Various questions

[Guest guest]

Ok, after semi-lurking for a while, I've got some questions - I know

I'll know more after my initial appointment next month, but I'm

impatient about waiting for answers. . .

1. Which program do patients from the South Bay end up getting

assigned to generally - I'm near Santa Clara; would I be more likely

to be sent up to SSF or Fremont (or is there one closer?)

2. While you're trying to lose the 10%, are you advised to use the

standard 1200-calorie diet or can you use any diet that works? The

only way I've ever managed to make a 1200 calorie diet work for me was

with really heavy exercise, which isn't realistic right now and won't

be till I lose some weight (that's part of the whole problem -

arthritis!) However, Atkins has worked fairly well for me in the past

as a " kick-start " to lose 30-40 pounds, which would get me down the

necessary amount for surgery.

3. For those of you with joint problems who've made it to the other

side - did it really make a difference in your mobility/pain? I know

that use of NSAIDs is prohibited after surgery, and I've been on heavy

doses of Motrin for several years now for pain in my knees and heels.

If I keep using them till I'm told to discontinue before surgery, am I

increasing my risks of ulcers, or should I be trying to stop sooner to

reduce complications later?

4. Finally, I know Kaiser doesn't cover plastic surgery after weight

loss in most cases. Has anyone had it covered for medical reasons? If

you have it done, and it's not covered, did Kaiser do it? And what's

the ballpark figure for costs if it's not covered (very roughly)? If

I'm going to have to save up I'd like to know what I'm looking at in

that area, as well.

I know, I'll probably find all this out eventually - but like I said,

I'm impatient for information! Thanks -

Cathy