audaciousmarie

You bring up a very interesting point because the surgery is done on our stomachs and not our brains. I think its quite interesting insurance only requires one visit to a psychiatrist and that is before surgery (nothing after). I completely agree that patients are monitored and cared for as far as any physical changes after surgery (i.e. complications) but what about mental changes? Complications can occur there too. If a person doesn't understand why they have a problem with their weight (and how to fix or properly cope), having surgery or going on a diet is only putting a band aid on a gunshot wound. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App That is why I spent a year in therapy before surgery, and continue therapy for my food addiction issues. It's a shame so many people suffer even after surgery with head hunger and end up gaining it all back. I think that could be avoided, I care so little about food now, because I found other things in my life to keep me occupied/busy. Have to fix the brain first. That's not easy either, it took me 48 years to even admit I was an addict. Yes, just like a heroin addict. I was hiding food, I was lying about food, I was spending a LOT on food, I am an addict. Simple as that, and once I admitted that, life got a hell of a lot easier. You made some excellent points too, putting a bandage on a gunshot wound....that's exactly right. I admire you for being so in touch with your emotions and not being afraid of them. I too am a food addict. Its almost harder being a food addict than being a drug addict because at least there is the possibility to go cold turkey from drugs. We cannot just quit eating food so the temptation is always there. I am going to make sure that I make regular therapy appointments apart of my post op care. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

3 year pre op diet? That is preposterous...geez talk about a deterrent. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! And welcome to you as well. I don't have a surgery date yet (I am still completing the pre op requirements) but I am hoping to get the surgery done in either June or July. Do you have a surgery date? Have you met the surgeon yet? My next step is the psych appointment and I am a little nervous about it. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App My date is July 4th. I'm going to Tijuana for my surgery, so I'll meet him the day before. I too, like to live dangerously. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Well thats awesome and very brave. I have heard nothing but positive things from people who go to Mexico for surgery (and its so much cheaper). Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! And welcome to you as well. I don't have a surgery date yet (I am still completing the pre op requirements) but I am hoping to get the surgery done in either June or July. Do you have a surgery date? Have you met the surgeon yet? My next step is the psych appointment and I am a little nervous about it. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

You bring up a very interesting point because the surgery is done on our stomachs and not our brains. I think its quite interesting insurance only requires one visit to a psychiatrist and that is before surgery (nothing after). I completely agree that patients are monitored and cared for as far as any physical changes after surgery (i.e. complications) but what about mental changes? Complications can occur there too. If a person doesn't understand why they have a problem with their weight (and how to fix or properly cope), having surgery or going on a diet is only putting a band aid on a gunshot wound. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Oh ok..for some reason I just knew it would be way more than that. I'm glad to know its not and I can get it done. Thanks for the info. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Sending positive vibes your way...everything will work out just fine! Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much and I definitely will:) Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

That is so strange. Usually you are automatically eligible with a bmi over 40. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Congrats! Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hello Everyone, I thought I'd introduce myself on the site. This is my second go round at weight loss surgery (I was approved in 2013 for gastric sleeve through UHC but I chickened out the morning of surgery). This time I'll be getting surgery through Kaiser (the Fremont location and my surgeon is Dr. Hahn). In comparison to my experience last time I feel more ready for the lifetime changes I need to make in order to succeed with this surgery. I have been overweight all of my life. I've managed to lose 90 pounds twice, through low carb dieting and exercise, but each time I gain it back. I am really grateful to be able to participate in this support board as it has made my journey to surgery so much easier because I see there are people out there going through the exact same things I am. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

