BlaqBeary

Did you go? How did it go? What did you think?

Hi BlaqBeary!

Thanks for all of the great info! I'm going to the Riverside seminar tonight, yay! After reading your post, this is all starting to feel real, you know? Depending on time, I'll try ask about the pre and post op diets. Specifically, how long you need to be on liquids. I've tried the premier shakes from costco, I like those much better than the Optifast, but they still make me queasy.

Ack, I just realized it's 12:45 and I want to take my kids to my mom's house at 2:30! I better get moving!!!

equal opportunity

OK ... Maybe this is going to sound really small of me, but people are annoying me.

6 months ago, clerks were not friendly ... they took care of my purchases, etc and sent me on my way. Now, that I am a "normal" weight, I find people trying to strike up conversations, giving me an extra few minutes in line, etc.

Take this morning for instance. My car needed gas, so I stopped by the Quik-Mart for gas. I decided to run in for a drink while the car was filling up. I walk in the door and get greeted with a "Good Morning. How are you today?" from the clerk. I respond and go over to pick out my drink. I try to check out (with 3 people behind me) and he starts chatting about the day. My total was $2.16 and I gave him a $5.00 bill. He made a big production of counting back my money, taking a penny out of the Penny Jar and giving me back $2.85 instead of $2.84. I don't remember a clerk EVER voluntarily taking a penny out for me before. What gives?

Like I said, I know I seem small in this, but it's really bothering me ... Why should I be treated differently now? I'm still the same person - same thoughts, feelings, and day to day routine (minus all the meal time).

Does a thin person deserve less pennies in their wallet than a fat person?!?!?!?!?! :thumbup1:

Hi Mr. Mason

Thanx for the response. I think the "anticipation" and eagerness to lose SOME weight is stressing me; especially this week. Besides reading and working my Options book, I also research the internet to find all info I can in preparation for this surgery; also post-paration (if this is a word, lol) .... Emotionally I am ready, but the mental part of me is the pre-surgery weight. I exercise (walk) daily. It is part of my day. Three 30 minute walks with three other co-workers is a ritual daily. Zumba class 2 nights a week. I moving but the scale is not.

Now I will continue to work hard and go harder with all my might. Feet can't fail me and God will not either. Faith is all I have.

You know what works best for you in losing the weight, so you should follow your instincts.

"Options" is not just about loosing weight in anticipation of the surgery, it's designed to put you in the proper mind-set for your future life. Learning and accepting a new lifestyle as far as eating habits and exercise is far more important than taking off the pounds for the surgery.

Successfully completing the Options program, completing and understanding the classwork and assignments is the key to the process of modifying your approach to the process.

I am in my 8th week of Options at the Panorama City Kaiser. It hasn't all been easy and my scale sometimes does not reflect my hard work and efforts, but it's all a process.

Just stick with it, do your best ... the results will come.

I have until Sept. 20th to finish my Options class. I have weighed in up and down, and technically have only lost 2 pounds since June 21st.

I am thinking of going straight liquids with 3 Optifast with 24g of Protein and have 2-22 grams of Protein for the day until the end of class.

I want so desperately to lose something and with this program I have in mind, I know I can. I have been on the Optifast program with Kaiser before and know what it entails. Soooo, on September 1, I will be going "Cold-Turkey".

I have until Sept. 20th to finish my Options class. I have weighed in up and down, and technically have only lost 2 pounds since June 21st.

I am thinking of going straight liquids with 3 Optifast with 24g of Protein and have 2-22 grams of Protein for the day until the end of class.

I want so desperately to lose something and with this program I have in mind, I know I can. I have been on the Optifast program with Kaiser before and know what it entails. Soooo, on September 1, I will be going "Cold-Turkey".

Yes Yes ....

Anytime:redface1: us sleeve sisters have to stick together! I know it's all going to come together for you...hugs:biggrin2:

Sharing with you all part of the msg. I rcvd from my nurse case manager for Options. It may be helpful to others.

RE: Edema

Received:

08/24/2010 9:45 AM

Hi K

At the same token, I know how discouraging it is to have edema setting you back each time. Do remember that physicians do not just take a look at the over-all weight loss; they check on you over-all, they look at the whole story. They will know what medications you are taking, what the effects of it are, what other conditions you are having, your support system, how ready you are for a life-changing surgery, etc.

