Getting started..

kell523 · December 8, 2012

I made the decision this summer to finally bite the bullet and get gastric bypass surgery. After years of telling myself that I had control over my weight, I finally came to the conclusion that it's ok to face facts. I'm 30 years old and a Type I diabetic. I've gained 60lbs since getting an insulin pump and each year I'm gaining at least 5-10lbs. I got serious about the surgery in October and went for my consultation. Right now, I'm jumping through hoops for my insurance company to try and meet all of the required "clearances." I've had a psych evaluation, endoscopy, sleep study and met with a dietitian. Unfortunately, I have to see my primary doctor for 6 months to weigh in and try to lose a little weight before having the surgery. I'm hoping to have the surgery next spring. I'm ready for my life to change. I'm ready to be happy and to feel good in my own skin. I feel as if I have finally made the right decision that will help me become a healthier and happier person!

Azzaelostaz · December 8, 2012

Hey newbie ..congrats for the decision you made ...would it be okay to ask you which insurance you are with ..and how many pounds do you need to lose b 4 the surgery ... Did they give you a plan to do so ?

kell523 · December 8, 2012

Hi! My insurance is through the First Health Network. They didn't really give me a specific amount of weight to lose but suggested that I try to lose maybe 10lbs. I'm keeping a food log and taking it to my doctor appointments each month. The dietitian asked me to eat around 1800 calories per day (which has been difficult at times). She gave me a sample diet when I went and met with her. Hope this helps you some.

Azzaelostaz · December 8, 2012

Oh 1800 calories diet is not bad ..kaiser gave me a 1200 calories with a print out guide ,,when I followed it I lost a lot ...now I don't know why I find it hard ...I will try though ..thanks a million

Dawnolson · December 8, 2012

Hi If you don't mind me asking... What kaiser location are you at I am going thru kaiser as well in Oregon and I am just about to finish the required 8 week weight management class. Then I can move on to the next step. Another class.. A 2 hour class. Then a couple more things after that. then the surgeon visit.

kell523 · December 8, 2012

I went to a two hour seminar that was offered through Atlanta Medical Center. So far, that has been the only class that I was required to take. It was very helpful. It's a pain to have to jump through all of the hoops to get to the goal, but I know that it will be worth it in the end.

Azzaelostaz · December 9, 2012

Am in California ..and the kaiser I went to is Richmond ...but I go to Vacaville support group ... I started like while ago but not yet succeeded in losing weight .... I attended the first 2 hours class about the surgery ...then I attended a class about the food log.... I met the surgeon already but now I need more time to be sure that am ready for the life change

kell523 · December 9, 2012

It's important to make sure that you are ready. I kicked around the idea of gastric bypass about 3 years ago and decided that I didn't want to do it at the time. I wanted to try once more to lose the weight naturally by myself, but I've found that I just can't do it. It's a huge decision though and it's definitely important to make sure that you are certain it's the right decision for you.