New Here

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

My name is linda i have a 4 year old son (justin) with mito. you can read his story at www.umdf.org under personal jourenys (justin's joureny). But if u ever want to talk you can e-mail me or if you have yahoo messager or aol messager we can talk there. Glad your part of the group now its great here people here are a blessing. well talk with you soon and god bless you and yours

mom to justin (Mito)

haileesangels wrote: Hi my name is and i have a three year old named hailee and we are in the process of getting a mito diagnosis, i feel so lost and confused with this new diagnosis we have been thru so much in the last three years.Hailee has a rare brain disorder, seizures, vds,closed spinabifida,genetic abnormalities,asthma,hypothyrodisim, no growth hormone, a disorder that affects the mylan sheths of her neurons, she has ulcers,reflux,severe delayed gastric emptying, she has quit eating by mouth and is now totally g tube feed, she just got a portacath put in this last week, she has protein defficancys and hyperglycmic. Hailee goes thru these periods were she dosnt eat,drink,all she does is sleep for 18hours at a time, when you do get her up its like shes drunk, her glucose during these periods runs betweel 11 being her lowest and 30. I just dont know what to do, or if we are even looking in the right direction if anyone has any ideas i would appreciate itthanks lost in AZ Hailees momPlease contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sasha,

Welcome to the site. It's amazing how much info all these

people have isn't it? I'm about 5 weeks post op and loving it. I

can always count on this site to answer my questions. Welcome. I

wish you luck with your surgery.

> First, I would like to say for the last hour and half I've been at

> your wonderful web site. Reading and going back to read some

things

> over to make sure I understand. I also found out my BM is 38.6 and

> from what I understand that's not a good thing.

> I have my first appointment and step for surgery is the 7th this

> Friday.

> I was looking at some of the photo albums here and thought WOW!! A

> silly question came across my mind. Did these people know who the

> person was they were looking at after surgery in the pictures??

> I had a funny feeling come over me thinking " Will I know me, as

who

> I was? " Did anyone here have that silly thought?

> I had back surgery on Jan 9th of this year, this was the second

time

> I've had my back fused. The first time was about 20yrs ago it did

> wonders for me!! This time after having my first fusion redone

along

> with three more disks above those and lots of hardware added to

hold

> my spine together ~ I'm still not able to stand for more than 4-5

> mins at a time or walk much more than 50 ft before having to sit

> down due to pain in my back and down my legs. I was told before

> surgery that there was a chance surgery wouldn't help due to my

> weight. So, before surgey I went on a few diet plans and weight

> watchers......... lost 18lbs in 3mos and that was the end of that!

> Sooooooo, am in much hope the Gastric Bypass will help me be the

> active person I once was.

> Thanks

> Sassha

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

My name is King and I am 39 years old and at this point I am somewhere

around 480 lbs. I live in Dallas, Texas. For a good long while I was one of

those that was against any form of Weight Loss Surgery. In fact, I thought it

was somewhat dangerous due to the complications that one can get as well as the

" fear: of gaining back the weight. As recently as a couple of months ago I would

go into this weight loss support group on my old Internet Service and see that

instead of hearing people talk about diets and exercise things (which they were)

I would also hear about Weight Loss Surgery talk and think that this kind of

talk should be in something like a " Surgery Support " chat room or something of

that sort. I thought this is SURGERY and not a way to support each other in

actual weight loss.

Then a couple of things started happening all at once. I started watching this

program on Discovery Health Channel called " I Lost It! " Most of the testimonies

on there were from former WLS people telling basically where they were, where

they are now, and how much their lives had changed as a result. I had also been

listening to some motivational tapes around this time on how to enhance the

quality of life for myself. I realized that even with exercise and diet I was

basically going nowhere fast. So I have made an appointment for tomorrow with my

primary care physician to discuss the possibility of having this done. I have

also made contact with others on the Internet about my decision, and I am

confident that I will soon be on the way to having something done about my

weight in away that I will be more at ease with.

Yours in Weight Loss,

[Guest guest]

,

Congratulations on making the most important decision of

all....taking charge of your life. This is by far the hardest

decision of all.

Very best of luck in your journey.