I'm curious about this too Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hi @@Phoenix40! So last Thursday I went for my Nutrition/Surgeon/Coordinator appointment. I'll describe each appointment below: First you are weighed in and your height is taken Nutrition: The nutritionist is a very nice lady and she will ask you about what type of diet you have been on (I started following the 1200 calorie diet after orientation). You will have to describe what you usually eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks,etc. She also talks about Vitamins and what type you will need post op (this will depend on if you get the sleeve or bypass) and what to expect as far as diet goes in the first weeks after surgery (i.e. liquids, soft foods, etc) She also informed me about the different types of Protein drinks and answered any questions I had. Surgeon: Dr. Hahn was very patient. He went over my BMI, co morbidities, medications, etc to ensure that I would be a good candidate for surgery. He said it would be my choice whether to go for sleeve or bypass as I would be great candidate for either (I don't have acid reflux). We talked about the differences between sleeve and bypass (right off the bat he discouraged from the lap band so we were in agreement about that). He reiterated that regain was possible with either surgery and so is dumping (so it really comes down to the patient being willing to put in the work to not only lose the weight but keep it off). He went into detail about possible complications withe each procedure (ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia, reflux, etc). He then set a weight loss goal for me. Normally they ask the patients to lose 10% of their body weight but Dr. Hahn only requires a 7-8%, of total body weight, loss. For me 7-8% was 19 pounds (I had already lost 9 pounds since orientation and he credited me so I needed to lose 10 pounds to get a surgery date and 5 pounds to get a psych appointment). The only other requirements Dr. Hahn set out for me, besides weight loss, is attending at least one support group, and an EKG (I already finished my bloodwork). Coordinator: She was very pleasant. She informed of what my next steps to surgery are (support group, psych appointment, etc) and that to be sure I call monthly to update them on my weight and progress. Before the psych appointment each patient must fill out a surgery quiz (located in Chapter 9 of the Bariatric binder) and send it in before the appointment. Overrall it was an interesting yet quick appointment. I was told to expect to be there for 3 hours but for me it was more like 2 hours. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App Thank you for posting this! Your timing was perfect! I was struggling with one of my bad habits when I saw this and it helped me get passed it. Hearing about the appointment made me excited for my next step and reminded me why I am doing this. You are very welcome! I can't wait to hear about your appointment. Always remember..you are not alone in this journey:) Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hi @@Phoenix40! So last Thursday I went for my Nutrition/Surgeon/Coordinator appointment. I'll describe each appointment below: First you are weighed in and your height is taken Nutrition: The nutritionist is a very nice lady and she will ask you about what type of diet you have been on (I started following the 1200 calorie diet after orientation). You will have to describe what you usually eat for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks,etc. She also talks about Vitamins and what type you will need post op (this will depend on if you get the sleeve or bypass) and what to expect as far as diet goes in the first weeks after surgery (i.e. liquids, soft foods, etc) She also informed me about the different types of Protein drinks and answered any questions I had. Surgeon: Dr. Hahn was very patient. He went over my BMI, co morbidities, medications, etc to ensure that I would be a good candidate for surgery. He said it would be my choice whether to go for sleeve or bypass as I would be great candidate for either (I don't have acid reflux). We talked about the differences between sleeve and bypass (right off the bat he discouraged from the lap band so we were in agreement about that). He reiterated that regain was possible with either surgery and so is dumping (so it really comes down to the patient being willing to put in the work to not only lose the weight but keep it off). He went into detail about possible complications withe each procedure (ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia, reflux, etc). He then set a weight loss goal for me. Normally they ask the patients to lose 10% of their body weight but Dr. Hahn only requires a 7-8%, of total body weight, loss. For me 7-8% was 19 pounds (I had already lost 9 pounds since orientation and he credited me so I needed to lose 10 pounds to get a surgery date and 5 pounds to get a psych appointment). The only other requirements Dr. Hahn set out for me, besides weight loss, is attending at least one support group, and an EKG (I already finished my bloodwork). Coordinator: She was very pleasant. She informed of what my next steps to surgery are (support group, psych appointment, etc) and that to be sure I call monthly to update them on my weight and progress. Before the psych appointment each patient must fill out a surgery quiz (located in Chapter 9 of the Bariatric binder) and send it in before the appointment. Overrall it was an interesting yet quick appointment. I was told to expect to be there for 3 hours but for me it was more like 2 hours. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

You look awesome. What lipstick are you wearing? Its so pretty:)

Thats awesome news! Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Thank you very much. Is your surgeon Dr. Dutta? (he was the surgeon that led the orientation). I think we were at the same one last Wednesday in Fremont. Good luck to you as well and congrats for making it this far in the process Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hey guys, So tomorrow I have the surgeon/nutrition/coordinator consult (my surgeon is Dr. Hahn) at Kaiser Fremont. Has anyone here been sleeved or had their gastric bypass done by Dr. Hahn? Is he open to lots of questions? Is he super strict about losing all of the required weight before surgery? Does he put you on a strict pre op/liquid diet? After the consult, what is supposed to happen next? I'm so nervous lol. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Congrats LaDivaDev! You are really getting close to surgery and congrats on your weight loss:) I am going through Kaiser Fremont as well. I just attended their orientation yesterday. This upcoming Wednesday is my consultation with the surgeon, dietician and coordinator. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hi snickysnack78! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question with such vital information! Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Hello Everyone I am in the beginning stages of trying to obtain approval for surgery. The insurance I have is Kaiser and I am hoping to have surgery at the Fremont location. Can anyone give me an idea of what the process is at Kaiser? Are Options classes required? If so, how many? I had my pcp send a referral to the Bariatric Departement. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App