New Here and To Kaiser

Hi,

I'm Michele and I'm new here and starting with Kaiser Monday August 1st. I have a doctor's appt with a doctor that referred my friend for surgery. My friend emailed the doctor and asked her to take me as a patient and she did. But I'm haunted by the fear I won't be accepted for the program and the surgery. My BMI is just around around 40, 39.9. I've been fighting my weight my whole life. I don't have any major co-morbity issues, my BP is normal, no diabetes (thanks God) but I have terrible joint pain and mild arthritis and some days I can barely bend my knees. I'll be 51 the end of August and have my heart set on this surgery to help me live a different life. I hate only being able to be on my feet for short periods of time. I went to a party last Sunday and dance to 2 songs and later that night my knees were on fire. I don't really complain much about it, because I'm ashamed because it's caused by my weight, but I decline so many invitations because I know how much pain I will be in later. My previous doctor said there was arthritis in my xrays and said I should change insurance companies and try to get the surgery so I did. I'm sure lightening the load by 100lbs will help my knees immensely.

My appt is in Mission Hills then I guess the Options stuff will be panorama City. Please send some good energy that I get accepted.

I thought I posted before but never saw my post but I'm new so maybe that's why it didn't show. I look forward to knowing you all and hearing your stories.

Michele