11/18/03

[Guest guest]

, your story is so much like many of us. I was very skeptical too. It

took me 3 years before I talked to my doctor about it. With Diabetes,

kidney disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and

triglycerides, and more, I finally admitted I needed to do something before

these medical problems killed me. When I talked to my doctor, it took 11

months before I got the surgery. It varies depending on the insurance.

Mine required 6 mos. at a weight clinic. Your decision to talk to the

doctor is great. Mine said " yes, great idea " .

During the process to finally get to surgery, get all the information you

can. I'm surprised a month after surgery I still have so many questions.

This is a wonderful group with lots of idea and help.

Look forward to you posting in your journey.

Joan

LAP RNY 11/18/03

Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA

282pre-op/275surg/245/140

[Guest guest]

, Congrats on your decision to change your whole life. It

truely is a 'Leap of Faith' that you will take this journey and

totally change everything.

Keep us posted on your progress. I've got nothing but good things to

say and do keep in touch with support groups.

Please visit obesityhelp.com chat room. This is a really huge

support group of folks and can also help with questions and such.

This group here is one of the best also for message groups.

Take care and God Bless,

Open RNY 4/28/03

282/195/130

Las Vegas, Nv

> Dear Group,

>

>

> My name is King and I am 39 years old and at this point I am

somewhere around 480 lbs. I live in Dallas, Texas. For a good long

while I was one of those that was against any form of Weight Loss

Surgery. In fact, I thought it was somewhat dangerous due to the

complications that one can get as well as the " fear: of gaining back

the weight. As recently as a couple of months ago I would go into

this weight loss support group on my old Internet Service and see

that instead of hearing people talk about diets and exercise things

(which they were) I would also hear about Weight Loss Surgery talk

and think that this kind of talk should be in something like

a " Surgery Support " chat room or something of that sort. I thought

this is SURGERY and not a way to support each other in actual weight

loss.

>

> Then a couple of things started happening all at once. I started

watching this program on Discovery Health Channel called " I Lost

It! " Most of the testimonies on there were from former WLS people

telling basically where they were, where they are now, and how much

their lives had changed as a result. I had also been listening to

some motivational tapes around this time on how to enhance the

quality of life for myself. I realized that even with exercise and

diet I was basically going nowhere fast. So I have made an

appointment for tomorrow with my primary care physician to discuss

the possibility of having this done. I have also made contact with

others on the Internet about my decision, and I am confident that I

will soon be on the way to having something done about my weight in

away that I will be more at ease with.

>

>

> Yours in Weight Loss,

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Now terrible headaches,

nausea, facial cramps and I get a very dry mouth.

Hi,

Just wanted to say hi and sorry to hear the news. I have terrible headaches and other problem with the mean old sarcoid. I was diagnosis in 1999 and still have problems but some have gotten better. I deal with it a moment at a time and try to enjoy the days that are good. God has been good to me, dealing with this disease, and how it has changed my life. Try not to feel your days with worries about the illness it will make you worse. I try to think of other things besides myself. I look around me and see so many people that are worse off than me, and I am thankful for what I can do. I hope for a cure and will not give up. I hope you have a good Dr. with an aggressive treatment plan.

Love to ya,

[Guest guest]

Hi Christie,

Take a big breathe and relax.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother and I can certainly understand your

fear. I was 24 when diagnosed and a friend of mine had just died of Leukemia

It is no where near as devistating as losing your mother though. How are

you doing?

I've just turned 30, and I was also like you when diagnosed. And yes, all

the symptoms you mentioned are all part of the disease. But they are just

that - SYMPTOMS. They will go when the disease is under control and you are

healing.

It is very important that you have a good doctor that can get the disease

under control fast and that you take control of your life again. This

disease has been beaten, and you can do it too. But you do need to be

proactive so please don't sit around waiting for someone to give you the

magic answer. It takes some patience when finding the right team of doctors

(the hardest part) and a treatment plan that works for you.

I had all you have and more, now I'm able to be here and I intend on getting

well and back to my career so don't EVER give up.

You are in control now. You have support. We will be here for you. You are

NOT alone in this ok?

