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Thanks so much for the info! I'm down 17pnds from when I first started the Kaiser class, so I'm hoping that counts toward something? I know I need to attend a seminar before seeing the surgeon, but I"m not sure about a support group. Guess I'll call. Thanks!

I'm in the middle of classes at Kaiser and am being fast tracked to a meeting with the surgeon. What happens after I meet with him? Does he tell me what tests have to be done or does Kaiser have a list of tests, etc? Nervous.

I remember when my boyfriend broke up with me. I was devastated and remember wishing it were at least a year after the heartache, so maybe I wouldn't hurt so much. In the time that followed I got more serious about college, got in involved in activities and transformed into a stronger person. That was a long time ago and I am now grateful and blessed to be married to the most wonderful man (with whom we share 3 kids). This is your chance to think about just you. To become strong and healthy and independent. To do what you want and go where you want. You will also find happiness doesn't have to depend on one person loving you. Care for yourself, take loads of pictures of your progress and be proud of who you are and what you are accomplishing with your health. Lean on those who support you and don't look back. NOW........Get fired up because you are going to look and feel AMAZING!

Hi Everyone! I'm half way through my required classes at Kaiser and received a phone call to meet the surgeon. For some reason, they are fast tracking me. Yikes! Not sure if I"m ready for this. Anyway, they have assigned me to Dr. Suh in Corona. Has anyone worked with him? If so, what is his pre-op diet like? I was hoping to choose a specific doctor in San Diego, for he (from what I've been told) is so realistic about your diet after the surgery. Anyway, would love to know your experiences with Dr. Suh. Thanks!

I think I'd be more worried about going to Mexico than having the surgery. : )

So I've been reading a bit on here about hair loss. Just how much hair falls out and does it re-grow? Oh! And why or why does it have to fall out at all? Yikes!

First if all, you are hilarious and an excellent writer! Please tell me you do this for a living. If not, you seriously should. Now, congrats on your new tummy (prefer that to sleeve)! Looking forward to reading your posts as you recover!

Yep. Gallbladder surgery was an easy recovery for me. Have the docs check it out thoroughly, for I happened to be on vacation in CA during one attack and the doctor at a well-known hospital heard what I had to say and said I simply had a stomach ache. Drove all the way back to TX and had my gallbladder removed 5 days later. Good luck!

Thanks so much, Lynda! I went to the orientation and found the 12 week class isn't required, but they strongly recommend it. They also said they'd like for us to lose 10%, but it's not required. Not that I"m not going to do these things, I'm just glad they aren't as stringent as I thought. I thought this was the best place to post, for people have already gone through the process? Thanks, again! : )

Was anyone just super, incredibly nervous from the very beginning? I'm sure everyone experienced nerves at one time or another, but I feel so nervous tonight that I feel weak. Oh! And I just attended the Kaiser orientation, so it's not like I"m even committed! Can't figure out why I feel scared sick. I've had gall bladder surgery and it wasn't so awful, so I'm not sure what's stopping me. If you felt this way, please share. If you went ahead with the surgery, what was the turning point that changed your mind to go through with it? One more thing...do they give you something to relax on the day of the surgery? : )

To be fair, this was just the first day (orientation). I'm sure the topics they cover are great. I just feel incredibly nervous and am not sure why.

I went to the orientation at Kaiser for the Options program. I didn't learn anything new, for I've done all my research. However, I have to say that just being there made me feel sick and nervous. The whole thing is just scary and slightly depressing. I haven't been this nervous in a long time. I have no idea what to do. It's amazing that they would rather cut you open than put you in a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer and food plan. Actually I did learn one new thing....they don't require you to even do the 12 week class. You could simply contact the surgeon and have a consult from there. Don't think I"ll got hat route, but it's an idea. Thanks for letting me vent.

I;m wondering if a previous gym membership and current online weight loss program membership would count? How many attempts do they want to see?

I thought I read somewhere else that before you even begin the 12 weeks of classes at Kaiser, that you have to show proof of attempted weight loss? Does anyone know about this? Thanks!

I'm going to the initial meeting at Kaiser and am just curious how long the process is when going through them. I know it's a 12 weeks class, but how long afterward is the surgery? Thanks!

