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    Hi folks,

I have been a lurker on these forums for a while...trying to glean information about WLS, while struggling with weight and related issues.

Am turning a poster...as i think that i need to get serious about committing to this...

Summary Background
-47 Yr old.  Male.  In addition to obesity, all other co-morbid conditions exist...diabetes, High BP, Chlorestrol.
- Heavy all my life.  Least weight I rememeber was 291 lbs.  Most recorded 333.
- Tried many different programs for weight loss...did not stick.  Most effective was DASH diet, got me to 309; but went back to old habits...and back to 323 or so.
- Attended Kaiser South San Fran WLS workshop 2 yrs ago...weighted in at 330 or so; they gave me a target of 290, before they would take me for WLS.  I did not take the program seriously....until about 5 weeks ago when i had the a-ha moment. 
- About 5 weeks ago...A1C shot up to 8, and PCP asked me to come in for insulin.  That was the wakeup...did not want insulin shots.  The a-ha was...the Kaiser Bariatrics Dr David Le said to me that doing exercise will never get me to my weight....his view was that diet needs to be more important.
- At that a-ha moment....5 weeks ago...was about 318.  Went down the path of changing my diet and lifestyle as if i have already had the surgery.  Am trying to follow the post-op surgery diet in the Kaiser handbook, along with the vitamins, etc (cut out carbs/bread/rice, etc).
- As a result....now i am at 295...diabetes is better controlled (stayed away from insuin shots; even reduced the Glipizide).  First 2 weeks was hard....and the diabetes medication makes it harder (makes me hungry, if i do not manage it well).  Good news....am approaching 290....and have a follow up with the doctor in 10 days (wont be at 290 by then, but should be at 293 or so, hopefully).  
- Am motivated to make it work....but am scared of the surgery and consequences.

Guidance ane help needed
From all the smart people here...do want your help and guidance on followings questions pls...
1) Sleeve vs Bypass: Sleeve seems like a lower risk procedure, and seems to have benefits like no dumping, and NSAIDs.  Am scared of what dumping may do to my professional life at the office.  Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
2) Risks of each surgery......is Sleeve really lower risk?  As the sole breadwinner for the family, am scared of scenarios that may be unpleasant, or fatal.  Thus the Q and the concern.
3) For risk mitigation, is it worth to just follow the current plan i am on....basically a new way of life for eating....and stay on that for say 6 months and see how that transpires....before commiting to WLS?  Or, just dive in...if benefits outweigh the risks?
4) Any references/expereinces with Kaiser South San Fran Bariatrics, and especially Dr David Minh Le?

Many many thanks!

Rick

PS: Any local support meetings in San Jose?  Would love to join.  Thanks

Hi 

my pain was gone two weeks later. I exercise daily, walk the dogs in the morning for 3 miles, go swimming for 45 minutes and then I do cardio exercise in the gym. I returned to work a week ago . I have not lost a lot of weight (15lbs) but I lost inches. I'm wearing my jeans that I last wear 6 years ago. I developed an allergic reaction to my sutures . If it does not get better within one week I have to have them removed.

Eating will be tricky. I'm still working on it. I focus on protein food to get my daily must in. 

Let me know how your surgery is coming along . Good luck to you. Don't be frighten it is a life changing experience but you will notice your health getting better right away. My blood pressure is under control,I stopped snoring, I can walk without pain in my foot and knee. I do it again ! 

I just had my surgery on 12/16/13 and like to share experiences with ones who already had it! Thank you 

 Hi all, I'm going to have WLS at Kaiser South San Francisco (I live in Los Gatos). Anyone out there gone through S. SF? I've been referred, just waiting to meet the surgeon and get it going! 

I'm having the surgery through the Fremont Kaiser.