After doing a lot of research and reading all I can on the subject, I've come to the conclusion that Bariactric surgery would be right for me.

Throughput the past 30 years plus, I've tried a lot of OTC weight loss products, and I have been in Weight Watchers maybe five times. I have had varying degrees of success, but nothing permanent. Back in 2007, I lost nearly 100 pounds, half through sheer determination and half through Weight Watchers, but sadly within a year, I regained a little more than half of the weight. My highest weight was 357 pounds.

My primary Kaiser physician agreed that Bariactric surgery would be a good option for me, and due to my other medical concerns (Type 2 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, and Sleep Apnea) classified the procedure as being "medically necessary". Because of that classification, the Bariactric procedure is covered through my Medicare and my Kaiser Plan. In total, my out-of-pocket expense for the entire procedure would be a single co-payment of fifty (50.00) dollars.

I attended an information orientation at the Panorama City Kaiser Medical Offices on May 6, 2010.

I attended a one-on-one appointment with the lead Bariactric Surgeon, who also happens to be in charge of the Bariactric program on June 8, 2010. After reviewing my medical records and a question and answer session with me to determine if I would be a good candidate for the surgery, he approved me to continue in the program. Through TV advertisements and billboards, I originally was interested in having the Lap Band procedure, but after reviewing my medical history, the doctor felt that the Vertical Sleeve procedure would be better for me.

One of the requirements is that all candidates must complete a 12 week "Options Program". The program meets for 90 minutes once a week for the twelve weeks. The program involves information about the procedure, weekly weigh-ins, a three phase diet to physically prepare the body and the mind for the surgery, nutritional guidance, and weight management. Candidates are urged to loose about 10% of their starting weight prior to the procedure. In my case, the doctor suggested that I loose about 20 to 25 pounds. This weight loss has to to due with reducing the amount of fat around the liver, which will make the surgeons work a little easier. During the final phase of the three phase diet, food consumption will be down to the amount of food that can be consumed post-surgery. I assume this is condition the body not to go into shock when the amount of food consumed post-surgery is drastically reduced.

After the 12 week "Options" course, a final medical clearance (if all goes as planned) is granted by the surgeon, and the actual procedure can be scheduled. Those successfully completing the program have up to one year to make a final decision on whether or not they choose to continue with the surgery.

My first of 12 weekly meetings is scheduled for July 6. 2010, with program completion on September. 21, 2010.

I am so looking forward to the program.

This seems like a long time and a lot to go through for the procedure, but it's well worth the time. By programs end, I will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to continue with the surgery, but for now, there is little doubt in my minds. The Vertical Sleeve will give me a valuable tool for changing my lifestyle, improving my health, and making me a "happy camper". This is an opportunity for me to live a better life, and I am committed to doing the work to insure my success.

:lol0:

@ MB20MOM

Completed my 10th class last night....yeah 2 more to go...in fact I asked when we find out the next steps once we complete the class and they told us that we find that out the last class. Go figure....we have not met anyone or have been told anything about the process. I could not agree with you more on not learning anything...everything that has been taught I know already and finally last night I got some good info on what the diet will be after surgery. I hope this thing with Debbie not calling me back is not a indication of how things are ganna go when I am done with classes! I decided to go to the orientation tonight at pacific thought might as well get that over with....I hate being in the dark...I feel so blind going into this and what the process will be!! I have kind of put 2 and 2 together based on what everyone says....seems I well see the pcp then he will send me for lab work then once recieved they will give me the green light and send my paperwork to pacific...after that I schedule the consult and then hopefully get my surgery date!! I am so excited....:thumbup:

Hey Everyone It's been a minute and tonight is the last night of Options. Whewwwww!!!!! Signed the release for records form for Pacific Bariatric and waiting for authorization number from Kaiser to have the one day consult in San Diego. We were that if all goes well, surgery can be in exactly six weeks, which will be November 1. I sure hope so; in my case anyway.

