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Kaiser Richmond Pre-op



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OK I have only read 1 page - who knows what else is on here I can't possibly catch up - but what I saw I liked! Go, Ash! Happy Birthday tomorrow, Mo! Yay Reggie, girl I miss you BAD. Heather glad you're settled in! Tina did you get my ugly mug I texted you? Eyelid surgery not half bad, very little pain, although the ITCHING and NOT SEEING are driving me crazy - and as Chris would say, it's a short drive, LOL! I had an eye lift last Wednesday to remove redundant skin over my eyes, for those who don't know. Not a real fun way to spend an hour, but not too bad either.

Just back from the Kaiser Plastic Surgeon from up here, got a detailed work-up of what he could do - and he says what I'm asking for is very reasonable - and a detailed estimate. Drum roll please, this is for my breast lift and Tummy Tuck . . . . . doctor fees, hospital fees, anesthesiologist fees, compression garments, and 6 after-surgery cellulite treatments: $12,490. That's about $4K less than what I was expecting, and it's with the doc that I really liked. Friday April 8th, 2011. I have no idea how I'm going to save enough for it by then unless I move in with Chris earlier than I want to, but we'll see.

Aargh, I want to go out walking but can't see well enough to be out by myself, LOL. Stitches come out Wednesday, so hopefully by Thursday I will be seeing again and back to work. I have very little bruising (yay Arnica!) but still have quite a bit of swelling. I can already see an improvement in my field of vision tho, even with the swelling, so I'm hopeful that the end result will be all that I'm looking for!

My challenge is uhm, to follow at least some of the rules, LOL! My band is doing its job, but I'm not. I need to take 'yall up on the Water challenge and the lo-carb challenge. I told Chris that I didn't want to eat in my room anymore so now he doesn't let me, which pleases me one second and pisses me off the next. Sigh, it's what I need. I must be impossible :tongue2: to deal with!!

Type big to me ladies, I can only see about 4 inches from my face

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Monique – Happy birthday!!!!!! You must be quasi Jewish like Nikki that has a birthday holiday that lasts all week. Haha! Have a great week!!!!

Ash - As Candra would say one night and a wake-up, or something like that!!! I'll be flying home tomorrow and can't wait to login and hear that you are well. Please update us! Best wishes!!!!!

Lee - Hoping to do my labs and speak to Doc Who on the phone sometime this week. Did you ever get advanced by Robin? I never got a call. I'm having steak tomorrow night so oh well...

Hello everyone!!!!!!!!!

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Glad to see you back on here Riley - did they break it down between the two surgeries? If so how much was just the Tummy Tuck? I couldn't save $12k in a million years as I am going further in debt with the furlough days and then who knows what will happen starting in July.

That's great to hear Ash that you are still a go for tomorrow. Do you have to drink the yucky Milk of Magnesia? That stuff is horrible - and it didn't even work for me.

What is with this weather? My son went on an 8th grade field trip to Raging Waters today - brrr.

Someone's lunch smells seriously good here at work - sure isn't mine.

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Riley – I hope you can read this. HAHA

Glad you are doing well! 12K we should all be saving that in food over a couple years… Ok maybe a little longer… Sounds exciting!

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LOL John, seriously thank you, I could read that without holding the laptop up to my nose!!

Pammie yes, they did break it down, and the Tummy Tuck is 1 less hour of work than the breast lift - that stumped me until I figured out that there is 1 tummy and 2 breasts, LOL! Surgeon fee $4720; Facility fee $1525; anesthesia $550 so $6745 for just the tummy tuck. Mine is all in front so it's limited - does not go around to my sides so it's much less than an "extended" tummy tuck. BTW it is not a kaiser facility where they do the surgery; it is a small local private hospital (Palm Drive, in Sebastopol) with great staff - been there & I really like it. About 15 minutes from my house where I live now, but about 30 from Chris's where I'll probably live then.