Please call me anytime you need to talk. Your facilitator is also there to support you.

-

Thank you.

A good friend of mine since childhood, had the sleeve procedure exactly a year ago. She began at 433 and is now 278. she is about 5'9. She still has 100 to lose. I think she looks awesome. She has had fainting spells because she has gotten dehydrated. But overall she has been very helpful. And to add to your post, she said she gained a few pounds before surgery after waiting 6 months to have the surgery; as well as other members from her class.

Dont give up..... I havent heard of many ppl that have actually reached the required 10% during the options classes especially now since they are only, what 12 weeks?? I was in the 20 week class and I think only 2 ppl reached the 10% requirement its not what they say in the classes its what the surgeon says. STICK WITH IT Go to EVERY class and do ALL your assignments and you'll do great. Congrats on the 5 lbs loss IT IS ALL WORTH IT

It's good to know others have or are going through the same ailment. I have three weeks and have nothing about happy thoughts. Edema or not, 10% lost or not, I'm gonna win.

I am in the 7th week of "Options" at the Panorama City Kaiser (in the San Fernando Valley) and the heat over the recent weeks have been unbearable. I have edema in my left leg and foot, and it's a hassle for me to get to my Tuesday meetings.

I know that Bariatric surgery is the key to the beginning of a healthier future for me, so I plan to continue the process regardless of ... anything. I can't do nothing about my edema, and my scale doesn't always give me the numbers that I want to see, but in the end, it will be worth the effort.

I urge you to continue your Options classes, do the assignments, and don't worry about the 10%. A few bumps along the road are expected, but the journey is worthwhile.

I forgot to mention I lost 5 pounds this past week. I actually began at 313 and have been up and down because of the edema. Currently I am at 311 and that's okay. All previous weekly logs I turn in, shows the changes in weight.

Sweet and very uplifting, Thank you so much. I am sticking with it, I decided that I can no longer fight this edema without the help of a tool that can change my life. I have to do this and I can.

I went to last nights class very apprehensive and even spoke with the instructor before class. I think her hug did it for me:001_smile:. She says everything is being accounted for and not to worry.....I will have surgery. My main concern is not being able to lose and going through Pacific Bariatric one day consultation and I am denied and must lose the weight before surgery. Soooo, if I want it that bad, guess what I will fight all the way to the end.

Again thank you for your encouragement.

Please don't give up! It will be alright! I was the same way up and down during my options classes (story of my life). I never did lose thquired 10%, I believe I only ended up losing 5 lbs. total...Please keep going, that is really the true requirement to getting to the next step, you must finish all your classes. I will say a prayer for you, I know you can do it:redface1:

Hello

I am feeling so down at this moment. This past week have not been a good one. Here in So. Cal it has been hot and my edema flared so much that my legs and feet swelled enormously. Tomorrow I attend my weekly Options 9th (3 more to go) week class with Kaiser. But I am seriously making a decision to stop. I hate feeling that I need to give up something. Especially when this procedure is so important to me.

The thing is my weight fluctuates with this edema. I am losing 8-9lbs and then I gain 12. This is happening every week I stand on the scale. Now I do feel light and i can tell how my clothes fit, especially my shirts.

I need help.

I tell all who will listen. The hardest was thinking how to discuss with Mom. When I did (twice) she totally understands. It's nothing like having your parents approval no matter how old you are. While she has never had a weight issue, she says to me, "I know who have tried losing and suffered long enough, I just want you to be okay". I explained everything i could to her, and answered some questions she had. I know she worries about me in general, but I assured her everything will be good.

For you, think about what you will say to your mother. But know that you MUST do this for yourself and NO ONE ELSE. I'm 43 and want to be here for least another 30. Relax and let your mother know. This surgery is major. People are different and funny. SHE IS YOUR MOM. Maybe print out some materials from the internet, a lil synopsis about the procedure and maybe show her a picture of someone who has had the surgery to show the end result.

Good luck to you. you will do find letting her know.