I hope everyone is doing great in whatever stage you are in, be it pre or post surgery.

BlaqBeary awesome news so happy for u! Well I am on week 11 now...have class tonight. Yes almost done. I went to the orientation at Pacific Bariatric and it seems like an excellent hospital. Unfortunatly I did talk to the case manager and she said we have to wait until we are done with class to do labs. Right after the last class we see the pcp and they will give us the green light to get labs done...I am ok now bc it has gone by fast...2-3 more months should be cake!!

yes i am truly excited. I have noticed eacn facility operates differently. We completed labs throughout the program so the doctor could watch how we were doing. For example, I am anemic and now I am required to take 2 Iron pills a day to build my blood.

BlaqBeary awesome news so happy for u! Well I am on week 11 now...have class tonight. Yes almost done. I went to the orientation at Pacific Bariatric and it seems like an excellent hospital. Unfortunatly I did talk to the case manager and she said we have to wait until we are done with class to do labs. Right after the last class we see the pcp and they will give us the green light to get labs done...I am ok now bc it has gone by fast...2-3 more months should be cake!!

yes i am truly excited. I have noticed eacn facility operates differently. We completed labs throughout the program so the doctor could watch how we were doing. For example, I am anemic and now I am required to take 2 Iron pills a day to build my blood.

So are you going to be able to proceed with your surgery now since you are anemic or do u have to bring your iron up first?

Yes, I am able to proceed. Ive been taking the iron now for a month and completed more labs since I began. Im just waiting patiently.

So are you going to be able to proceed with your surgery now since you are anemic or do u have to bring your iron up first?

I have a history of anemia which steams from PCOS and the mest of periods!!Do you mind me asking what brand of iron u take and the dose? I am worried about anemic when I get my labs done....I have my last class Tuesday the 28th and want to make sure that I have my iron up:thumbup:

Nature Made Iron. I bought at Target.

QUOTE=thin2be;80863]I have a history of anemia which steams from PCOS and the mest of periods!!Do you mind me asking what brand of iron u take and the dose? I am worried about anemic when I get my labs done....I have my last class Tuesday the 28th and want to make sure that I have my iron up:thumbup:

I completed the Options course on September 21st at Panorama City. My total weight loss during Options was 24 pounds, so I"m feeling pretty good.

I was told that as of 9/21, the wait time at West Los Angeles, where i intend to have my surgery is about 14 weeks. This will give me a chance to maybe drop a few more pounds and complete everything needed before the surgery.

Congrats for passing this stepping stone. 14 weeks is really not a long time. Classes were only 12.

I completed the Options course on September 21st at Panorama City. My total weight loss during Options was 24 pounds, so I"m feeling pretty good.

I was told that as of 9/21, the wait time at West Los Angeles, where i intend to have my surgery is about 14 weeks. This will give me a chance to maybe drop a few more pounds and complete everything needed before the surgery.

Hi I'm new to this site, I have questions. I did my Options classes at Baldwin Park, I finished classes June 13th. On July 8th I was referred to West L.A. I was told

I'd be contacted by West L.A. within a few weeks,I was never contacted but I recieved an appointment card for July 26th. I'm not sure what the appointment is for psych eval or something else. Please let me know if you can, thank you. I'm new to this journey!!

Hello, I'm new to the site too. I will start my options program on 10/03/11. I have not researched a surgeon yet. I am going to the Anaheim options program and I heard that they use the PB an fountain Valley hospital. Is anyone familiar with Fountain Valley?

By the way, I'm very excited about this journey!

Had mine on August 4 at South Bay Kaiser. Don't sweat the approval, the doctor will most likely approve it. At the required meeting with the doctors (all the patients planning surgery in a period) the only reason they said they would deny was someone 100 or more pounds overweight, over the age 60 and had some sort of condition which would indicate they would not be able to follow through with the dietary requirements.