New to California Board !

Hello fellow Californians !   I am a Kaiser patient from the Antelope Valley area.

I am (un)patiently waiting for my 1st and last, meeting with my surgeon; and with that, waiting for my surgery date to be given to me.

I started my journey in weight loss surgery this past February when my otho.doc told me that my knees were perfect candidates for knee replacement; but I was not due to my obesity.  I have severe arthritis, probably a genetic thing; as my dad and his family all have the same issues.  Then I had a bad fall, and WAM.  Took out the rest of what was holding the knees together. 

I have never been able to keep weight off, once I lose it, and never get below the 260 mark no matter what diet I do.....so my PCP and I talked about wt. loss surgery.  Specifically, the VSG due to my consumption of NSAIDs.

Referral to Gatekeeper for Bariatric Surgery 3/10
Heart Stress tests 7/10
Psych clearance 9/10
Finish 12 week options class 11/10
Upper GI and abdominal ultrasound  11/10
Referral to Surgeon 11/24
Surgeon Office called to make appt 12/10
Pre-OP appt scheduled for 1/4/11
SURGERY ?????!!!!!

You will get there in no time at all!!!! And you are in GREAT hands! You could not have a better surgeon!!!!! I LOVE Dr. Billy and think he is the best!!!! Good luck to you on your journey and it will be a ride you will remember.

Thank you, neighbor !!!  How are YOU feeling ?

I do believe I know who this is.....LOL....I am feeling better today and I just spent the day resting today. Tomorrow I am going to see if the hubby will take me out to Lancaster to go walk through a store. I am so over the FULL LIQUID stage....I am ready to move on Tuesday and cannot wait to eat me some refried beans, Yogurt or a saltine with creamy peanut butter or cottage cheese...LOL.......

It will all get here before you know it.....I know Dr. Billy's office also double books appointments as he is so busy. Yesterday I had to beeok my next 3 office follow ups just so I could get in on time.  My first official appt with him will be Feb 11th. So exactly 2 months out from surgery. My scale here at home weighs 4 pounds lighter than his, so I am just hournaling and weinging once a week for now. . I am still having to adjust me Blood pressure meds and my diabetes meds some, but I am hopeful that I will be off them in a few months if not weeks....

Talk to you soon

Lori

Hello and Welcome to the Calif boards........

You will do great with your surgery. BOTH of them. I hope that once you lose some weight the you knees wont be so bad and that in time you get the surgery for them.

Best of luck!!

Luana

Welcome to the Cali Board, we're so glad you've joined us.  You are well on your way now.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,
Barb

Welcome! You have come to the best forum on the site! Well at least I think so. Everyone here is incredibly supportive. Now my best advice to you is while you are waiting learn as much about your surgery as you can. Become an expert! Try different types of proteins, get your kitchen ready before you have surgery so you will be ready when you get home. Look at the before and after galleries. (I don't just say that because I am in there LOL) It will really keep you motivated. Post any questions you have, let us know when you need encouragement. We are here for you. Good luck with everything. It really will be here before you know it.

BriarRose~ 
Welcome to the CaliBoard!!! As Elizabeth states it is the best forum on OH. I had a VGS so if you have any questions, I'll nbe more than happy to answer. Everyone here is so awesome and supportive. Keep us posted on your progress!!

Marie

Thank you !  I appreciate your being open to questions !  My pre -op (where I will meet the surgeon and find out my surgery date) is in 2 weeks....1/4/11 taking soooo long to get there !