Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

Need Support – Los Angeles, CA

ORIGINAL POST

Just starting my weight loss journey through...

Sigi0421311823October 17, 2014
$40,000

Just starting my weight loss journey through Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles, CA. The facility became a bariatric one about 5 years ago and so far there have been no fatalities. I am 53, 5'5.5" and my starting weight is 273 lbs.

I have already been approved of the surgery but I need to complete a 12 week course with Kaiser. It is actually pretty good and I am enjoying it immensely. Met some really nice people and we all have the same thing in common. Immediate connection.

I need to lose at least 10% of my body weight and be able to walk for 15 minutes without stopping. They also do all these labs, EKG, x-rays, and a poop and urine test. Talk about thorough.

I wanted to get the sleeve but because I am diabetic, I have to get the Roux NY procedure where you get rerouted, so to speak.

Please, please, please watch my very short videos. If someone knows how I can lengthen my videos that would be great. I guess my technology skills reveal my age.

Love this website!

Sigi0421311823's provider

Kaiser Permanente

Replies (4)

maryella1
October 17, 2014
I tried to find your you tube site and what should I put in to access it?
Sigi0421311823
October 17, 2014
maryella1
October 18, 2014
thank you I will try that.
User Avatar
Angie_M
October 17, 2014
Thank you for starting your story on RealSelf! What app are you using to record your videos? You should definitely be able to record longer than a few seconds. Send me a personal message if you'd like me to help you troubleshoot! And please use this space to keep us updated on your process!
UPDATED FROM Sigi0421311823

Weight Loss Journey Is Both Physical and Spiritual

Sigi0421311823October 17, 2014
I have started my 1200 calories a day diet and drinking 64 ounces of water. I walked yesterday and today and my entire body hurts. I probably overdid it. I walked for 80 minutes.

Replies (1)

maryella1
October 18, 2014
I found your you tube but they are only 54 and 55 minutes. is that all you have loaded up? will be looking for more.
UPDATED FROM Sigi0421311823

WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

Sigi0421311823October 24, 2014
Right now I am taking the Options classes with Kaiser. They expect you to lose 10% of you body weight. I have lost about 5 lbs. and need 20 lbs. to go by mid-January 2015. I hope I can lose the weight and am afraid that I won't be able to do it. I have a lot of back pain and it feels like my back is splitting in two. Almost feels like bone cancer. Is this menopausal or is this because of all the weight I carry or can it be arthritis? It is hard to walk when you're in pain.

Replies (8)

maryella1
October 25, 2014
congratulations on your weight loss, it's a start you have to start somewhere. your back pain is probably caused by both arthritis and your weight. but I would go to dr. to make sure it's not anything else. I have arthritis and have had numerous surgeries because of it. I hope after losing the weight it will give me some improvement.
Sigi0421311823
October 25, 2014
I am also 53 years old and still getting my period. My pain feels hormonal, partly arthritic and carrying all this weight. Thanks for your kind words and I do hope that my back pain will subside as I continue to lose weight.
maryella1
October 25, 2014
I am 65 and went through the change when I was about 48. that could be a big part of your pain, you might be right it being hormonal. our hormones wreak havoc on our bodies.
Sigi0421311823
October 25, 2014
My mother had the same pain as I have and my sister, who is one year younger than me, goes through the same pain plus with bad headaches, too. have been watching a lot of youtube videos on wls and there pluses and minuses to bariatric surgery. It is really scary to hear what some people are going through. I guess it takes a tremendous leap of faith. My fear would be regaining the weight.
maryella1
October 25, 2014
Yes gaining weight is a possibility if you don't stay on track. My family suffers with arthritis and migraines. Up until just lately after have a car accident when someone rear ended me and I suffered whiplash I hadn't had migraines. But since that happened a couple of years ago my migraines had almost completely stopped occurring. That being said I agree the surgery is a great leap of faith in ourselves.
maryella1
October 25, 2014
I meant to add my migraines stopped after I went through menopause.
User Avatar
Sharon at RealSelf
January 22, 2015

Hi Sigi! How is your weight loss going? Hope you're doing great. Please update us when you can.

Sigi0421311823
January 23, 2015
Hi everyone, My bariatric doctor recommended that I take Calcium Citrate, Vitamin B1 and Beta Carotene. SInce I have been taking these vitamins, my back pain has disappeared. Who knew? I just finished taking my last class with Kaiser and I must sit tight and wait for them to call me. Once my bariatric doctor okays my file, Kaiser's Bariatric program will schedule a meeting with my surgeon. I don't know how long this process will take but I hear different things from different people. As far as my weight, I am struggling at 270 losing weight and gaining weight and not making that much of an impact. If the doctor's appointment is in two weeks from now, I will try going on a protein shake diet before seeing him. I will be devastated if I can't have the surgery soon. I have overcome my fear which is a huge step but I don't know how strict the 10% is. I know that each surgeon is different. I would appreciate feedback from you regarding this topic. Thank you in advance for responding. Sigi
See More Gastric Sleeve Surgery Reviews
See All Reviews