jenn20

Hi Allison! Thank you for thinking about me! Ha I'm so glad that you have started your classes! How exciting!! and yesss give me your email!

thank you all for your replies! These are all very good ideas, I'm jotting them as we speak! haha I want to be sure to be prepared. I'm so excited but a little nervous! ahhhhh but I'm sure everything will go fine!

Sooooo I finally get my date!! It's August 4th, 2010!! That's only like 3 weeks away! I don't feel prepared when it comes to the Vitamins and shakes and all that stuff. I should know about these things I need, but it's so much it beciomes overwhelming. Can anyone list exaclty what they needed to have before surgery so I can be prepared. like what virtamins (with amount of mg) idk..anything? things to take to hospital... ahhhhh im so happy but need to get prepared! ANYONE ELSE GETTING SURGERY AUGUST 4TH?!?!? I'M GOING TO SAN DIEGO? ANYONE ELSE?:thumbup1:

Thank you everyone for all of your information! I met my surgeon yesterday! His name is Dr. Taller from San Diego Pacific Bariatric! He was very nice and I asked him a bunch of questions. I also met with my psychiatrist and my internist! Very nice people. I feel really taken care of and confident all will come out well =) within the next couple weeks I should get a call giving me my date! can't wait! Surgeon told me that he uses a size 34 boughie? I'm guessing that's good it's not higher lol. Also he does only 1 leak test and does not oversew because he said something about it wouldn't make a big difference and went into this long explanation as to why he believes I wouldn't need it. I'll just trust him on that....seems he really knows what he is doing. He has done over 700 vertical sleeves all good =) I will keep you all posted! This is all getting way more real! ahhhhhhhhhh Ohhh only bad thing I encountered is my insurance told me they were going to cover my copay but yesterday they said that they will not ugh $250 copay outpatient when I get into the hospital. I won't complain because I know many people pay thousands to get the surgery so I'm just happy the surgery it covered! =)

Monday I'm going to san diego to talk to my surgeon! I'm kinda getting nervous now! What things should I ask him?!?!?!?! and what things should I get prepared??? to take to the hospital I know this is post op section, but since you have all gone through this I thought It would be great to post here as well. Thank you!

Monday I'm going to san diego to talk to my surgeon! I'm kinda getting nervous now! What things should I ask him?!?!?!?! and what things should I get prepared??? to take to the hospital

Soo... I've asked myself over and over again and I find no reason as to why I eat... I'm not bored, stressed, nothing. I'm a happy person most of the time... I realize that when I eat it's beucase the food is in front of me and if it looks good I'll eat it even if im not hungry!...so what do we call this??? No will power.. i dont know but Im scared that after I get my surgery I'll go back to my NO will power...I mean.. I do have SOME will power...I mean I lost 50 pounds since january..but If I see food in front of me I'll eat it most of the time....also... I get sooo lazy to exercise! with working 12 hrs a day! seriously I know it's super importatn and that I have to do it how do all of you make yourself exercise??!?!?

Great to hear that you are going to attend the orientation. It's the beginning to something amazing trust me! And yes Pacific Bariatric does FOR SURE do the sleeve. It's just that they do the gastric bypass way more. And let me put it this way, nobody gets to choose the surgery they way, but do get to have their opinion and most likely if there are no history or medical problems you get what you want. I know 2 people who have gone to pacific bariatric and I am positive that it will be a faster and smarter choice for you! let me know how the orientation goes! and monday the 14th I have my appt in san diengo to see my surgeon I'll let you know how it goes! Maybe send me a private message with somesort of messenger you have (msn,gtalk,aim,etc.) I mostly have them all hehe!

Hi, I attended my OPTIONS classes at the Baldwin Park Kaiser facility, however, my PCP is in montebello. I'm excited that you are going to ask your PCP to get referred GOOD LUCK! however, I know that Kaiser DOES cover all 3...Lapband, Vertical Sleeve, and Gastric Bypass, but they DO NOT recommend lapband, unless you only have like 30-50 pounds to loose and have TONS of self control. But that's just what we were told.. Lots of people that have had the lapband end up getting the vertical sleeve and regret wasting time, maybe you should really think about it. Anyhow, whatever your choice is GOOD LUCK =). And by the way..I used to go to hacienda all the time when my sister lived there. I live in whittier, I took turnbull canyon all the time....=)

do NOT use any medication with anti inflammatory. Can be dangerous! Tylenol is good to take. Consult with surgeon first for anything else.

ohhh one more thing!!!!..... I got a call from pacific Bariatric and they set me up for my 3 day appointment with them for June 14th! =) then shortly after that I will get my surgery date. I will keep everyone posted!