Curious about how open you guys are about having had surgery. Do you just tell anyone? Close friends/family only? My boyfriend had bypass surgery 2 years ago and every once in awhile he'll run into someone who is shocked and asks him how he lost all the weight-- he has no problem telling them it was surgery, even people he doesn't know well at all.

It's not that I think this is weird, I just don't know how comfortable I'll be answering that question with acquaintances. How do you guys usually go about it? What about telling others you're about to have surgery? Have you told coworkers etc. what kind of surgery it is when they ask? My mom doesn't even know yet so I'm kind of struggling with the delicacy of this a bit.

To my understanding a panniculectomy is covered through Kaiser, only after discovering and being treated for rashes under the "apron" portion. I'm almost positive though a plastic surgeon for Kaiser will view it differently. I've had a apron for so long, I never had a rash issue.

Hi guys:001_smile: Is plastic surgery covered under Kaiser:001_cool:

Biggest Loser Protein - 2GoPaks

Biggest Loser Protein - 2GoPaks

no info given on pre-op or post-op. but there is a paper given at the seminar the DON'TS are smoking, NSAIDs, carbonation, fluids with meals, fresh coconut, snacking and caffeine.

AVOID FOR THE FIRST YEAR arepregnancy, alcohol, read meat, orange and apple juice, corn, raisins and gum. and the DOs are positive mindset, take responsibility, exercise, water/water, quality Protein, multi-Vitamins with minerals, Iron, B12, Calcium with magnesium & zinc, support group and follow up.

the seminar lasted 1 1/2 hours. it began at 550pm. open questions started about 645, but you don't have to stay for that; your choice. the doctor did have a open floor to those who wanted to stay longer and speak with him. i thought that was awesome.

i drink Pure Protein already made in a can. i tried buying from their website, but you can only buy at health food stores. i buy minds at trader joe's.

with that said, the surgeon will most likely give you your diet info. remember everyone is different.

ohhhhh, the doctor mentioned also that they try not to use banding too much and they prefer to use gastric bypass, but the decision is yours. the majority of the class raised their hand for the sleeve. also if there are teachers out there, get that paper work in because you are definitely first in line.

Did they give info on the pre-op and post-op diet plans that they use? I'm not loving the Protein shakes so much and I see people having to do 2-3 week pre-op and post op liquid diets - YUCK!

Oh, one more thing. How long did it last?

go ahead get the medical packet from them and begin filling out the questionnaire. all you have to send now is the medical questionnaire, send copies of your lab work(print from kp.org), and the written true and false questions.

my case manager says in week 10 the final labs and ekg will be ordered and also the gallbladder ultrasound will automatically be sent to Pacific Bariatric. if you already had your gallbladder removed, kaiser will send that information to PB. she says since i have been to the seminar, send everything i have for PB now and Kaiser will do the rest. she says PB will contact them letting them know I have been entered in their system and all paperwork has been rcvd. once kaiser send the final results of everything, PB will contact the patient for the one day consult which will consist of the seeing their Internest, psych and surgeon. after the consult, kaiser will be notified. kaiser will contact you and give you a referral/authorization number to call PB and set a surgery date. the only two times you go to San Diego is to have your consult and to have surgery.

at the seminar the surgeon mentioned that if you have surgery on a monday, you will have to go to san diego on friday to be prepped. so just keep that in mind if you don't want to be there the whole weekend. also there is ABSOLUTELY NO EATING for about a day and a half. you will be cleaning yourself out, lol.

I would have loved to go, but my Options classes are Thursday nights and the next make-up for week 6 isn't until AFTER this class is over. No, not going to miss it. I might try for the Riverside seminar next week, or do a make-up for week 11 next week and go in September. I'm thinking I'll just hoof it on over to Riverside which means I have to leave my house at like 2ish so I can avoid the heaviest traffic. I figure the sooner I can get this prelim stuff done, the better.

yes i am trying to deal with this 10% also. However, this is a problem I am dealing and working with. After the mtg last night, I begin to ask myself questions, so i called the nurse case manager for my options class. in answering my questions with the edema condition i have, she says don't worry about the 10% because it will show that I and my primary physician has been working with diuretics to get the Water off or to a level that I am not holding so much. she mentions that i need not worry about not having the surgery 'cause I will have it. but, everyone is different and i say with your own conditions, speak with your case manager for options and find out what you need. i know i am at a relief status now, because I was very worried about my edema and the slow weight loss.