Now, take the next step and find a doctor who believes in you and whose

mission it is to make you well again. We will hold your hand as you journey

to wellness.

With love,

Aisha

-- New here

Hi, I was just diagnosed today with neurosarcoidosis. I am in my

late 20's, a busy professional, mother, wife and scared.

I don't know what to expect. It all started about a year ago. First

it was the bells palsy, then an oral herpes breakout. Then a tumor,

non cancerous, on my eye wich I had removed. Now terrible headaches,

nausea, facial cramps and I get a very dry mouth. Is this really

all part of this? I shudder to think of what is left to come. I

don't understand that there is no cure. So I will just have these

things happen the rest of my life? Any info will help. To make

matters worse my mom just died last year from cancer, so I am even

more scared. Thx

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice. I do have a spirometer. Do you have any idea

what the average is for that number gauge thing? I will also try to

do activities like you suggested.

>

> > Hi. I was a member a while ago but I left because people were

> > fighting. I came back because I finally got my date!!! It will be

on

> > July 28th. This is all so real now and I am both excited and

nervous!

> > I can't reall excercize right now because of my toe but I have

been

> > doing the protein and vitamins. I have lost about 15 pounds since

> > January and I need to lose 8 more before the 28th of July.I

finally

> > found a pro complex that I can tolerate too...vanilla. Does

anyone of

> > words of advice? I am all ears!

> >

> > 364

> > 30 years old

[Guest guest]

Thanks Laurie. I am going to be seeing Dr. Tanaka in San Diego. I

will check out those files:)

> Where is your surgery, ? And your surgeon? If you go to the

same facility as some others on this list (which is likely) we can

offer some information. Also check the " files " section of this

yahoogroup. There is some great stuff there.

>

> I hear post #817 is a keeper. ;-)

>

> Laurie W.

>

> new here

>

>

> Hi. I was a member a while ago but I left because people were

> fighting. I came back because I finally got my date!!! It will be

on

> July 28th. This is all so real now and I am both excited and

nervous!

> I can't reall excercize right now because of my toe but I have

been

> doing the protein and vitamins. I have lost about 15 pounds since

> January and I need to lose 8 more before the 28th of July.I

finally

> found a pro complex that I can tolerate too...vanilla. Does

anyone of

> words of advice? I am all ears!

>

> 364

> 30 years old

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow! We will be GB twins. Good luck. I just left a post saying my

surgeon is Tanaka. Does anyone know him? I hope he is good. He seems

kinda unfriendly.

> Hi ,

> Congratulations on getting your date. I will also be having my

WLS on

> July 28. Dr. Fisher n Richmond will be doing my WLS. I have been

seeing Dr.

> Baggs but will be meeting Dr. Fisher tomorrow. I switched to get

an earlier

> date. Who is your doctor and where will you have your surgery

done? I know

> what you mean by being both excited and nervous. I feel the same

way. I

> keep telling myself that everything will be fine and there is

nothing to

> worry about.

> Again congratulations!!!!

>

> Pre-op 317

> 52 years old

>

> new here

>

> Hi. I was a member a while ago but I left because people were

> fighting. I came back because I finally got my date!!! It will be on

> July 28th. This is all so real now and I am both excited and

nervous!

> I can't reall excercize right now because of my toe but I have been

> doing the protein and vitamins. I have lost about 15 pounds since

> January and I need to lose 8 more before the 28th of July.I finally

> found a pro complex that I can tolerate too...vanilla. Does anyone

of

> words of advice? I am all ears!

>

> 364

> 30 years old

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry. I don't know what the average is. I just took whatever my starting

number was and worked on improving it.

All the best,

Kay

in San Leandro

open RNY 12/1/03

wrote:

Thanks

for the advice. I do have a spirometer. Do you have any idea

what the average is for that number gauge thing? I will also try to

do activities like you suggested.

[Guest guest]

Dr. Tanaka is simply wonderful. He is an EXCELLENT surgeon. It's true, his bedside manner is a bit "dry", but he's incredibly caring and concerned, and extremely skilled. He won't be the one who holds your hand, per se, but he'll be with you every step of the way. And when he cracks jokes he never even smiles, so you gotta be on top of things to realize he's kidding. But the man has a heart of gold. And he really knows his stuff.

