Beginning Journey Thanks for accepting me into the SoCal Group :)

[heatonsgal 30]

Hello all!

I am beginning my journey on being sleeved at Kaiser (West LA). I have my orientation on 9/11 and begin the six weeks Options program on 9/18. I'm 5'3" and weigh 244 lbs.

Anyone a Kaiser patient? Who was your doctor? Did you loose your 10% during Options?

I would appreciate any information anyone has. Also, for those who have already been sleeved, please tell me all about it

Thanks!!

kelly

[Blondiee 278]

Hi Heatsongal,

I began my journey with Kaiser (West L.A.) earlier this summer. Did my orientation in June and started my Options classes in July. My group is doing 12 weeks but two more classes and I'm done! I've had one pre-op appointment but I won't meet the surgeon until after the class is complete.

Good luck to you in your journey and I'm soooo jealous that you only have to do six weeks! IMO they can easily condense the information into that time frame. We'll be on the losers bench before you know it!

[heatonsgal 30]

Hi Blondiee! Thanks for replying

Gosh, I have so many questions...where to start?

I may be incorrect, the classes might be 12 weeks, I thought the Options cordinator told me 6 wks on the phone, but either way......whoo-hoo on your two left!!!!

Had to change my orientation date to 10/4 due to a colonoscopy on the 11th of September. So anxious to get the ball rolling...

What was your option during the classes, did you do the full liquid diet? How about the 10% were you able to reach it? I've heard people talk about their worry in loosing before the surgery that it might drop their BMI below 40 and they might be refused surgery...any info on this?

Do you think you will have your surgery before the first of the year? I'm so exicted for you!!!

ok, I've rambled on enough!

Kel

[Blondiee 278]

Hi Kel

Where do I start with what goes on in the Options classes??? Surgery choices, exercise, Vitamins and minerals, food choices, why we eat, food logs, weigh in before every class...basically the coordinator reads from that particular weeks workbook. I didn't learn anything new because I did my research and learned so much here but YMMV. During the course the nutritionist will give you a "diet outline" as to how many calories you should consume based on your weight...no liquid diets during the class.

I have not met my 10% goal as of yet...down 11 pounds so far. They use your BMI from the orientation and/or first class as your starting point so, there are no worries about loosing too much weight during the program.

I am TOTALLY hoping to have surgery late October or early November!

Please feel free to ask me anything!

[Blondiee 278]

Oh and one more thing... A social work or therapist teaches 2 of the classes and she has you fill out a questionnaire about your eating habits.They use your answers to gauge if you need a psych. evaluation and/or additional therapy before surgery.

IMO these were the BEST most interactive classes out of the bunch.

The process with Kaiser is VERY streamlined. Week two they put all you lab orders in and you can do them at your own pace. My classes were on Thursday nights and on Tuesday I had my blood work, urine and stool sample, EKG and chest x-rays done.

[heatonsgal 30]

Awesome Blondiee, thanks!!! I can't wait to get started!

[Blondiee 278]

You are more than welcome Kel! You'll be receiving your blue binder full information tonight at your first class! Enjoy and let me know what your initial thoughts are of the program...good luck tonight!!!

I hope that your class is NOT full of people asking if they can eat a candy bar instead of a Protein Shake after surgery?!? That was a REAL question at my first class! hahahaha

Your class may be full tonight but it really does thin out after a few classes. We started out with around 15 people in our class and now at week 11 we're down to 6.

I am excited for you too!!