Good luck getting referred somewhere else, once they send the referral it's almost impossible to get referred somewhere else! Unless it's necessary but it's really tough to do... but good luck! Keep us updated =)

Hello everyone, Well I am doing my surgery in San Diego pacific Bariatric only because it's way faster there. If I were to go to Kaiser in Harbor City right now it wil be a 3-6 month wait.....and at pacific bariatric its 4-6 WEEKS. Not alot of people know but Pacific Bariatric recently started proving the sleeve and kaiser contracted with them so it's fell right into my lap with a great opportunity. To give you and an example I graduated last monday from my options class and yesterday pacific Bariatric made me an appointment to see the surgeon June 14th. So I have to go down there and then hopefully I will get my suregry date already!! fast fast lol I like it! Good Luck to you all and keep me updated! I should begin putting pics up! I've alread lost 45 pounds since January by eating less and better choices =)

Sooo... kaiser has an OPTIONS class that we must take and complete in order for them to pay for surgery and today I graduated! yay! So now I will wait to go see the surgeon within the next couple of weeks at Pacific Bariatric In San Diego. This is all happening so fast. Getting closer.... How does everyone prepare themselves? Seems over whelming! Theres too many Vitamins, Protein drinks, things to ask the surgeon, things to take to the hospital....ahhhhhhn what should I do to prepare!? =):thumbup:

HELLO, I am currently in the program through Kaiser, called OPTIONS program. I'm located in California attending classes at baldwin park medical center. I would recommend for sure that you def. take the program at Kaiser. its a 3 month program, used to be 6 months, and It's the greatest thing! I'm almost positive that you're knee would have no effect towards not being considered for the surgery. People in my class have everything! down to not being even able to walk, to diabetes, high cholesterol, ulcers, hernias,sleep apnea, EVERYTHING you name it. If at all they understand that surgery greatly helps all these things. Kaiser DOES do the Sleeve. and I'm pretty sure they do the sleeve there where you're at as well. I'm looking to get the sleeve as well. I graduate my class tomorrow night and after that i'll be shortly within the next couple of weeks be getting a consult with the surgeon. I feel very safe and comfortable through kaiser program because they send you to testings, ultrasounds, help you cope with emotional issues, etc. They make sure that you know what to expect and prepare you very well. I highly recommend them. There as so many good things people have told me at the support groups i've gone to. Even outside support groups all recommend kaiser. Do not go and pay somewhere else! you're primary doctor along with the options program know what things you need and interact with one another..they know what they are doing and I would not feel comfortable going somewhere else. like I said im pretty sure they do the sleeve. You will have to go to a orientation...do not miss it! after that you will be on a wait list to go into the classes. they say this takes up to 2 months, but everyone I know got it a bit early. (I got it like 40 days after) =) anyhow, time FLY'S trust me. Feels like just yesterday I was asking my primary doctor to refer me to the program, all of a sudden I graduate tomorrow! If you have any questions let me know. Don't have any doubts and have only FAITH! what do you have to loose! Trust your doctor and be sure to attend the orientation and classes. If anything you can drop out of the classes. which NOBODY at my class has dropped out! it's RARE from what I'm told, because you feel very FORTUNATE to be in the class! Good Luck!

Hi and welcome! I attended an Orientation before getting my class dates (through Kaiser Insurance) and somebody there asked this same question. They too were also borderline, barely making it to be considered for the surgery and were scared to continue to loose weight, but we were told that that will not effect the surgery. Again, this can be different with other insurances, etc. But once you're referred to the surgery you're basically in. For the most part they understand that people loose, gain, loose, gain. So they know that although you might be loosing right now, you've obviously had trouble keeping it off, so if you were already referred to the surgery and are going through the processes then you need not worry. If anything loosing weight before the surgery I was told is a good thing. So overall, if you're already in the process I wouldn't be concered =)

Hi everyone. Just to keep those of you who already know me updated: I have gone to orientation and have a schedule date to begin my options classes through Kaiser. My graduation will be in May and Was told my surgery is possibly in June... The only problem and/or controversy I have is that I'm planning to go on a vacation in November (that would be aprox 5 months post op) and was wondering if anyone knows If it would be okay for me to go on my cruise to the caribbean for my 21 birthday.. I would be swimming, snorkeling, hiking, dancing, etc. would this be risky or should I be fine by then? Also, another thing that has me thinking alot is that I know after surgery I can't drink alcohol, and it's not too bad for me since I dont drink alot, but I have always wanted to party it up for my 21st bday! I've been waiting 21 years for this day! But I want to get the surgery and better my health and future: Maybe I can have just a drink or 2? ahh I can always date my surgery till after the trip... So the question is: Do I want to go on my trip: party it up: and enjoy my onl 21st bday ill ever have and have been waiting for or should I get my surgery...be healthier.. thinner.. and go on my trip..and also save money by not having to buy alcohol.. ive gotten different opinions from many people and it usually comes out 50/50! They tell me well you might as well get the alcohol and party hard for your 21st bday then have your surgery, whats the rush, the different of 7 months differnce going to do? then they also tell me... you should just get your surgery and get it over with, start your change because you will run into other vacations in the future... (but this is my only 21st! ha for all you older folks (which I indeed respect) this is big for me!) so... opinions?!?!? also.. i was thinking of risks... god forbid something begins to hurt or something happens over there... how would i get help being stuck on a ship? many possibilities.. please feed back!