Are you getting lap or open?

Laurie W.

Grace44444 @ earthlink.net

Dr. Zorn - Open RNY 06/26/03

new here> > > Hi. I was a member a while ago but I left because people were > fighting. I came back because I finally got my date!!! It will be on > July 28th. This is all so real now and I am both excited and nervous! > I can't reall excercize right now because of my toe but I have been > doing the protein and vitamins. I have lost about 15 pounds since > January and I need to lose 8 more before the 28th of July.I finally > found a pro complex that I can tolerate too...vanilla. Does anyone of > words of advice? I am all ears!> > 364> 30 years old> > >

[Guest guest]

Hello, Heidi -

Welcome! My PCP, Dr. , is located in ez. I found him to be very supportive. I had my surgery on September 16, 2003 at Kaiser's Richmond Hospital. I have lost 127 pounds and am at goal. This surgery has given me a new life! There is also a small support group that meets at Kaiser ez on the fourth Monday of the month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in either meeting room 1 or 2 on the 3rd floor of the Encenada building (across the hall from the pharmacy). Good luck!

Ellen in Concord

New Here

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.My name is Heidi and I am in the early stages of going for approval. I meet the criteria, BMI=54, so I don't think it will be too hard to get but...here is my problem.The PCP said to come back in 3 months (but sent me to nutritionist)but the nutritionist said to do the submittal now, only she said she doesn't do the submitting.I was wondering if anyone out there had a VERY supportive PCP in the ez/Walnut Creek offices? I will change PCP's (yet again) if I need to in order to get the submittal done in a more timely manner.Thanks ahead of time!

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi

Glad to see you found us!! Welcome!! We are a very supportive group

so ask any and all questions you have and Im sure at least one of us

will be able to help you.

Huggles

> Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.

>

> My name is Heidi and I am in the early stages of going for

approval.

> I meet the criteria, BMI=54, so I don't think it will be too hard

to

> get but...here is my problem.

>

> The PCP said to come back in 3 months (but sent me to nutritionist)

> but the nutritionist said to do the submittal now, only she said

she

> doesn't do the submitting.

>

> I was wondering if anyone out there had a VERY supportive PCP in

the

> ez/Walnut Creek offices? I will change PCP's (yet again) if

I

> need to in order to get the submittal done in a more timely manner.

>

> Thanks ahead of time!

[Guest guest]

Wow, Ellen, 127 lbs and at goal in less

than a year from surgery – you are an inspiration!

Lesa

Lap RNY 5/17/04

290 at surgery

210 today

145 someday

Re:

New Here

Hello,

Heidi -

Welcome!

My PCP, Dr. , is located in ez. I found him to be

very supportive. I had my surgery on September 16, 2003 at Kaiser's

Richmond Hospital. I have lost 127 pounds and am at goal. This

surgery has given me a new life! There is also a small support group that

meets at Kaiser ez on the fourth Monday of the month from 6:30 pm to

7:30 pm in either meeting room 1 or 2 on the 3rd floor of the Encenada

building (across the hall from the pharmacy). Good luck!

Ellen in

Concord

New Here

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Heidi and I am in the early stages of

going for approval.

I meet the criteria, BMI=54, so I don't think it

will be too hard to

get but...here is my problem.

The PCP said to come back in 3 months (but sent me

to nutritionist)

but the nutritionist said to do the submittal now,

only she said she

doesn't do the submitting.

I was wondering if anyone out there had a VERY

supportive PCP in the

ez/Walnut Creek offices? I will change

PCP's (yet again) if I

need to in order to get the submittal done in a more

timely manner.

Thanks ahead of time!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Lesa. I am delighted with my success and very proud of myself!

Ellen

New Here

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.My name is Heidi and I am in the early stages of going for approval. I meet the criteria, BMI=54, so I don't think it will be too hard to get but...here is my problem.The PCP said to come back in 3 months (but sent me to nutritionist)but the nutritionist said to do the submittal now, only she said she doesn't do the submitting.I was wondering if anyone out there had a VERY supportive PCP in the ez/Walnut Creek offices? I will change PCP's (yet again) if I need to in order to get the submittal done in a more timely manner.Thanks ahead of time!

