BlaqBeary

my two supplemental insurance pays for disability & hospital stay. however the doctor fills out the insurance papers and thats black and white. it is the doctor/surgeon discretion how long a patient is off; complications maybe? i had my gallbladder removed and was good the second week, but i was off six weeks.

You might want to check with your supplemental insurance to see if they only pay for "disability period." You will not be disabled for 6-8 weeks and no ethical doctor would write you a note otherwise. My supplemental plans only pay if you are truly disabled in my experience as a HR/benefits person.

Hi I know I'm pretty early to ask ,but is there anyone getting sleeved in November?

I'm traveling 7th Nov having surgery at the OOC with Dr Ortiz and then traveling back the 14th as he wants you to stay until the drain is out.

Hoping there are some others out there.

i am praying for tbe middle of november.

we have a syllabus that tell us what week to have labs, ekg,etc. your labs are ready for you. i sent my pcp an email for

the ekg :no appt needed. it took 15min.TE=thin2be;76947]Ok I just finished my 9th options class yesterday......around when did you get ur lab

s done and who told u too?

l

case manager at my facility states Pacific Bariatric is 4 to 6 weeks in that you have completed all thats needed

It does seem that it's just a bit different for each service area. I'm in Orange County and I have my last class on the 23rd - same weefiklaqBeary Woohoo!!! I went to see my PCP/the bariatric doctor last week for an unrelated issue (hiatal hernia - boo!) and we talked briefly about things. He told me that we don't have a post Options appointment with him, but the case manager sends everything over for him to review the last couple of weeks and they order everything at that time. A girl from a prior class did some make-ups in mine and she showed me a letter that she received from KP around week 10 with all of the info about where helr surgery would be, that an ultrasound and labs would be ordered, etc. So, a bit different than everywhere else.

Now, here's something interesting I learned last week. I was on another board, Thinner Times, and there was a girl there who was from Kaiser and was having her surgery done with PB. Apparently, PB is scheduling much further out than what Kaiser is saying. She didn't get her consult appointment until about 5 weeks after Options (don't know when seminar was completed) and was told that she would be called with a surgery date in 2-3 weeks. At week 2 she called them, and they told her to call wait another 2-3 weeks. Plus, a girl in my class has a brother who finished his Options in June, and just had his consult in late August and is waiting for a surgery date still. It took almost 2 months for his consult!!! I brought it up to my PCP and he said that PB is giving them reports that they are an average of 4-6 weeks from authorization to surgery. So, I just know that I'm going to be super pro-active with them and assume that they're not scheduling as quickly as they're telling Kaiser...

Hey Thin .... I will be finished with my Options class on September 20. Last week the case manager came in and spoke to the class as a whole and answer questions and gave us lots of info. I too am deciding to have my surgery at Pacific Bariatric. I went to the seminar last month. This past Thursday I finished my last labs and EKG and mail the medical history and copies of lab and ekg to Pacific Bariatric to get processed in there system.

Now to my understanding, once you have completed Options, the instructor makes sure you have completed all your food and exercise logs (and you can also check by going to KP.org and looking under the "view past appointments"). After that the case manager will go over the file, checking that all labs, etc are completed before giving it to the doctor over the program. From there the case manager calls you to give you an authorization number and you use this number to contact PB in San Diego to set up your one day consult. I hope I helped a lil bit. I am with Kaiser Bellflower.

I'm sorry for asking so many questions. :tongue_smilie:But I have an inquiring mind. Overall I'm happy for you and can't wait til my transition. I'm hoping to get a November date.

Hi BlaqBeary...OK let me answer your questions :confused1:..

1. I drank a small can of V8 yesterday and finished it with NO PAIN yayyy! So that was huge for me.

2. I never feel hungry, I do get thirsty (probably because I'm still not at 64 oz.).

3. I can't even think about Protein right now,still trying to get all my fluids in. Once I starting eating I will try and eat high Protein items if possible.

4. My body is tired :cursing: ...I see on many posts others going on trips, and outings and feeling fine, but that's not me at all. I can't even go out for an 1 hour without feeling totally drained. I'm so happy I took a month off.

You are Welcome and thanks. It is definitely a journey from beginning to end.

Thanks so much Blaqbeary, Yep, they are on the fridge. The main reason is that what I see in the mirror is not matching what I see in the pics. When I look in the mirror, it seems like I haven't lost that much, but when I see the before and after I see the 75 lbs gone. It is so funny, before I would see myself in pictures and it felt like I was bigger than I looked in the mirror. Take lots and lots of photos on your journey, and put them up everywhere. They help tell the truth even when your head is messing with you! Love and light to your path in November, you will love your new tool!