Thank you Tiffykins you always have good answers and you seem very caring and supportive!! Just wanted to let you know you are very appreciated! THANK YOU!

Wow, I didn't know that we needed vitamins for life...kind of worries me that someone stated that it can cause brain damage!

Okay people bear with me, I do have alot of questions and this is my 3rd thread in the last 20 min lol. But, I was wondering...I know that I will have excess skin after surgery and would want a tummy tuck eventually. However, everyone says that you need to do it after you have kids..which makes sense..but I dont see myself having kids anytime soon. I don't even have a bf...and I'm still young (20 yrs old) so would it be possible to have a tummy tuck about a year after my surgery and then maybe 7 years later have a child? I don't want a flabby stomach the years that I'm dating. I'm not sure anyone can relate to me. Most of you are all married and have children, but I am in the dating age. And when you first meet someone you don't really want to blurt out that you had weight loss surgery but after time I wouldn't mind telling that person. (In my opinion) but I know that things lead up to other things...which lead to others...and eventually things happen. I think I would be somewhat embarrased of my naked body being that I'd be dating and not already married. any advice? Thanks

Hi Everyone, My names jennifer for those of you who don't know me yet, This is only my 3rd thread. I'm in the process (long process) of hopefully getting my VSG. I'm doing alot of research so that I can be extra ready when the time comes for anything that comes my way. I was wondering though... I know that everyone has excess skin after weight loss with VSG and I also know that everyone is different. I'm hoping not to have TOO much excess skin (I know everyone hopes for that) but I have some faith in that I won't have too much. I will eventually get a tummy tuck(Ill post another thread for that question as well) but Is it true that the changes of not having TOOO much excess skin is better for younger people? I am 20 years old. and I am 5'8'' and weight 290. I don't have a bad figure (nothing droopy) I am actually a pretty toned BBW. So many my excess skin wont be horrible??? If I were to tone months before surgery will this help later after surgery?? I'm just scared to do this because I will gain muscle and not accomplish the 10% I need to loose for the surgery. I've been rambling so I'll leave it at that. Thank you

I am on a waiting list to take my required classes for my surgery and have been doing alot of reasearch. I've found out that I love watching updates of people on youtube, especially amysdmom. It is very supporting and inspiring. Overall, from watching all these videos, I've realized that everyone talks about their Protein and getting their protien in daily. I had thought that after surgery (I know alot changes) but after about a year or 2 overall I thought the only thing that would change in life (besides clothes size) is the way you eat. Now I'm thinking...Maybe since these people are talking about protien alot as well as counting calories and carbs all the time, is this a FOREVER thing? I mean...I know you have to watch what you eat and all that good stuff, but will I have to take protien shakes everyday and count all my calories, take Vitamins?? :confused1:I just have so many questions. Also, if you know of any more you tube updates let me know! Thanks in advance!

HI AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE. I HAD A QUESTION FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN SLEEVED THEN HOW IS IT THAT YOU'VE ALREADY LOST 31 LBS? I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE TO LOOSE 10PERCENT FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD, BUT IS THAT MANDATORY? I MEAN WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T LOOSE 10 PERCENT. IT'S SO HARD FOR ME TO LOOSE THE WEIGHT HENCE THE PART OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY.... ALSO, HOW DO THEY FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR GOAL WEIGHT SHOULD BE? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.:confused:

Thanks for the reply. Where are you located? I'm in the Los Angeles region. I'm not sure if OPTIONS if different in other places or if there is other locations in the first place, but I was thinking that your BMI must be under 40 if you have to go through all those requirements. I have BMI of over 40 and when it is over 40 you don't have all those requirnements. I was just referred and right away sent to evaluation and I was approved already. Also, This might make you happy...I spoke to OPTIONS 2 days ago and they informed that they they did in fact shorten the weeks of the classes we need to take. They use to be 24 weeks of classes, but they cut it in half! now it's only 12 weeks (3 months) and you go once every 2 weeks. so basically 6 classes. then you have to do the pretest and shortly after you get your date =) but the only bad thing is that, like I had mentioned before, There is a wait list for those classes. in my case they told me it was aprox. 3 month wait. but I'm preparing by working out so I can try getting more muscle so that HOPEFULLYYY I wont have toooo much excess skin, especially around the arms and theighs =/ don't care too much about the stomach, I will eventually get tummy tuck. (If all goes as planned) If you don't mind me asking, What are your stats? and how old are you? Where are you located?

i had been considering vsg for a long time now. I went to talk to my doctor and he referred me to options (kaiser) after evaluating me they approved me and told me that i will be recieving a package in the mail soon, once i get that package i have to fill out a sheet thats in there and fax it in. I will then be on a aprox. 3 month waiting list. Then they will call me and schedule me to start the classes that will all take about 3 months...so in about 6 months if all goes well i should be getting this done... I just wanted to know if anyone was in the same boat as me... It could be a good thing to go on this journey together?? If you are on the same boat give me your email, or aim, msn, gtalk, yahoo messenger. Lol i have it all! Thank you by the way. I am 20 yr old female, new to this thanks