel better soon , thank you for your support , where are you located ? I am going through so many emotions right now I feel lost and out of control ... Please keep me posted on your progress , again, get well soon .

[healthyme1963 136]

Welcome to both of you! You've made one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make - to take control of your health - congratualtions!

This is a wonderful place to learn, to receive support and to give support. You'll find many compassionate, experienced and helpful people here to pose your questions and concerns to.

listic - the emotions you are experiencing are completely normal. I don't know many people who went through this that didn't have doubts and worries. You'll do just fine. Just follow your surgeon's plan for you and you will rock this!

Good luck to you!

Edited June 15, 2014 by healthyme1963

[listic2001 4]

Thank you! I feel better already - I just knowing that there are others fighting the same battle gives me a sense of comfort - I'll keep posting my progress -

[KristinaRnY 455]

I went through kaiser here in oregon. They required several seminars and an options or mastering weight management class (8-20weeks), a psych evaluation and a couple meetings with the dietician and social worker, also a couple meetings with the surgeon and several routine tests, preop class. From the start of the process to my surgery it took 15months. They said 12 months is normal here. I was constantly on top of everything too, walking out of one class and scheduling the next.

[listic2001 4]

Thank you Kristina , I know that it varies from site to site - but all I know that I am thankful that it is a covered benefit in my plan . I paid only 15 dollars co-pay for my knee surgery so hopefully it is the same for this procedure . It sounds like you've had a positive experience going through Kaiser. I hope mine goes smoothly .

[KristinaRnY 455]

You know I won't lie I was annoyed with their process for awhile because I was just eager to have surgery. But knowing what I know now I am so very thankful for it. My dad who has had nothin but bad experiences with kaiser for over 20 years was extremely pleased and impressed with the whole process as am I. They really give you the tools you need to succeed.

[listic2001 4]

I joined just a few days ago and ready I feel the great sincere support ... Thank you all - my journey will not be a lonely one