Protein powder. I bought the strawberry Milkshake. The taste is wonderful just like real strawberries (milkshake). I bought from Lindberg Nutrition here in So Cal. There are two locations. For 28 days of 2 scoops for men and women 1 scoop may last longer for just one scoop a day. I use two to get 44g of Protein.

just curious? Now that you have been sleeved and you know this is the best decision you've made for your life, how are you mentally and emotionally. What are your family, friends, and co-workers saying, if you told them? Physically, are you feeling any different?

I posted to you PM; did not know you posted here how you made out. So happy to know you are doing well. The days will get better. How are the liquids going down now? Is there ever a time you feel hungry, only because you didn't remember to drink anything? Have you begun Protein yet? Overall, how does your body feel?

OMGOSH! So much to tell! I'm using my blackberry to post this :-)...I'm still here in the hospital and trying to deal with this terrible gas...yesterday was super tough, I was so out of it (on morphine all day) lol. Today is much better but still painful, some of these pains are worse than labor pains (for me anyway). I had something really scarry happen to me on Thursday the night before my surgery. I found a large lump on my left breast :-(. My surgeon was able to get a biopsy during the sleeve. He said it wasn't a cyst and would have to be surgically removed. He also said the biopsy didn't look like cancer, so that was good news. Anyway, I think I may be released tomorrow. I will post another update once I get home. Please keep me in your prayers :-)...hugs.

I use a product called Syntha-6. The flavor I get is strawberry Milkshake. Just the smell of the powder makes you melt. I use skim milk to mix with. It actually taste like a milkshake.

we all have our fears; understandably. but to hopefully re-assure you, a close friend of mine had the sleeve procedure a year ago August. her surgery date weight was 433 and she is now 270. she had many pre-surgery issues: diabetic, high blood pressure and edema to name a few. some meds have been cut or she's not taking any of some of them.

i say the decision is up to you which month you have surgery. and only your doctor, basically , has the last decision if the surgery is right for you at this time.

as for your cpap, be sure to use it every single night.

Hi all,

I'm brand new to this forum but have been looking for somewhere like this for a long time. My names Emma and I'm 23 years old, from Ireland.

I've been reading through all of your posts and just want to say congratulations to everyone on such amazing weight loss results.

I myself am booked in to have a gastric sleeve done on the 22nd of this month. I have all pre op testing done and passed everything with flying colors, except for my sleep study which revealed sleep apnea so I am using a CPAP machine for that. Basically I came here just looking for advice and support. I am terrified that something will go wrong during my surgery because I am so big. I am starting my pre op diet tomorrow so hopefully should have lost 20 pounds by my surgery date.

Are there any members out there who were as big as me and have a success story to share? I guess I am just really looking for reassurance because I'm suddenly filled with doubts since getting my surgery date yesterday.

Anyway thanks everybody for reading, I hope I get to know more about you all on this site.

Love Emma

Do you all remember in the early 80's the :20 minute workout that came on TV? I believe it was channel 5 here in the Los Angeles area.

Well the other night I found a website that no longer sold the tapes of it, but allows you to download for free. I downloaded it and have it on my laptop. When I use it, I just turn on my laptop and get to moving.

I remember the days doing this every single morning. I was only 16/17 years, but I loved it and so glad I found it.

I am looking for a good dance workout video/DVD. Any recommendation. Do they have good music to dance too?

Boo, I knew when I typed it you were NOT coming wayyyyyyyy down here.

If you know the doctors name who signs off your Options to referred you to your next steps, look his name up in the "clinical staff directory" of Kaiser's website (if this is the insurance you have) and type his name in and the name will come. Usually their picture is there and a lil something about them along with the icon mentioning accepting new patients. Lol. Good luck to you.

Boo! I am in Santa Clarita. I will call the options program out here and see if any of theirs are accepting new patients. I am so glad you posted this as your game plan.

Thanks

Nancy

downey/bellflower

Which Kaiser is he at? I think that is a brilliant move and if I can I'd love to do the same.

Nancy

Hey Christie .... I'm Kristie too.

You are beautiful. Keep up the good work. The hair color is HOT!!!!!!! Have fun with it. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Just think your next 3 month mark could be that you met goal. How exciting is that?

Where did you get the graphic name?

gyrlie you look awesome. 3 1/2 months. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm hoping for surgery in early November. you are such an inspiration. do you have your pics on your fridge? I would. CONGRATS to you.

Gyrlllllllll!!!!!! Cracking up ova here. We can't cry no more. Laughter and happy tears is what we're all about now. Best wishes to you.

