KAISER PERMANENTE MEETING AT SUNNYSIDE!

HEY EVERYONE! I just wondered what some opinions are of the people that attended the 4/20/05 group informational meeting or if you attended in the past what did you think? I was so glad to meet Dr Moiel! I had heard he was a little dry, however found him to have a great sense of humor! Not at all like what I had read! None of the info was new to me, and so I am not changing my mind and plan to go ahead and plow through all the "readiness" procedures! No turning back now! What are any post ops successes and complications from the Kaiser program? Thanks!!

I had Dr Moiel, he performed my surgery nearly two years ago. He ROCKS! I think he is the best. The kaiser program is great for pre-op, good for the 1st year post-op, but falls to okay after that. OKAY, I know that it's up to me to seek out the groups, etc. (and I'll be there this saturday). But I've had a change in PCP in the last year and I'VE had to tell HER what tests I need and how often. She is of the opinion that my special need for my pouch, and my mal absorbsion (spelling?) is now a part of the past. I asked Brenda Scott, and it will NEVER be a thing of the past. Mal-absorbing and dumping doesn't "go-away" after a time (as my Dr thinks) it improves but doesn't go away. Overall I feel that Kaiser is a very good program. I hope they'll be able to offer to do these surgeries laproscopically soon (if they aren't already). I know a year ago (when I had a hernia repair) they were working toward that goal. GOOD LUCK. I have a family member who is working thru the program at this time too. I wish you the best.

Hello Heather, I had my surgery a 14 months ago with Dr. M. Is is GREAT!! My family had the most confidence in him! I was wonderful. I have lost 176 since surgery, down 196 total (dang 4 wont come off!!) I dont think they move to quickly, which is good and bad. If you read my profile, you'll see I had to fight Providence and was denied. Kaiser is wonderful and I enjoy attending the monthly support meeting on Saturday (tomorrow from 9-10 for post-op and 10-12 for pre-ops (come if you can)) Feel free to email with questions/concerns!! GOOD LUCK!~ Sarah

Thanks all who have replied so far! I attended the support group in Salem on Thursday and we heard from Laura who had a serious complications, what Kaiser told her was, "our first leak!" It really drove home how much our support persons are! They must know as much about this surgery as we do so they can advocate for us post-op, when we are drugged or out of our mind with pain, etc! I also heard that while Dr. Moiel has a sense of humor, when he is with patients he rarely uses it, just in and out, no time for questions. I know that the Kaiser surgeons have a good track record for the most part. So, now on to eating, losing, and excercising! The group info meeting was the first one that Kaiser "invites" you to after filling out the questionairre...anyone else there on 4/20? Thanks!