And NO I can't afford it! We are on MTO also, and I lost $17,000 in income last year from the reduced hours and zero overtime, and I expect to lose the same or even more this year. Chris has offered to help out with his next year's tax return, but with his new house and the child support payments he just had to decrease his witholding so there will be a lot less of a return that he got this year. So here is what I'm doing: I took my youngest off my Kaiser plan @ work, as it was costing me an extra $500 a month (as he put me in the "family" category - and a private Kaiser plan for him is only $125), so that is saving me almost $400 a month, which I am turning around and putting into my 401K account, (which I can turn around and "borrow" back at 0% interest), which is (hopefully) going to reduce my tax bracket even further because I'm losing a dependant. Still, the only way I could really save it up in time is by moving in with Chris, which would save both of us money, but . . . .it's too soon. I want us to have a year together before I take that HUGE step. I may not get everything I want, when I want it, but I'm sure going to try!:tongue2:

And John, you are right about saving SO much money on food! Now if only my other costs of living would go down . . .

Edited by riley4183

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Pam - Am I coming back to horrible weather? WTF. Sunny CA... Argh... I need nice weather this weekend, camping on the coast and some other crap needs done while I'm home.

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Pam- I have to take the Magnesium Citrate per my Dr., which I am starting right now LOL!

Thanks John, I'm gonna have the hubby text Chrissy and Mo and one if not both will log on and let you all know if I don't feel up to it.

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Hi everyone,

Sorry I missed the point west meeting, would have liked to see everyone. I work a karaoke business on the weekends and it went late on Friday and I overslept Sat and missed the meeting.

I have my psych appointment tomorrow and I was wondering, do they weigh you at this appoint?

also have been curious why is Dr Fisher nicknamed Dr who?

Ali- 17 lbs is fanstastic, don't let the slowdown get you down!!

Ashley- good luck and I will be thinking positive for you

Riley- glad your eye surgery went well

John- they say it is supposed to rain tomorrow, its a nice day so far today, but a little on the cooler side

Sherri :tongue2:

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Sherri - They weigh you at every appointment. Who's who? JK. I think it may because of me but I'm not really sure. Lets see what the others say.....

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Thanks for the info Riley - I think I might just be interested in the Tummy Tuck - gotta lose the rest of my weight first. I assume if I go through Kaiser here it would a surgeon in Sacramento or close to it?

Picked my son up - said they had fun even though the Water was on the cold side.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning Ash - it'll be over before you know it.

Yep they weigh you at every appointment - keeps us on our toes.

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Dr. Who cause he reminds people of one of the who's in the grinch who stole Christmas...........just what I heard.

RILEY:

Glad you back on and doing well. Sadly I didn't get a picture and I am so disappointmented. I want a Tummy Tuck and breast lift...........maybe when my daughter leaves home in a few years!! :-) I still have to get all the weight off first so no big rush.

ASH:

Tomorrow is your day...........

PAM:

I can't even imagine swimming today!! LOL. And yea I think we are also gearing up for furloughs but will find out in June.

HEATHER:

SO glad you back on I missed you.

JOHN:

It is supposed to be cool all week and than 79-80 this weekend.

MO:

Happy Birthday...........

CANDRA

I miss my twin where are you? Did you call the fill center?

Well I broke my 5 day pouch test today and had salad for lunch!! I am down a solid 10 now but if I am not careful I will start the two up and two down again...............I think 10 is what I am gonna lose before the next fill. NOt the 15 I wanted. Oh well........I will have to put out my date for getting to goal weight if it is gonna go this slow!!

Edited by swrktp

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Ash, Good Luck tomorrow! We've got room on the Loser's Bench for you! :tongue2:

Ali, fabulous first month for you! Congratulations!

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Ah I have done two food logs and still no call from Robin.....I am doing pretty well but I know I have mess ups!! I was sorta waiting to get her opinion/overview on them. Maybe all I have to do is just turn them in??? LOL. I know she is overbusy since she is the only one there. I just want to make sure Dr. Baggs gets word I turned them in so I can have my next fill................I really need a fill again everything goes down again!! Wish I didn't know that, but I do know ;-)

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John,

My understanding is that the RNY people have another class at 3 months. Not sure about Banders. For us Sleeve peeps, we see the surgeon and get advanced at the three month checkup so Doc Fisher will do that with you. In reality, Baggs and me didn't even discuss the food plan at the appointment. I think we both forgot but I took out the binder and had a look at it. I did tell him at the apt that I'm still basically eating Protein because not much else fits in after that. I had some steak a couple weeks ago. Fatty rib-eye was ok, lean flank steak went in the dump. It's amazing how fatty or sauced stuff can slide right down and everything else slides right back up!

I can't wait to hear how you slaughtered me on the scale! :tongue2:

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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