Woohoo! Another pound! Go you! I'm still working on getting my head in the right place so I can get my 10% lost. I'm down 9 lbs, but have 18 to go...

I would have loved to go, but my Options classes are Thursday nights and the next make-up for week 6 isn't until AFTER this class is over. No, not going to miss it. I might try for the Riverside seminar next week, or do a make-up for week 11 next week and go in September. I'm thinking I'll just hoof it on over to Riverside which means I have to leave my house at like 2ish so I can avoid the heaviest traffic. I figure the sooner I can get this prelim stuff done, the better.

Did they give info on the pre-op and post-op diet plans that they use? I'm not loving the Protein shakes so much and I see people having to do 2-3 week pre-op and post op liquid diets - YUCK!

Oh, one more thing. How long did it last?

what can i say, a very good seminar with all info covered from a-z. i enjoyed it and received my packet to fill out and get the information mailed as soon as possible.

if anyone has any questions or comments respond here or pm me.

on top of that i lost another pound since monday.

lol I thought the same. And I have never heard of Crown.

hey! i was only given two choices! you got, like, a million!

When was the last date of your Options class?

There will be those to say whatever hospital their procedure was completed at, will be the best hospital. And, yes there are many Kaisers all across to back East. I was born at Bellflower.

It's not that Kaiser corrected PB (if there are actual statistics that mention this). To my understanding overall there were approximately 80 patients who recieved the lapband, either from Kaiser or another facility and Kaiser performed/corrected over something of 200 lapbands to sleeves. So, there were a lot of people being corrected by Kaiser than doing the actual sleeves. Although sleeves were done f0r the first time there too.

Nonetheless, who is to say where the majority of those patients come from. I think if you go to PB website Gastric Bypass Surgery and Bariatric Surgery information - Pacific Bariatric you will find another statistic rather than put them (Crown also) down. PB has done over 10,000 plus, because this is what they specialize in.

I want my surgery completed with PB, in that, I don't want to wait for Kaisers waiting list.

Hey I've heard South Bay Harbor City is the BEST! They are one of the best Bariatric facilities nationwide out of 200 hospitals (and there are over 200 hospitals in California alone). They actually end up of fixing all the problem cases from Pacific and Crown. The surgeons are the BEST! It's worth the wait. Of course it's just my opinion...it's ultimately your decision:redface1:.

pacific bariatric will be at the anaheim plaza hotel tomorrow at 5:30pm for those who are interested or just for info. they will give you the packet of everything you need to return to them to get a consult down in San Diego and then a referral number to see the surgeon. I will be there with bells on (not really - just excited)

Just found out some bad news......:biggrin0: according to my case worker I can not use Lancaster.... these are my options

van buren office

southbay-

west la-kaiser

crown bariatric

pacific bariatric-

Now I got to research these ones:thumbdown:

Wow I am truly blessed. I do not have a co-pay ---only for outpatient, which is 10 bucks. Office visit is 10 also and prescriptions are 5. no lab fees and any special visits for referrals are 10, but depending on the procedure/visit.

I also checked with member services regarding my insurance with Pacific Bariatric and I was told as long as it is a referral from my doctor all fees will be the same as if Kaiser completed the procedure.

Mine is the same co pay as yours. $200.00 in hospital stay,office visits are $30.00. How will you get to San Diego? If you go there how long there for? Where will who ever drives you stay? These are the out of pocket expenses I am concerned about. I was hoping to get billed for these and make payments actually. I have before. So, SD Bariatric has local or somewhat local mandatory seminars to attend? I am off to bed, got my procedures early in the a.m. Glad I found you here. Was Kinda feeling lost... :001_tongue:

Thank you.

Yeah, I agree. I want to be in there before their wait list back-up.

excellent, blaqbeary!

kaiser really does need to get it together. pretty soon, pacific bariatric will be backed up with kaiser people, too. they talked about that at the seminar i went to, and most of the people there were from kaiser. i'm glad i'm getting in before things get too out of control.