[Guest guest]

Welcome, "Jesiluw". What's your first name?

You asked if "the surgery" is considered cosmetic. If you're referring to RNY (roux-en-y gastric bypass) it absolutely is NOT considered cosmetic. It is covered by Kaiser if you meet specific requirements. Your PCP can give you those requirements, and probably so can people on this list.

What geographical area are you in? Have you spoken to your Primary Care doc (PCP) about the surgery and whether you qualify?

The only downside, in my opinion, to getting the surgery with Kaiser, is the wait time. BUT it has decreased significantly in recent months due to the addition of new surgeons and new surgery locations. So that's good news!

Laurie W.

New here

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and were successful after.I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral problems, and now has developed type 2 diabeties. With the history of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight rockets upward.So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten through it without problems. I wanted to read about your experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me. Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

Thanks Laurie =) My first name is

, but call me Jes, and im in Southern California.

San Diego area

to be specific.

No I haven’t talked to my PCP about

it yet. Truth is I’ve been off insurance for about 3 years, and

just got back on it a few months ago. I have an appointment to meet with

my new doctor and get a “check up” so I planned on asking them

about it then.

One of my major concerns is recovery

time. I don’t work, so that isn’t an issue, I’m

currently living with my parents while I finish up my last 3 years of

college. But I have a 3 year old son also. Do you, or anyone else

in this group have children?? What was recovery like… I have people who

would help me out with my son, but anyone who has kids, about how long were you

unable to take care of them after the surgery?

From: Laurie Warner

Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004

3:05 AM

To:

gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients

Subject: Re:

New here

Welcome, " Jesiluw " . What's your first name?

You asked if " the surgery " is considered

cosmetic. If you're referring to RNY (roux-en-y gastric bypass) it

absolutely is NOT considered cosmetic. It is covered by Kaiser if you

meet specific requirements. Your PCP can give you those requirements, and

probably so can people on this list.

What geographical area are you in? Have you spoken to

your Primary Care doc (PCP) about the surgery and whether you qualify?

The only downside, in my opinion, to getting the surgery

with Kaiser, is the wait time. BUT it has decreased significantly in

recent months due to the addition of new surgeons and new surgery

locations. So that's good news!

Laurie W.

New here

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any

group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to

everyone, i've been

reading all your posts for a few days now, and

it's encouraging to

see how many people have successfuly gotten

through the surgery, and

were successful after.

I have been considering this surgery for about a

year now. I'm

about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be

around 140), and

i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight,

the number gets

bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30,

gain 70... ect

ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i

dont get a handle on the

situation while i'm still young. My father

is also overweight, and

has serious health issues from it. Having 2

heart attacks under the

age of 47. He's got heart disease, high

blood pressure, cholestoral

problems, and now has developed type 2

diabeties. With the history

of heart problems in my family, i really get

scared when my weight

rockets upward.

So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to

hear from people

who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the

opinions im getting

from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a

few people who've had

it, but one of them had serious health issues, a

blood clot in her

leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to

6 months of

hospitalization. I understand there are

risks involved, but i also

wanted to hear some real life stories of people

who've gotten

through it without problems. I wanted to

read about your

experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery

is right for me.

Also does anyone know what insurance issues are

like with it... is

it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance

company plans cover the

surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.

Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful

reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

what kaiser do you belong to?? i live in Fontana so cal and it was very easy to get the surgery here,, i am 5'4" and weighted 243 had acid reflux and high cholesterol and blood pressure had knee surgery for torn cartilage 1 yr ago.. i had lap surgery Aug 18th-04 and now weight 217 3 weeks out . that isn't bad...i had a very easy time with the surgery , was up and running around the same day not much pain ( they got drugs for that) but even after gone home still not much pain.. it bothers me more now then then.. pains in a couple of the cuts, guess thats them healing still and itching is awful and it isn't even where i was cut , i just have really dry skin and it's starting to really bug me'' anyway good luck and let us know where you are located and we will be able to help you out much easier

bye

Shirley of Fontana so caljesiluvv wrote:

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and were successful after.I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral problems, and now has

developed type 2 diabeties. With the history of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight rockets upward.So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten through it without problems. I wanted to read about your experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me. Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.Thanks for your help, and it's been

wonderful reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

kaiser in your area goes to pacfic bareatrics , look it up on the net and you can see the docs and get info,, i had dr zorn , he does lap surgery and open, very nice person.. the hospital they go to is great , really nice nurses , i was taken really good care of.. shirley.. wrote:

Thanks Laurie =) My first name is , but call me Jes, and im in Southern California. San Diego area to be specific.

