Hello everyone, I posted this in another forum and didn't get any responses..so I hope its ok that I post it here too!

I'm super new to this website, and started this process about a month ago. It's really great to know that there are other SSF'ers out there that are doing well! I've been going through the process pretty fast..and am meeting with Dr. Alami in a few weeks. I've noticed that a lot of you guys had him! I was wondering what your experience was like with him..? Did you guys ask him how many surgeries he has done and what his complication rate is? I know I can ask him when I meet with him..but the more info I can get..the less anxiety I will have!

Also, I've lost 15 lbs since orientation (about 3 weeks ago) and was told to lose around 20. If i do..do you think he will schedule a surgery day right away? What was your experience?

Thank you so much in advance!!

I am having surgery through Kaiser in Richmond. The process has gone pretty quickly for me as well. I had Orientation on Sept 27th and just got my surgery date for December 13th! The longest part for me was just getting the other appointments scheduled. If you look at my signature it has the appointment dates. My mom is going through the process with my but her surgery date is not until Jan 3rd (she is having gastric bypass). Usually the Kaiser thread is a little more lively, maybe everyone is caught up in the holidays! Good Luck!!!

Hello everyone, I posted this in another forum and didn't get any responses..so I hope its ok that I post it here too!

I'm super new to this website, and started this process about a month ago. It's really great to know that there are other SSF'ers out there that are doing well! I've been going through the process pretty fast..and am meeting with Dr. Alami in a few weeks. I've noticed that a lot of you guys had him! I was wondering what your experience was like with him..? Did you guys ask him how many surgeries he has done and what his complication rate is? I know I can ask him when I meet with him..but the more info I can get..the less anxiety I will have!

Also, I've lost 15 lbs since orientation (about 3 weeks ago) and was told to lose around 20. If i do..do you think he will schedule a surgery day right away? What was your experience?

Thank you so much in advance!!

Dr. Alami did my surgery. He has been with Kaiser Bariatric for several years so I'm pretty sure he's done many surgeries.

He was kind and attentive post surgery. I wanted to go home early but he made sure I was doing well before I left. I have confidence in him.

He did the newer procedure on me which has only 2 incisions points, with one being quite small and the larger through the naval.

Congratulations on the weight loss and good luck. Let us know how your are doing.

Welcome!

You didn't mention the 12 weeks of Options Classes. Did you complete those?

Hi guys.

Thanks so much for responding! It makes me feel like an official future sleever!

Labrys - what was your experience like with the two incisions? how long were you in the hospital? i'd love to hear your story!!

Humpty Dumpty - I don't have a 12 week options class (i'm not even sure what that is!) We had to go to a orientation class that was 3 hours..? And a nutrition and healthy living class. I did all the pre-op testing (blood work, EKG, and chest xray) and am meeting with the psychologist and surgeon early next month. I think getting the OK from the psych and surgeon is the last step....? and from there it's possible to set the surgery date..now i'm wondering if i've missed a few steps...

Hugs - how did you and your mom decide on the surgeries if you don't mind me asking...just curious why you guys chose two different procedures..

Thank you!!!

Steph,

I think that the Option classes are only done in Southern California Kaisers. I have not heard of anyone in Richmond or SSF having to do them. I originally thought that I wanted the band. I knew that I did not want Gastric Bypass because I was worried about the rerouting of the intestines. To me that just seemed more complicated. Once I researched the band, I realized that there were too many complications with that procedure and Kaiser is not really doing the Band anymore. So when I started hearing about the sleeve and researching it, it just felt right to me. I liked the idea of still having a normal functioning stomach, being able to eat normal foods just in smaller amounts. Though long term data is not in, I feel comfortable and confident with the sleeve. Though both my surgeon and the case manager tried to make sure that I knew that they would recommend gastric bypass for me over the sleeve. But they stated it was because of my age, i'm 28, and the lack of long term studies. My mom decided on the bypass because she wants to make sure that she will not be able to eat sweets and fatty foods which caused her to gain weight in the first place. She wants the dumping to keep her on track but is also aware that not everyone has dumping with the gastric bypass. I worry about her choosing the bypass because I don't want her to have any complications with her intestines or anything. But I understand her reasons just as she understands mine. We are both very supportive of each other and our decisions.

Hi hugsamber,

I think you should be recovering from your surgery today! Hope all is well..and I'm wishing you a speedy recovery! Please let me know how you and your mom are doing!