Good Evening All,

I am new to this forum but find it very interesting and encouraging to read everyone's story. I have completed my classes at Kaiser the first of August and already went down and did my clearance with Pacific Bariatric and met my surgeon Dr. Zorn. They sent me home with a letter stating don't contact them until after 21 days what?? Im ready to call them everyday until they give me a date. Im ready now. I don't want to gain any weight waiting. I've lost almost 35lbs,I'm trying to lose more and maintain all at the same time. I'm going stir crazy. I haven't really told anyone at work and I finally convinced my family to support me in my choice of the sleeve (their all skinny and kept saying I can lose the 100lbs on my own) and their on board so lets get to it. I found out I will be losing my gallbladder as well (was trying to avoid that)but whatever. So first thing October 4th I will be calling (that day will be the 21st day)to see when the sleeve day will be. I am so confuse why I have to wait so long Kaiser has already sent the authorization letter and all the docs cleared me that day. Can someone help me understand why such a delay? I would appreciate the feedback to help me stay sane. Thanks sleeve family:scared0:

I'm going stir crazy. I haven't really told anyone at work and I finally convinced my family to support me in my choice of the sleeve (their all skinny and kept saying I can lose the 100lbs on my own) and their on board so lets get to it. I found out I will be losing my gallbladder as well (was trying to avoid that)but whatever. So first thing October 4th I will be calling (that day will be the 21st day)to see when the sleeve day will be. I am so confuse why I have to wait so long Kaiser has already sent the authorization letter and all the docs cleared me that day. Can someone help me understand why such a delay? I would appreciate the feedback to help me stay sane. Thanks sleeve family:scared0:

Hello NewMe2Bee,

The old saying, "patience is a virtue," applies here. I started the ball rolling for the VSG at Kaiser Fontana last November, finished the 12 week Options class on May 24, 2010, and am scheduled for the surgery through Pacific Bariatrics on September 27, 2010. It's been a long wait, but well worth it. Please don't despair; there are huge numbers of people waiting for this surgery, and the more time you have to wait leaves you more time to research your options and make sure this is what you want and truly need.

As you've probably read, there are so many people who go in for this surgery totally unprepared for what to expect. But remember, any bariatric surgery is a TOOL -- not a solution -- for our weight loss. It is up to us to follow the instructions we have been given in order for us to be successful.

As an aside, Kaiser is expanding their bariatric program. People can have Kaiser surgeons perform their WLS at St. Bernadine's (in San Bernardino) and, when the Kaiser Fontana reopens with its new facility in 2013, WLS will be provided there. :001_tongue:

You will get your call from Pacific Bariatrics within the time indicated, and they will follow up with you every step of the way. Hang in there!!

Thanks NurseTeacher,

I appreciate the response...I know I know I have to be patient and I know this. I guess I am just anxious. I know this is what I need and want. I have already continued with all the things that I have learned and relearned about eating and moving. I truly look forward to this tool and know that it still is going to take even more work after the procedure. congratulations on your sleeve date.. I know your super duper excitied. I'm assuming based on your screen name your a nurse as am I. Dont be a grumpy NursePatient...they say were the worse.IDK I haven't been a patient since I've been a nurse so we shall see..Again tks for the encouagement.

I've lost almost 35lbs,I'm trying to lose more and maintain all at the same time.

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss:thumbup:. The more you lose the happier the surgeons and anesthesiologists are.

Armed with the knowledge you are getting now, along with your "nurse knowledge," you already have a terrific head start over many who will not receive this information that Kaiser provides you (although many will argue that too much knowledge is not a good thing!).

Yes, I too am a nurse, and Dr. Tanaka has already stated that I will be giving him trouble :thumbup:. As a patient many times in the past, I hope that I will not be grumpy and that any pain issues will be resolved promptly and effectively. (From what I've heard from other Scripps Mercy Hospital WLS patients, the nurses there provide excellent care, especially for bariatric patients.)

Nonetheless, do continue to hang in there and follow your diet plan. The time will fly by, and soon you will have your date. Don't expect it to be very soon after Pacific Bariatrics calls you, however. When they called me, they asked when I wanted my surgery (this was in August). When I said early the following month, I was told my surgery wouldn't be until after September 15. They called back again later and told me it was scheduled on September 27. Perhaps with additional hospitals onboarding to do these surgeries for Kaiser the wait will be less for you!

Please continue to write and privately e-mail me if you wish. I'll be posting about my surgical experience soon!

Take care to all.

Yes I am feeling much better today. I know its just nerves. I actually hope I can sch my surgery first week of Nov so that I can work around my children school sch. At this point its honestly comforting to know it will be sometime this year at not next year waiting on Kaiser. I am glad they have this forum and I look forward to meeting more supportive people like yourself that I can befriend and go this process with. I will also keep you informed on my surgery date.