Kaiser Options classes started...yay!!

So last Friday was the beginning of a new beginning. I had my first and second Options class. I learned a bit but not too much in this class. It was really hard for the instructor to get a word in with all of the questions being asked. I understand that it was the first class and that everyone had questions but let the lady speak. I am taking 2 classes at a time every other week. My last day of classes is going to be on December 4th and we were told that we could have surgery as soon as 2 weeks after finishing the classes. This all depends on where you want to go and their schedule.

I also called the insurance company to see what my copay would be and to see the requirements set by the insurance for the surgery... Good news my copay is pretty cheap and I need the options classes and for the doctor to say that surgery is medically necessary. I am so excited but I am also starting to get nervous. It was real before but now it is really real. That this is all happening and I could be having surgery as soon as mid december but I am banking on probably Jan or early Feb... I hope :)

As for the Options classes they are now 20 classes or 20 weeks. You are not required by the options class to lose 10% of weight but you are encouraged to lose weight throughout the process abd are incouraged to start a multivitamin now. You must also attend all of the classes and make up any of the classes you miss. So today I started a food journal and have been drinking all of my water. I am going to start walking on my lunch break at work (I work swings so it is nice and cool),working out at our community gym, and walking with the dogs on the weekend.

Wish me luck!!

Nathalie

Hi, great news about the Big Day getting nearer... I wanted to know what insurance you have? I am just starting my weight loss and have read alot of bad things about the insurance comp. so I am getting ready to fight, but it sounds like your is great. Good luck!

I have Kaiser in Southern California. They cover the RNY , Gastric Sleeve, and the band. I plan on having RNY. It also helps that i have a really supportive PCP.

Congratulations on the start of your journey!!! I too had Kaiser at the time of my surgery and went through the classes. I honestly think the classes are worth it, but I hope you have a better teacher than I did!
It sounds like you are off to a good start of changing
behaviors,  good for you!!! A few more I could suggest are... eating on small plates, using small utensils, eating slower, chewing more, and practicing the no drinking 30 minutes after eating.
Don't be afraid to ask questions here, you may not always like the answers, but there will be answers.
May God bless your WLS journey!   bigg huggs, Becky

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have been on the lookout for small plates and I found some small bowl they only hold a very small amount. I do have to invest in a good scale for food but other than that I am getting all of my stuff together. Did you buy a magic bullet or any other small blender?? I hear that is something to look into. Thanks for all of the support and I am sure I will talk to you soon :)

Welcome Nathalie! I went through the options classes in Fontana, too. I "graduated" in May, 2009. My instructor was Valeria, she was good. I am having my surgery this Friday, in San Diego. I am getting the RNY. I want to let you know taking notes in class, is a good idea. You can always refer to them later. Everything that Becky just told you is so true. She is such a great person for information, If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, The support you will find on these boards is unrivaled, you won't find it anywhere else. These people are the best. Good luck on your journey, the 20 weeks will fly by.

In friendship,

Congrats on surgery this Friday. I will keep you in my prayers. We had Rosa the first day but I am not sure if we will keep her. She is the nutritionist. I want to have surgery in San Diego too. I do have a question... did you choose Dr. Zorn or did you just choose Pacific Bariatrics and they gave you that doctor? I have heard that all of the doctors there are great so I am sure I would be happy with anyone I get. How long was the wait to get into Pacific Bariatrics? Well I will talk to you soon and good luck on surgery. I am sure you will do great

Hi Nathalie,

Thanks for the prayers, that means a lot to me. Actually I first chose Crown Baratrics in Murrieta (Dr. Suh), but because the hospital isn't a COE (center of excellence) my secondary insurance wouldn't cover the surgery. I had attended the seminar and had my consult appt and everything! So, I had to change to Pacific, they assigned me to Dr. Zorn. All 4 of the doctors in that practice are very nice and great. I didn't have long to wait, although each person is different. I made sure I had all my tests done, when they were ordered. I had my consult with Dr. Zorn on the 2nd of July and got my approval about 2 weeks ago. Pacific is really good, because when they do the consult they also schedule you for your psych eval and internal medicine exam the same day. So you have to be in San Diego just 1 day. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask or PM me. I will be happy to help or I am sure anyone of these great people with help you find the answers! Take care!

Hugs, love, & Friendship,

HI Nathalie..
Congrats on getting started!  That is wonderful.  I can only agree with what Michelle and Becky said, this board is awesome and so supportive!  Can't imagine going through my surgery without the awesome peeps here.  Glad to have you here!

Hugs,

Jackie

I have been on the boards for a little while but I hardly post anything. I will start posting more now though. I need the support anywhere I can get it. I do have supportive family and friends but right now there aren't many people that know I am having surgery. I know some really judgmental people and I just don't want to hear it right now. They will know when it is time for them to know. Thanks for the support

Nathalie