Anyone here been banded through Kaiser? My doctor told me I have to go to a gastric bypass siminar to find out more info on the band. Apperantly they don't have a Kaiser doctor in my town that does the band, I may have to go futher up north to have it done. If you've been through this process with Kaiser, I would love to hear about your process.

Thanks,

Silly Goose, how are you? Check in girl!!!

Here I am! My computer up and quit on me a couple days before being banded. The power supply went out and I actually replaced it today with the help of my 2 children. My husband and I separated in February, and it was so nice to be able to fix it without him!

As far as surgery went, I was banded on Monday and it went pretty well. Waking up in recovery was really hard. I was in a lot of pain, also had a bad headache. But once the pain meds kicked in, I was doing good. I went home the same day and did experience dry heaves about 4 different times that night - every time I got up to move, I felt sick. I know it was the anesthesia. I really hope I didn't damage the sutures holding my band in place.

Everything is going great. I feel great other than a little soreness. I haven't felt hungry at all so far. But I know that will change soon! I'm so glad I took all week off work. I probably could have gone back today if I really had too.

Anyway, that's my little ramble of a story. Take care!

Yay Goose! So glad it all went well! Don't assume you will get hungry later on, because lots of people don't! The trick is to not drink after you eat, and Protein protein protein! I am not on solid food yet (still Stage 3) and I rarely get hungry. I LOVE IT!!

Hi Boopie, yes I did go through awfully fast, in fact 3 1/2 months. I was not really trying to, but when I had lost more than my goal by the time I saw my surgeon on a friday, he got me an appt. with the case manager for the monday 3 days later, and she scheduled my surgery less than a month from then! A lot of it was just luck though, none of my appoinmtnts ever got rescheduled or anything. I'm at Richmond Kaiser, I think they are the fastest place but a bit too far for you!

Take care all!

Riley

riley,

You are doing absolutely great! Keep it up.

As far as hunger goes, I've already started to experience it. My doc only has me on 1 shake throughout the day - only 1! and lots of water! I finally broke down the last two days when I was hungry and had the broth only from a can of veggie Soup. That seemed to do the trick.

Anyway, when I get to the stage you are, I hope to remember your advice. Protein and no drinking while you eat! The no drinking part will be a challenge, but I'm determined to do it!

Take care!

Holey cow, a single shake and water! Yikes! I lived on sugar-free jello, sugar-free popsicles and chicken broth my first week. I never got to do the shakes, so don't know if those fill you up??? Can you only drink like 2 or 3 ounces at a time?:crying:

Maybe food will come sooner for you & you won't have to wait as long as I do, LOL . . . meantime, think of all the weight you will be losing, and it's NOT comin back girl! Yay!

Yep, about 2 oz at a time. I just sip on it and put it back in the fridge. But I do agree with you, I think he will start me on solids sooner. I will get more details at me 2 week check up. However, he did give me an example of scrambled eggs, tuna salad, yogurt & soft cheese as the next step. I hope it's soon - I'm so hungry!

I still can't believe how well you're doing! And, you better believe none of this is coming back!

Take care and have a wonderful evening!

Hi there Boopie!! Hope you remember me! I have just got the approval to start classes starting July ( when you finish)

I was so happy at first for getting approved into the program ( same doctor Askafi ? Panorama City too) and to find out.....classes start July! Sad but ok)

Maybe surgery next March??

Considering the sleeve.

What do you think Boopie?

Afternoon Kaiser Patients!

Just wanted to post our Saturday Support Group Meeting...

Open to all Kaiser WLS Patients, Pre- and Post - OP, also to non Kaiser patients as well!

THIS Saturday, May 23rd, at 11:00 pm, we split to a separate bandster group before the end of the session.

Please feel welcome to join us, a great place to learn, meet some pretty cool ladies AND of course good support!

For all interested...the address is...

Point West Medical Offices

1650 Response Road

Sacramento, CA 95815

You can enter either of the front doors, and walk towards the center and back hallway, there is usually a sign for the room we are in!

(Meeting the 4th Saturday of each month)

Hi. I am very new. I asked my doctor about the surgery, and he told me that I don't have a high enough BMI. I am 5'5 and I weigh about 280. Isn't that big enough? Can someone help me out on what to do or what procedure, where to start, anything?

Where are you located? When I started in May of 08 I was 285 at 5'8" - which was a BMI of 43. In Northern California you need a BMI of 40 with no co-morbidities or 35 with co-morbidities. I believe they have different rules in Southern California.

I went thought Richmond Kaiser=Nor Cal.

I had a BMI of 40.5 to start out. I had high blood pressure and a few minor problems............

I had no problem getting approved. My PCP didn't want to refer me she thought my BMI was not high enough. But I did the research and called Bariatrics myself and found out I did qualify!!

My problem is, asking for the time off when needed without raising too many questions. I work in a small office and my sister also works on the same property... so, it should be interesting trying to dodge any questions that may arise. I'm just not ready to confide in anyone other than my husband right now. I'll be ready to talk more about it freely when it gets closer to "D" day.

I disagree, I think the more support you have, the more confident and excited this process will be for you! :wink:

So how close is the closest surgeon to me? I live in Lodi, CA.:wink:

Legally a boss cannot talk about why you are out to other people. So, you may have to confide in the boss but they had better keep it QT.

My problem is, asking for the time off when needed without raising too many questions. I work in a small office and my sister also works on the same property... so, it should be interesting trying to dodge any questions that may arise. I'm just not ready to confide in anyone other than my husband right now. I'll be ready to talk more about it freely when it gets closer to "D" day.

I disagree, I think the more support you have, the more confident and excited this process will be for you! :wink:

Boy, that was a really old post! I already had surgery 3 months ago. I guess I figured it out huh!

Hi ya Kaiser Bandsters, Pre- AND Post-op!

KristyMadrid, Valleygirlvamp and all...

Just wanted to bump this thread for the Sac Support Group..

June 27th (4th Saturday each month) @ 11:00 AM.

See above post for Details/Address, hope to meet u there! :wink: