Newbie in Nor Cal - Kaiser

Hi All!

I've been lurking for a while reading, and getting a sense of what the group is like.

I originally started this process in 2007, then was asked to be re-evaluated for psych portion, I believe because I am bi-polar and was not stable on my meds at that point.  Well, the month before I was supposed to get my re-eval I got pregnant!!!  After trying for so long I never thought I'd finally get pregnant!  So, I had my little boy in Decemeber and lost all of my baby weight plus another 10 pounds right away.  I contacted my PCP and asked him to put the referral in again for me (through Kaiser).  With in a couple of weeks I went to my orientation and am now waiting for my appts for everything else.  I'm so excited to be here!!!

I just ordered all of my vitamins and protein from GNC... I got a little lost reading who likes what and where to find it in the forum so I figured I'd just keep trying them until I find something I really like.

I can't wait to dive into this and get things going.  Any advice you have for me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Renee

Hey Renee,

Welcome to the Cali Board, we're so glad you joined us.  You will find some wonderful support here and a great group of friends too.  We're all here to support you on your journey, so hop on aboard and have fun.

Welcome again,
Barb

Welcome Renee
Congratulations on the birth of your son!  I personally know that feeliing of wonderment finding yourself pregnant after years of trying.  I'm also Kaiser..Richmond..just 9 days out from surgery. Which facility are you going thru? Who is your doctor or has that been determined?

Welcome aboard again...this is a whirlwind experience but the results are well worth it.  Be sure to ask  all your questions...someone here will be sure to have an answer. Also, look into the support groups in your area  (hey BARB, ya listening? LOL).  They are a tremendous source of encouragment and support as you go thru each step.

Welcome again!
Nancy aka Sunray

Hi Renee,

If you are with Kaiser Fremont, don't wait for them to give you your appointment.  Give them a call, I called a week after my orientation.  I know others have waited up to 2 months for a call. 

Thank you all for the warm welcomes!  I am going through Kaiser South San Francisco.  I went for orientation on 3/10 and called this morning to inquire about the other appts.  I can't wait to get this show on the road!

I've already started the "meal plan" and as I mentioned before, ordered my vitamins and protein powder.  Anything else you can think of to help me get off the ground running?

Thanks!

Hi there,
  I am 8 weeks out from Kaiser Fremont.  I started the process through South SFO, and they told us at orientation that it would be around 6 months to get our next appt.  I lost my required 10 percent while waiting for that appt, and was given the best advice ever.. transfer to Fremont!  Fremont doesn't make you take any classes or anything like that.  Once I transferred, I had my surgery within 5 months.  I love my surgeon and really like that staff.  If you choose to stay with San Francisco, I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a smooth process

Renee, I am through Kaiser Fremont. I knew 2 people at Kaiser SSF and I told them both to switch to Fremont, and they did because Fremont has a much faster process and they do not require those Life classes that SSF requires.  If it's not too much hassle for you to travel to Fremont for appts. you should try getting SSF dr. to transfer you to Fremont.  Start working on the 10% requirement that Kaiser requires, 10% loss from the weight you were when the referral was made.  once you get that maintain it, it's hard but Kaiser is strict about making sure you meet their 10% less weight for surgery. The main thing is to be proactive, don't wait for appt cards and calls, YOU call them. Email your surgeon when you make the goals they require of you, and just keep your name fresh in their minds.