No I haven’t talked to my PCP about it yet. Truth is I’ve been off insurance for about 3 years, and just got back on it a few months ago. I have an appointment to meet with my new doctor and get a “check up” so I planned on asking them about it then.

One of my major concerns is recovery time. I don’t work, so that isn’t an issue, I’m currently living with my parents while I finish up my last 3 years of college. But I have a 3 year old son also. Do you, or anyone else in this group have children?? What was recovery like… I have people who would help me out with my son, but anyone who has kids, about how long were you unable to take care of them after the surgery?

From: Laurie Warner Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 3:05 AMTo: gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients Subject: Re: New here

Welcome, "Jesiluw". What's your first name?

You asked if "the surgery" is considered cosmetic. If you're referring to RNY (roux-en-y gastric bypass) it absolutely is NOT considered cosmetic. It is covered by Kaiser if you meet specific requirements. Your PCP can give you those requirements, and probably so can people on this list.

What geographical area are you in? Have you spoken to your Primary Care doc (PCP) about the surgery and whether you qualify?

The only downside, in my opinion, to getting the surgery with Kaiser, is the wait time. BUT it has decreased significantly in recent months due to the addition of new surgeons and new surgery locations. So that's good news!

Laurie W.

New here

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and were successful after.I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number

gets bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral problems, and now has developed type 2 diabeties. With the history of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight rockets upward.So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people

who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten through it without problems. I wanted to read about your experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me. Also does anyone know what insurance issues are

like with it... is it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

Shirley -

I'm at Fontana too. Who did you have your WLS class with? I am up to class three and have Dr. Salaama. How long after you finished your class did it take for you to have your surgery? I'd love to know.

Adrienne in Riverside

Pre-Op

Re: New here

what kaiser do you belong to?? i live in Fontana so cal and it was very easy to get the surgery here,, i am 5'4" and weighted 243 had acid reflux and high cholesterol and blood pressure had knee surgery for torn cartilage 1 yr ago.. i had lap surgery Aug 18th-04 and now weight 217 3 weeks out . that isn't bad...i had a very easy time with the surgery , was up and running around the same day not much pain ( they got drugs for that) but even after gone home still not much pain.. it bothers me more now then then.. pains in a couple of the cuts, guess thats them healing still and itching is awful and it isn't even where i was cut , i just have really dry skin and it's starting to really bug me'' anyway good luck and let us know where you are located and we will be able to help you out much easier

bye

Shirley of Fontana so caljesiluvv wrote:

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and were successful after.I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral problems, and now has developed type 2 diabeties. With the history of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight rockets upward.So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten through it without problems. I wanted to read about your experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me. Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

i had Dave Roadrucker .. my last class was march22 -04 and had my surgery Lap Aug 18th .. the surgery was really easy for me ..others had a bit harder time but they had open..i had DR Zorn and he is really nice .. i am 56 yrs old and start weight 243. i did not have to lose any weight before surgery , i don't think Zorn requires it,because i know a guy from work and he weights about 300 lbs and he did not tell him to lose weight.. at the hospital in san Diego the nurse told me that kaiser wars thinking about doing their own surgery for this in the near future,, have you heard this at your class?? our first class member to have surgery had it June 1st and then one the 7th and then July28th , Aug 2 and then me Aug 18th the rest of the class i have not heard from....

take care

your time will be here soon

Shirley of Fontana so calAdrienne Swedlove wrote:

Shirley -

I'm at Fontana too. Who did you have your WLS class with? I am up to class three and have Dr. Salaama. How long after you finished your class did it take for you to have your surgery? I'd love to know.

