Hi, I am a pre-op Gastric Sleeve candidate. I started thinking about Bariatric Surgery about 2 years ago. My insurance did not cover the surgery or seeing a nutritionist. Therefore, this year in June we were able to change our medical plan to Kaiser Permanente who offers the surgery. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I was downsized from my job about 4 years ago. I lost my mom during that time and went into a depression. I picked up weight because of my depression, a surgical procedure and my age, which has been very difficult to loose. I recently started a new training and speaking business. I stand on my feet for hours and because I saw numbers on the scale that I have never seen in my life, it was taking a toll on my body. My back, knees and feet hurt (I feet is a new symptom because of the weight). I am in the second month of the evaluative process that my insurance requires before surgery approval. I am excited and anxious about this new journey. I have told only a few people about what I am doing because the second person I told was very discouraging. Therefore I am very selected about who I tell. I am a part of a private Facebook page called "Sassy Sleevers" and this website was mentioned there. I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos and posts from different places. I am glad there are forums like this because it makes it easier for me to get honest information about this life-changing journey. I look forward to sharing in your success and sharing with you mine as well. Thank you for joining and supporting me as I become sleeved for life!

HI Powderkeg42,

I just went to a seminar last night. My husband and I are considering the sleeve. Congratulations on your choice. My husband is trying to wrap his hear around the idea of the surgery, while I am all for it. I hope everything works out well for you. I will keep following your story. Good Luck !

Hi powder keg, I understand about your daughter. I am older, 68, and my daughter is trying to accept that I am going to do third. My son and grandson are fine. I haven't told my best friend because she is adamantly against the surgery. I have other issues and want to enjoy these later years of my life. You will be great .

Powder keg...just an fyi. I had back surgery in October 2012. I had been diagnosed with DDD at the age of 37. So I had a partial discetomy, with right vs bilateral laminectomy. Bottom line, I had a HUGE pain pill addiction. When my first back surgery failed I was set to have an l4-l5 fusion. BUT decided to have WLS instead. I was sleeved in May 3013. And in July 2013 I detoxed off of the pain meds. Now 4 months after surgery I am off benzos, opiates, antidepressants and my BP meds are cut in half. I have backpain after I ride the bike but I rest a day and im ok. There is a light at the end. My feet dont hurt either in flip flops anymore. I was supposed to be on meds for the rest of my life, but turns out I was a sore back that turned addict . Taking weight off will do wonders!! Good luck I remember how hard waiting is.

Hi PowderKeg42! I will also be having my surgery through Kaiser (West Los Angeles) hopefully in November. Good luck in your journey and welcome!

That is great! I will be praying for you. Additionally, I heard that Kaiser CA's process is only 12 weeks. Ours is 6 months in the DMV (DC/MD/VA). I will go through the process and get my mind and body ready.

Powder keg...just an fyi. I had back surgery in October 2012. I had been diagnosed with DDD at the age of 37. So I had a partial discetomy, with right vs bilateral laminectomy. Bottom line, I had a HUGE pain pill addiction. When my first back surgery failed I was set to have an l4-l5 fusion. BUT decided to have WLS instead. I was sleeved in May 3013. And in July 2013 I detoxed off of the pain meds. Now 4 months after surgery I am off benzos, opiates, antidepressants and my BP meds are cut in half. I have backpain after I ride the bike but I rest a day and im ok. There is a light at the end. My feet dont hurt either in flip flops anymore. I was supposed to be on meds for the rest of my life, but turns out I was a sore back that turned addict . Taking weight off will do wonders!! Good luck I remember how hard waiting is.

thanks, I am looking forward to the weight loss and the positive impacts on my body and life.

Hi Blondiee,

I just had my surgery at Kaiser WLA the nurses were very helpful and I am very comfortable with my surgeon Dr. Um.

Hi Peachie86,

Glad that your experience was nice @ Kaiser. I'm putting positive energy out into the universe that my experience will be the same. How long did it take for Kaiser to call and schedule your consult after the Options classes? It's been a week since I've completed them and I'm NOT a patient person. lol

Hi Powderkeg42,

Welcome to the site! I find the forum has given me a lot of information and support. I have only spoken to my family and a few friends about my choice to have WLS, so I was glad to have somewhere else to vent.

I feel the same way Peachie. I have only told my direct supervisor (she had RNY) and my HR rep. I've always been a very private person and everyone doesn't need to know about MY medical history.

I feel the same way Peachie. I have only told my direct supervisor (she had RNY) and my HR rep. I've always been a very private person and everyone doesn't need to know about MY medical history.

I am a very open person but have been private about this. Some people don't understand and I believe are worried about us. So I am keeping it close to the vest. Nice to have people who understand the struggle supporting you.

Hi Blondiee,

I had my consult the following month after my classes ended. Although, I had surgery at WLA I took my Option classes at Kaiser Palmdale.

HI Powderkeg42,

I just went to a seminar last night. My husband and I are considering the sleeve. Congratulations on your choice. My husband is trying to wrap his hear around the idea of the surgery, while I am all for it. I hope everything works out well for you. I will keep following your story. Good Luck !

Congrats to you and your husband. I believe once he has a chance to have it marinade, he will get on board. My hubby is thin but has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is pre-diabetic. I have none of those but I have a high BMI. I just passed my Psych exam. Woohoo!

Congrats to you and your husband. I believe once he has a chance to have it marinade' date=' he will get on board. My hubby is thin but has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is pre-diabetic. I have none of those but I have a high BMI. I just passed my Psych exam. Woohoo![/quote']

Yay! You're one step closer!