hello... newbie here

 Hi.         I'm sorta new here. I've been lurking around OH for a few years now, but haven't made a lot of posts or anything. I have Kaiser and last month I finally went to my PCP and told her I wanted WLS and I have my Orientation today from 3-5pm. I know there is extra work involved, but I am planning on having the DS. I get frequent headaches and I need to be able to take whatever kind of medicine will help whether I'm at work or at home, so NSAIDs are necessary. Hmmmm, what else? I live in Manteca, I'm 31, single and so ready for this surgery so I can start my life. 

Hi Julie...
Welcome to the Cali boards.. some of the most wonderful peeps are on here and they are so helpful and motivating!  I've been MIA for a lil bit but Im always happy to see new people join in.    Wishing you all the best in your journey and looking forward to getting to know you!  Big Hugs!

Jackie

Welcome sort of neighbor! I live in Merced. Well it sounds like you have done the research and have picked the surgery that will best suite your needs and congratulations on your decision. We have quite a few people who have had their surgery done through Kaiser and are very happy. I went to Fresno and had the RNY. I don't have Kaiser though. This Sat. we are having our Nor Cal luncheon in Concord. If you scroll down you will see the information posted. We have a great time together and have a clothing exchange too. We would love to have you join us.

In the meantime feel free to ask any questions, this is the board to come to. You will get lots of encouragement and people will do their best to help you.

Hi Julie,  I live in Salida and we have several people who come to our support groups there is one on the first Monday of the month at the sutter gould center it's in McHnery Village at the Sutter building starts at 6 and then we have one on the second and fourth Tuesday at Bethel Church on Sceinic and Oakdale Road, and this starts at 6:00 pm also and at the Kairser on Dale Road there is also a meeting at 6 pm it is on the 3rd Wednesday and all of these are open to anyone who wants to attend.  If you have any questions just ask away.
Wishing you luck.
Judy 

Hi Julie,

Welcome to the Cali board.  As Elizabeth said so eloquently, we have our Nor Cal luncheon this weekend and would love to welcome you with open arms to a group of friends who love to get together for luncheons and outings.  Come join us, we're all in this journey together.

Hugs,
Barb

Welcome,
I have Kaiser as well but they dont cover the DS (at least mine didn't), but they do cover the Sleeve which is the first part of the DS. And its becoming a fast paced stand alone surgery now.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the California board.

EDIT:  Added the following...

Oh and with the sleeve you can take the meds you need. I am having the sleeve cause I take some hefty meds for my Endometriosis.

Welcome Julie!  Which Kaiser facility are you going to? I was at Kaiser Richmond (I'm in Sacramento).

If you haven't already, click on forum and go to 'surgery type' and find the DS forum.  They'll have more 'surgery specific' info for you and from what I've read, a great bunch of people.

As Elizabeth and Barb wrote...think about joining us in Concord this Saturday...we do have a great time!
Again, Welcome!!
Nancy aka Sunray

Elizabeth, Barb and Nancy - I only have one day off this weekend, so I'll have to pass on this month's luncheon, but it sounds fun. If the gas gods are good to me maybe I can make the drive next month.

Nancy - I went for a short orientation/summary of the surgery last night at the Kaiser in Manteca, but the longer orientation and everything else will be at the Kaiser in Fremont.

Hey Julie...Manteca is just a stone's throw from me...in fact I sometimes go thru Stockton to get to Concord because the traffic on I80 is a bear.  Think about car pooling with me next month...we could meet up in Stockton ^_^ 

I have several friends who attend our Elk Grove support group who have gone thru Fremont...and they have nothing but praise and admiration for that facility.  Each Kaiser facility does things just a tad bit different and have different requirements..but the surgeries are all done the same.  One of the gals in our group is actually Fremont's (Dr Hahn) first VSG surgery performed July of 09...and she is doing fantastic!  Just remember, that with Kaiser you have to be pro-active (especially with Fremont)...if they don't call you..call them!  If I can be of any help or get answers for you regarding Fremont...PM me or post here.  I'm really excited for you!
Nancy aka Sunray

Welcome Ms J. Here's to much success on your journey.

Hugs, Linda