Today, January 31, 2011, markes the 3rd week since my VSG surgery, and I have been extremely satisfied with my results and Kaiser Permanente.

My entire process took a little over 7 months, from my consultation with Dr. Alskaf, the Bariatric head at Kaiser in Panorama City (6/8/10) until my actual sirgery by Dr. Benjamin Kim at the West Los Angeles Kaiser Hospital on 1/10/11.

I had several pre-existing medical conditions that could have prolonged the process for me as I had to obtain additional medical clearances from the Cardiology Department and the Nephrology Department.

Throughout it all, the staffs at the Kaiser facilities were absolutely magnicificant.

I attended the 12 week "Options" course at the Panorama City Kaiser from early July through late September - one 90 minute class once a week.

My opinion was that the Options course was a "key" factor to the process. It provided a lot of information, support, and provided very realistic expectations of what the procedure involved, allowing the patients the ability to make informed choices on whether or not Bariatric Surgery was a practical solution. The best description I heard was that Options was like "Boot Camp" for those considering surgery.

My surgery was performed on Monday, January 10, 2011 in the West Los Angeles Kaiser Hospital by Dr. Benjamin Kim.

I wasn't required to switch my diet until the day before the surgery, when I was informed to have only liquids and not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

The surgery took about 90 minutes. Even though I was discharged from the hospital that Tuesday with some "heavyduty" pain releivers, I never needed it. I experienced NO pain or discomfort AT ALL !!!.

The six incisions made for the surgery heal almose immediately, leaving no scars and practically invisible to the eye.

Best of all, at the time of my discharge, I was told to discontinue 9 of the 18 prescription medications and Vitamins that I'd been taking for many years.

I lost 30 pounds during the Options course, and an additional 21 pounds since the surgery.

I walk a minimum of 1 hour daily for exercise, and I feel great !!!

No illness, no dumping syndrone.

So far, so good

♥

Great news Mr Mason - we all wish you continued success!

That's awesome Mr. Mason! Congrats to YOU!

Wow sounds like you going great!

Wowsers!! sounds like your off to an amazing start!! well done

Congratulations to you, Mr. Mason. I wish you continued success.