PCP today to the doctor that is over the Options departments. He is accepting new patients. I did this because I will feel comfortable with a doctor who knows the changes I will endure for the rest of my life. He may even not be around for that long, but at least I can be at ease knowing there is a doctor who will understand what I've gone through and stay on track. Am I wrong for changing? My current physician is very dry natured (sp) and seems that she cares, but I can never tell.

How did pre-op go? What are your instructions?

Hi,

I started the Kaiser options program at Panorama City last Oct., when it lasted 20 weeks, since then I know it has gone to 12 wks. I completed the class and all of it's requirements, food logs, exercise logs, weight loss on April 4, 2010. My home Kaiser is Woodland Hills and I think they are now starting there own program.

I finally got a surgery date with Dr. Zane at South Bay, it will be on Sept. 14, my preop is happening on Sept 2. I'm nervous but excited. It is a really long process but I hope that it will be very successful and worth waiting for. Good luck to you on the journey and hang in there.

Bobcat:thumbup:

Whomever is going to Pacific Bariatric check with the Case Manager where you are attending classes. I'll be glad to fax to you to show them what it is. Up to 130 for gas & up to 100 a night for a hotel room. Also if your companion goes seperately, i.e. has to leave later than you or meet you there the day of your surgery they are also refunded for up to 130 for gas.

I for one am not using the refund service. It's good but, my father lives in Chula Vista, 15 minutes from the hospital and we are always up there at least 3-4 times a month.

Awesome! Little by little:biggrin2:...I'm so happy you get reimbursed and hotel stay? that is wonderful! Good for you!

Thank you. Good luck to you on your appt. tmrw. You obviously have waited a very long time. Your new life and a new you are just beginning.

Hi,

I started the Kaiser options program at Panorama City last Oct., when it lasted 20 weeks, since then I know it has gone to 12 wks. I completed the class and all of it's requirements, food logs, exercise logs, weight loss on April 4, 2010. My home Kaiser is Woodland Hills and I think they are now starting there own program.

I finally got a surgery date with Dr. Zane at South Bay, it will be on Sept. 14, my preop is happening on Sept 2. I'm nervous but excited. It is a really long process but I hope that it will be very successful and worth waiting for. Good luck to you on the journey and hang in there.

Bobcat:thumbup:

I have 2 more Mondays after the Holiday next week. I am well on to another stepping stone of my life. It's excitement flowing through me, with a lil bit of nervousness.

I learned last night from the Case Manager, that Pacific Bariatric is on time with a waiting period of 4-6 weeks; if all your labs, EKG and ultrasounds are in-tact. But first, it is very important that you go to the seminar for PB, because they will not take you until you do. The next class is September 16.

Be sure to lost at least 7-8% of your weight. If you use a C-pap machine, you must use it every single night before surgery or risk going into cardiac arrest. If you smoke, STOP, STOP - your will be given a nicotine test. Quit smoking 6-8 weeks before surgery.

Kaiser Harbor City has a waiting list of 200 people and are not taking patients for another list nor is West LA.

Well Ladies and Gents --- Down 2 more lbs. One Holiday to get through and 2 more classes and I'm done with Options. Last nights class was very informative. I will send info on that later. One important thing I will mentioned is Kaiser reimburses for the gas to Pacific Bariatric, hotel stay-up to 130 bucks and gas for the post-op visit to Anaheim. The Nurse Case Manager stated this is something new. I'm not if we are the first group to use it or what. But I thought it to be a good thing if this is your decision. The duration of receiving your refund is about 60 days.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Checking in since now I am alone. Hubby is gone to watch the Cowboys pre-season game with his relatives and daughter is gone to work til 3AM. And I'm washing, cleaning and whatever leisure something I decide to do.

Nonetheless, I had my EKG done yesterday. I rcvd a original copy of that to send to Pacific Bariatric. I have to do my last blood work on Monday. Also rcvd a call to have a ultrasound of my kidneys and liver; gallbladder removed last year. I believe my PCP ordered this and not the Options department. I say whatever, better to know something if there is anything else, right?

I want to say to those that are in the Options program. I have been doing all the phone work and getting my own questions answered. I thought Options will have you referred to have all the test done. But No, No they do not. I learned that all you have to for the EKG is walk-in to where you see your PCP and say you need a EKG for the Bariatric Options program. Be sure to do your labs. Just go to the lab and have your blood drawn.

Please do not wait for Kaiser to give you information. You will wait, wait, and wait. My psych, surgeon and internist will be scheduled for me because I am deciding to have the procedure in San Diego.

By all means please find out and contact who your Registered Nurse Case Manager is for Options to find out what is next. I send emails to mine and she answers the same day if she is not busy. She will call me also. So if you are cloae to the 10 week mark, get those last labs in, EKG done and if you need a gallbladder ultrasound be sure to have your PCP send the referral.

Any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Krys