ShellBear

Hello all, the Kaiser Nurse Manager/Instructor at the orientation said that spicy foods are definitely ok. In fact they consider spices and tabasco like products "free foods". So, spice away! Miscellaneous Items can be used freely: Spices and seasonings (pepper, garlic powder, Tabasco, Mrs. Dash, etc.) Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Horseradish, Worcestershire Sauce Sugar substitutes (Splenda, Equal, Sweet n Low, etc.) Low fat cooking spray (PAM, etc)

Check your Human Resources office about filing for FMLA. That should protect your job. Hope that helps

I just love VST......no holds barred here...... You all are so great! I can't wait to be sleeved I have my orientation in Richmond tomorrow. Hugs to all

I finally got news from my PCP this morning - my mammogram was clear - and he sent my referral to Kaiser Richmond Bariatrics. I'm so excited to finally get my journey officially started. I check in here every day and there are so many inspirational stories and so many crazy, wonderful people that it kind of feels like home now. I am so blessed to have such a great support group, not only here but with my family as well. Any way, I just had to share my great news with my new sleeve family. Love to all!

Thanks! I will update after my orientation in Richmond. I have heard really great things about the surgical team there, I can't wait to get the call.

Don't doubt your faith! I love our Lord above very much, but I'm not quite ready to meet him yet. That is why I have decided to go forward with this surgery. I know that if I don't do this for myself my Diabetes and the weight will continue to take years off my life. I have prayed so hard and God always guides me through. Ask for guidance, and he shall lead you as well. Good luck and God Bless! <3

I'm happy you got that call cuz I'm sure the waiting was killing you as much as it is me. I have to wait for my Mammogram results and if all goes well then my Doc will send the referral to Richmond. I actually spoke to a very sweet gal at the surgery center and she told me that it only takes 3 to 4 days to set up a date once they receive the referral. Congrats on your new journey, hopefully I will be joining you soon <3

Wow, that was really fast. I go for my Mammogram tomorrow (all cancer screens need to be completed) and then my PCP will send the referral to Richmond. I will make sure to have my food journal with me whe I start this process. I will be thinking of you Wednesday and of course my prayers will be with you as well. I grew up in OV so I'm just a home town girl. Please send a message after the surgery so we all know that everything went well. Take care and enjoy your new journey - I will join you shortly. : )

Wow, I just watched your video and I cried. I sat there just nodding my head. I too am ready for so many things to change in my life. My love and support to you! Sending hugs too!!!

I just voted for you Vickie. I have Kaiser so my surgery is fully covered. I thank God every day for the wonderful blessings in my life, included my wonderful family, friends, job, insurance, etc. Any way, enough babbling, I want to help you win this contest so I will d o my best to remember to vote every day. Good luck and God Blees!!!

I actually attended the overview class last Wednesday in Roseville (I live in Orangevale, small world huh?). In the overview class the instructor will explain that the next step is an orientation in Richmond. It's a ways to drive but so worth it. They will tell you the wait is between 6 to 12 months but it usually isn't quite that long. I'm just anxious to get this whole thing going already. Glad to have a fellow sleever so close. Kaiser has a WLS support group meeting at the Point West Facility on the fourth Saturday of each month - 11:00 AM. The next meeting is May 28th - I'm going to try to attend. I hope you consider checking it out too.

Hi Lisa, my name is Shelly and I too am a Kaiser patient who has recently been referred for the sleeve surgery. I have attended the overview class and I am now sitting anxiously waiting for the surgery center to call and schedule me for the five hour orientation. I'm so excited and the waiting is driving me crazy. I'm so happy that your Doctor was so supportive, my PCP was against the surgery and it took me three years to convince him (I should have just found a new Doc). Anyway, I just wanted to sya hi and say that I share your excitement. Congratulations! Where are you located? I am in Northern California

Good morning all, my name is Shelly. I have just started my journey with WLS, my Doctor sent in the referral last week and now I am waiting to get a call to schedule my orientation with the surgery center (Kaiser Northern Cali). I have been trying for three years to talk my Doctor in to putting in this referral and I finally succeeded! I am Diabetic and suffer from back and hip pain on a daily basis. I can't wait for the day that I can walk around my block without the extreme pain I experience now. I am 5'4" and weigh about 240 lbs (BMI 40), I always tell myself if "I was just a little taller the weight would even out a little". But I can't stretch myself, anymore than I can lose 100 lbs overnight. I have been reading so much about the Gastric Sleeve surgery and all your thoughts and words of encouragement have been extremely helpful. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Looking forward to making some new friends!