Adrienne in Riverside

Pre-Op

Re: New here

what kaiser do you belong to?? i live in Fontana so cal and it was very easy to get the surgery here,, i am 5'4" and weighted 243 had acid reflux and high cholesterol and blood pressure had knee surgery for torn cartilage 1 yr ago.. i had lap surgery Aug 18th-04 and now weight 217 3 weeks out . that isn't bad...i had a very easy time with the surgery , was up and running around the same day not much pain ( they got drugs for that) but even after gone home still not much pain.. it bothers me more now then then.. pains in a couple of the cuts, guess thats them healing still and itching is awful and it isn't even where i was cut , i just have really dry skin and it's starting to really bug me'' anyway good luck and let us know where you are located and we will be able to help you out much easier

bye

Shirley of Fontana so caljesiluvv wrote:

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and were successful after.I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral problems, and now has

developed type 2 diabeties. With the history of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight rockets upward.So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten through it without problems. I wanted to read about your experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me. Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.Thanks for your help, and it's been

wonderful reading your stories =)

[Guest guest]

I have come through the surgery and done very well. The first two weeks were

difficult, not from wound draining or blood clot problems but anxiety on my

part. I

did very well in my weight loss and have done very well with my health. The hard

part was when I had triple hernia surgery in April 2002. The pain lasted far

longer than I thought it would, and I eventually had trigger point therapy,

which did wonders.

I have been helped by support, exercise (swimming is essential tolung

development in order to survive the effects of the anesthesia, which should not

be minimized.

I was in ICU an extra day after gastric bypass and scared everyone... I did not

apparantly react well to the anesthesia, or may have been over-anesthetized. But

my

lungs were strong from lots of swimming,and I came out of it).

Does this help?

Please let me know.

Kari Ann

Vallejo

--

jesiluvv wrote:

> Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any

> group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been

> reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to

> see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery, and

> were successful after.

>

> I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm

> about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and

> i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets

> bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect

> ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the

> situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and

> has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under the

> age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure, cholestoral

> problems, and now has developed type 2 diabeties. With the history

> of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight

> rockets upward.

>

> So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people

> who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting

> from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had

> it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her

> leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of

> hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also

> wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten

> through it without problems. I wanted to read about your

> experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me.

>

> Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is

> it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover the

> surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.

>

> Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful reading your stories =)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our group...sounds like with the amount of weight that you

want to lose it would probably be covered by kaiser...what area are

you located in, maybe we could give you more info on the process.

Shanna

> Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this group, actually to any

> group here haha. =) Just wanted to say hi to everyone, i've been

> reading all your posts for a few days now, and it's encouraging to

> see how many people have successfuly gotten through the surgery,

and

> were successful after.

>

> I have been considering this surgery for about a year now. I'm

> about 120 lbs overweight, (260 when i should be around 140), and

> i've tried countless times to lose my extra weight, the number gets

> bigger each time. Lose 30 lbs, gain 50, lose 30, gain 70... ect

> ect. I'm afraid of what might happen if i dont get a handle on the

> situation while i'm still young. My father is also overweight, and

> has serious health issues from it. Having 2 heart attacks under

the

> age of 47. He's got heart disease, high blood pressure,

cholestoral

> problems, and now has developed type 2 diabeties. With the history

> of heart problems in my family, i really get scared when my weight

> rockets upward.

>

> So anyway, i joined this group because I wanted to hear from people

> who've actually HAD the surgery, instead of the opinions im getting

> from everyone i've mentioned it to. I know a few people who've had

> it, but one of them had serious health issues, a blood clot in her

> leg that developed 12ish hours post op, and led to 6 months of

> hospitalization. I understand there are risks involved, but i also

> wanted to hear some real life stories of people who've gotten

> through it without problems. I wanted to read about your

> experiences so i can try and decide if the surgery is right for me.

>

> Also does anyone know what insurance issues are like with it... is

> it considered cosmetic? or do some insurance company plans cover

the

> surgery. I personally am with Kiaser.

>

> Thanks for your help, and it's been wonderful reading your stories

=)