Yes, I'm a big baby. I'm going to the initial meeting next week and then have 12 weeks of classes. I am rather terrified. I'm worried that I'll regret it. I have not read of one person that has regretted getting the surgery, but, really, what are they going to say? You kind of have to talk yourself into accepting what you've done, so to admit that you regret it would be torture. This is written respectfully. I'm just being honest about what I think. 1. I suffer with slight depression and REALLY worry about feeling down afterward. I read a lot of people saying they feel blue and irritable. I have children and a busy life, I don't want to torture my family with cranky/sad me! I don't have free time to rest and heal. 2. I want to enjoy socializing with family and friends over dinner. Can I eat everything within moderation one day? 3. How do I tell in-laws who would totally not support my decision and see it as weakness? How do I get through a holiday meal with them, which would come a few short months after having the surgery? 4. Fearful of complications. 5. I've read it's hard to sleep for a while afterward.....I'm big on sleep. I really, really need it. 6. My husband and family are large people. This will be very different for them....not sure what else to say Why I need it: 1. I'm constantly tired, self conscious and since getting into my 40's (ugh) I just don't feel as great carrying the weight around. 2. My kids: They eat like I do, are self-conscious of how they look, have had their friends make comments about me. I want them to feel and look great and enjoy life! I want them to treat their bodies respectfully. 3. My husband...whom I love dearly. I want to be healthy and look good for him. 4. I want to ice skate with my daughter, ride horses with my oldest and wear a dress for my 5 yr old boy (he's never seen me in one). 5. I want people to see me (the color of my eyes, my talents, hear my thoughts) and not just see fat. Seriously, there is another chunky lady at my son's school and everyone gets us confused. We do not look alike that much, but they simply see our fat. 6. I want to set a good example and have my focus on God and family, not food. SO much more.... Thanks for letting me vent.

Haha! Flying Squirrel. Now THAT's funny! I'm so glad you mentioned making better food choices for your family. I have not yet had the surgery, but I'm hoping it will greatly effect the way I feed my kids and husband. Right now, they eat what I eat and if I crave something and eat it, they do too. Ugh. Congrats on your weight loss!!

I haven't been sleeved yet, but have a question regarding thirst. I see so many people talking about dehydration and have a friend who went back into the hospital because of it. I'm a drinker (non alcoholic). It's just not, if not more, important than eating. I am a wedding photographer and am on my feet for 6-8hrs for each event. I get VERY hot and thirsty. How could I stay hydrated when I read of so many people who have difficulty getting Water down? Could I get a small cup of water at a time down quickly if I needed to? Seriously, that is one of the biggest reasons I"m hesitating. Thanks

So Tiff, your normal didn't really begin until after 3 months? I mean being allowed to eat normal fee in moderation (not mushies, etc). During your time where you were bored with food and repulsed by it, were you depressed/angry or simply not interested? I"m very worried about being depressed and regretful.

At what point does your new normal begin? After you've gotten through weeks of liquids and mushies....when do "normal" eating begin and when do you feel healed and normal? Going in for the initial class next week. Thanks

And is the unflavored protein powder really unflavored?

What's the best unflavored and chocolate flavored Protein powder? Thought I'd ask before I buy any more disgusting protein powders. Thanks!

Just saw your post. Thanks for sharing! I figured it was a bit more involved than the gallbladder surgery...just hoping it wasn't too much so. Gallbladder surgery wasn't that bad (besides my nerves), so I was trying to gage what wls was like.

Thanks you two! I didn't have a tube either and really had a fairly good experience. I'm wondering why everyone talks about having gas afterward. I thought that was only with the more invasive surgery that that happens. Wish I could go home the same day. Ugh.

I'm reading everything about the surgery experience and wondering how different it is from having other laparoscopic surgeries. I"m talking about the in hospital experience. Obviously, there are different issues in the healing process. I had gallbladder surgery years ago (laparoscopically). I didn't wake up with a tube, etc. and didn't have gas and so on. I left the same day. So, what's the difference (if anyone has had another similar surgery and VSG)?