Hi there,

I am Kayla. Was approved by my surgeon with Kaiser today for the sleeve, and have started my 24-week pre-op program. This app doesn't seem conducive to connect—is it better on the desk top? Also, how do you all use social media? I started an IG account (@fatgirlsvelte), and am hoping to find good support there.

https://www.instagram.com/fatgirlsvelte/

hw: 386.2 cw: 338.5 gw: 155.0, 5'9"

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I'm on tumblr and IG but I get most support from here and motivation from tumblr.... I haven't tried the desktop version as of yet but I assume that's how I'm gonna have to update my info

I just added you on IG. I find support in both places. This is a great place to talk thing out and IG is a great place to share in your experience with pictures!

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Hi there,

I am Kayla. Was approved by my surgeon with Kaiser today for the sleeve, and have started my 24-week pre-op program. This app doesn't seem conducive to connect—is it better on the desk top? Also, how do you all use social media? I started an IG account (@fatgirlsvelte), and am hoping to find good support there.

https://www.instagram.com/fatgirlsvelte/

hw: 386.2 cw: 338.5 gw: 155.0, 5'9"

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1466743637.430451.jpg

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Hey! Which Kaiser are you going through? I am going through Richmond Ca Kaiser, they have been great so far. I am on my 2nd psych appt, so any questions, maybe we can talk!

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I'm at the Kaiser SoCal group... all of San Diego. What have the psych appointments been like? I have diagnosed Bipolar II and BED, but the surgeon didn't seem to be concerned since I'm well into maintenance mode and on a very low dose of the meds. One of my anxieties has been getting through the program only to be rejected by the psychologist, but I've read in medical papers that upwards of 3/4 Bariatric patients have been diagnosed with BED and there is a! 82% depression/anxiety underling psychological case issue. I think I was approved to move forward because I got all of this under control? Any insider information would be greatly appreciated. ❤️

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I just added you on IG. I find support in both places. This is a great place to talk thing out and IG is a great place to share in your experience with pictures!

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Thank you for the add! Haven't even thought of Tumblr—it would be good to diversify the feed. IG has been incredibly informative from a visual standpoint over what to expect skin-wise et al.

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Hi there,

I am Kayla. Was approved by my surgeon with Kaiser today for the sleeve, and have started my 24-week pre-op program. This app doesn't seem conducive to connect—is it better on the desk top? Also, how do you all use social media? I started an IG account (@fatgirlsvelte), and am hoping to find good support there.

https://www.instagram.com/fatgirlsvelte/

hw: 386.2 cw: 338.5 gw: 155.0, 5'9"

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1466743637.430451.jpg

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Hey! Which Kaiser are you going through? I am going through Richmond Ca Kaiser, they have been great so far. I am on my 2nd psych appt, so any questions, maybe we can talk!

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Hey there—sorry for the double response, still learning the app there is a loose comment in the thread for you!

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My psych up here is awesome, he was kinda tough, but very well informed. He mostly asked the basic questions about family history and such, he was worried because when I was 16, I dropped down to an unhealthy weight from excessive exercise, and almost non-existant calorie intake which he told me was anorexia. He said that it may be a factor after I have the surgery, so I would need to be monitored, but if you have your stuff under control, I'm sure you will be just fine.

They really just want to make sure you can handle the lifestyle change after surgery. I also had to make sure to keep a food journal and strictly follow the pre-op meal plan. He asked to see my food journal entries. So keep that in mind.

They want to make sure you are making the change now, before surgery, to prepare you for life after surgery.

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Can I ask, what 24 week pre op program are you doing?

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Hi there,

Kaiser (SoCal) has a mandatory 24-week Healthy Options program pre-surgery where they teach you about the lifestyle from A-Z, and in that time frame, expect you to lose some weight. My Bariatric team specifically said that the 10% rule is out the window; and that Kaiser no longer requires that a medically supervised diet is followed.

I am doing the full-food program since I already use a full-nutrition supplement 1-2 per day, and am adjusted to a partial liquid lifestyle. Currently losing about 1.5 pounds per week on my own, which puts me almost exactly at 10% total weight loss before my operation in late-December/mid-January.

As I receive info, I'll post in the forums! Knowledge is power.

Can I ask, what 24 week pre op program are you doing?

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Oh wow! NorCal Kaiser doesn't require a 24 week Options Class. We just had a 4hr orientation/nutritional class.

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So I've heard!

SoCal Kaiser is "a lot" different down here; the way you're spoken to even in the general call-in number is hilarious "Oh you're in San Diego? Bye Felicia." I think it may be population/service density related, but don't know the details.

Verbatim the way they explained it at our orientation was, "If we are going to pay for you $80,000 surgery, we need to know you have skin in the game."

They are contracted out with Pacific Bariatric, which also may change things/procedures? anyway, actually don't mind it. I think it's a phenomenal way to approach such a massive permanent lifestyle change and provide a solid foundation for success.

Oh wow! NorCal Kaiser doesn't require a 24 week Options Class. We just had a 4hr orientation/nutritional class.

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Absolutely! Its an awesome way to make sure your informed and can succeed after surgery. There are offered classes here that are optional too, but not required. It's just interesting to me how the same hospital network can function differently in NorCal and SoCal.

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