Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hi,

I'm Veronica. I am 32, 5'7 and currently weigh 255 (BMI: 39.somthing). This is the heaviest I've ever been and at 32, I can actually feel it now; its a bit scary. I recently went through a break up and when I tried to get back on the horse and started hiking again, I noticed how sore all my joints were. I wake up and I'm sore. I worry this is going to get in the way of my weightloss process, WLS or other.

I'm here because I'm considering WLS/VSG and have Kaiser and in insurance provider. I'v been perusing forums, Instagram, and YouTube vlogs for the last couple weeks and haven't really found much on the process for Kaiser. I realize everyone's plans are different but I was hoping to find someone close in age, insurance and location to share this journey with.

My first appointment is scheduled for 12/8/17. Its a "physical" and I'm hoping they'll give me a referral. I have a general idea of the hoops I'll have to jump through to make this happen.

I guess my questions are:

1. I'm a hair under the limit to be considered without a second diagnosis (I don't think I suffer from any of the listed illnesses). Do people ever put on a couple pounds to cross that threshold? is that a thing?

2. There is a weight loss plan leading up to the surgery, right? Does anyone know if my starting weight is taken into account for approval or the weight I'm at after the 6 months of weigh ins?

I know these are all questions for my doctor, and I will definitely ask them in two weeks at my appointment but I'm anxious and like to be entirely prepared.

Thanks!

Edited by WhiskeyKisses

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery at KPNW on October 10th and I received excellent care.

# 1. Yes, gaining weight is a thing. I didn't need to do that for approval because my BMI was 43.

#2 you follow a program, the eating classes are about 3 months with an RD. These are great classes and I'm glad Kaiser has us do them. Once you are approved and your DOR refers you to the bariatric team, the bariatric team will approve or not approve you for the program. Once you are approved into the program, if you lose weight and get below the BMI, it doesn't matter. Once your approved, your approved. They do not punish you for losing the weight and following the program.

I hope this helps. You can ask me all you want.

Di


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi to Di and Whiskey.

I'm also going through Kaiser Northern California.

I haven't had my appointment yet. I know people will think I'm nuts but I'm working on gaining 5 pounds so I can get my BMI up high enough. I'm currently 5'7", 210 lbs, and I recently turned 64.

There are other Kaiser members around. I started a thread "Looking for Kaiser members." Several people responded so you might want to look for that thread.

Hope to talk to you again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi to Di and Whiskey.

I'm also going through Kaiser Northern California.

I haven't had my appointment yet. I know people will think I'm nuts but I'm working on gaining 5 pounds so I can get my BMI up high enough. I'm currently 5'7", 210 lbs, and I recently turned 64.
There are other Kaiser members around. I started a thread "Looking for Kaiser members." Several people responded so you might want to look for that thread.

Hope to talk to you again.



Candy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the reaponses everyone!! I’m in Los Angeles; my appointment is (today!!) at the Sunset branch in a couple hours. I’m a bit nervous about getting this process started. Seems like a lot of stress but I’m ready to start jumping through all the hoops.

I went to bed last night at 257 and woke up at 255.1 which puts my BMI at 39 Ugh! Soooooo close! Looks like I’ll be layering up and eating a big Breakfast.

I’ve been really careful to eat more all week. It’s so weird, I’ve never in my love had to try to gain weigh. I thought it would be satisfying but I’m reality it was just a pain in the ass.

Anyway, wish me luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck! Hope all goes well!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi All,

Appointment went very smoothly. I was about 5lb shy of 40BMI so I drank a ton of Water and wore leggings under my heaviest jeans, a sweater over two shirts and my docs and it put me over. 40.91BMI!

Just scheduled my appointments for 1/4/18 (once my FSA kicks in!). The woman I spoke with on the phone said there are in total 16 classes and they prefer I attend all but not all are required. How many classes did you guys have to attend?

@CaliforniaCandy I keep seeing posts about people getting all their appointments in as soon as they begin classes. Did they tell you how many classes you have to attend?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi WhiskeyKisses,

I just went through Kaiser So. Calif and had my Sleeve done in Harbor City. I’m 7 weeks post op.

I attended 12 classes in the Options Program. That was all the classes - I didn’t miss any. They teach about better nutrition, what eating will be like after one’s sleeved, they explain the various weight loss surgeries, the importance of lifelong Vitamins, etc.

Toward the middle/end of the classes I met with Kaiser’s social worker for the psych evaluation to be sure I’m mentally prepared and, in her opinion, able to follow the new eating regime. I also had to have certain blood work done and an EKG while I was in the classes. That was it.

For me, I’m very happy I did the surgery. I’ve lost about 30 lbs. since surgery but closer to 45 since I began the Options Program. I’m feeling very good.

I’m glad your appointment went smoothly. Keep us updated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×