Ceradad

A couple of months after my surgery, I went down to Dallas for my first ever trip to Texas Stadium to see my Cowboys at home. I had my monthly checkup the two weeks later. While I lost around 9-10 lbs in that month, I confessed to the PA that I was not overly great while down there about my diet. All that said, she told me what my addition will be: Bandsters have to be allowed, by their SO and themselves, to live life. It can't all be about watching everything you eat. If you fall off the wagon once, just get right back on.

Yeah, you go to a "real gym" and the people there know how to act. While I do get annoyed when I'm in the middle of my circuit, I do not go overboard. If they look as if they are actually using it to lift instead of as a towel rack, I'll just go to the next exercise and come back at the end of the cycle. I just tend to get a little on edge when working out. Kind of sounds like Tommy is the same way.:frown:

I just found this site not long ago and just now found this thread. I have BCBS of IL. As soon as the clinic found out I had them they got that "look" on their faces. They knew all about BCBS of IL. They knew I was going to have to go through 6 mos with a dietician and a couple of other obstacles to overcome. The 6 mos seemed to be the worst and I could deal with that, at the time. I just looked at it as a headstart on changing habits for afterwards. As I was 6'3" and almost 380, and had been fighting my weight for over 15 yrs, I figured it was a simple deal. Little did I know. I started with the dietician in January of 07. I was told I had to see the dietician pretty much on the dot every 30 days or they would deny me for not following the "monthly" appts. This was a little difficult as the dietician was due in May of 07. Regardless, I made it. In May, I called BCBS to verify that the January through June was going to be good or if January didn't count as it was the initial consultation with the dietician. Couldn't get a straight answer to save my life. They almost came out and said I was good. So, after the June appt, my clinic sent in all the paperwork to BCBS. After a week, I called up BCBS to check on the status of my request. I was told I had been denied for failing to follow their guidelines. Cust. Rep would tell me exactly why. But he did tell me they thought people got the Band and then went right back to their old eating habits. I called the nurse I was assigned to at the clinic and informed her of what was said via voicemail. I was called back by the lady that handles their insurance paperwork and was told she would call BCBS. She called me back a couple of hours later and she was PISSED!!!!!!!! She could not believe what BCBS told her. Basically, they told her that fat people, or "those people", got nothing out of the surgery. They said I was denied for failing to learn anything from the dietician. Their reasoning was that my weight fluctuated each month by a pound or two and I would revert back to old eating habits afterwards. They also didn't believe it was a preventitive surgery. Little back story on the clinic I went through. It was Park Nicollet Clinic in St. Louis Park. They have 3 surgical teams that do nothing but gastric bypass. To be a nurse or a staff member of this clinic, you have to have had gastric bypass (other than the surgeons). They do this so they know what the patients are going through each step of the way. Anyway, the lady from the clinic went OFF on the cust rep from BCBS. She told her off good. Flamed him for the companies attitude. Then, told him to put my request in appeal. When he asked if that was what I wanted to do, she told him to just do it and she would ask me later. I loved it when she told me this. I knew I had decided to go with the right place. Any way, long story longer, I had the appeal approved in less than 3 days. After figuring out my schedule and the surgeons availibility, I had my surgery on August 28, 2007. I'm down almost 90 lbs and haven't looked back. No fills as of yet and I love my clinic. If you live in MN, I highly recommend PNC. But, more importantly, if you are denied, TELL them you want your request put into appeal. They don't tell you about that option and you don't need a lawyer. It is a neutral 3rd party that looks over your request. If they approve you, BCBS HAS to abide by it. If they deny, then look further. Just don't give up. That is what BCBS wants you to do. PNC told me they have around 10-11 patients a year w/BCBS of IL. Of those, on avg, 8 get denied. When I asked if most are approved on appeal, I was told most simply give up. I was not going to do that. Thanks for reading my novella.:frown:

Ok, took last night off from lifting. Same tonight. Trying something new on the split for days to try to accomodate DW getting to the gym at night. So, another 65 minutes of cardio this morning on treadmill. So I can remember later, I set the speed at 4.0 mph and start off on a 2 % incline. At 20 minutes in, I raise the platform to 3 % incline. At 48 minutes in, up it to 4 % incline. Then, at 58 minutes in, up to 5 % incline. After 60 minutes, the treadmill goes into "cooldown" mode. I leave the speed @ 4.0 mph and put the incline at 1 %. This routine leaves my hr in the "weightloss" area for approx. 30-40 minutes. Then, it goes up into cardiovascular. Both are good. Tomorrow, I have to switch my routine up a little to accomodate my SWAT team physical tryouts next week. I don't want to bench my weight 14 hrs after doing my upper body workout. So, I have to do upper body first. Then, lower body instead of vice versa.

Ok, took last night off from lifting. Same tonight. Trying something new on the split for days to try to accomodate DW getting to the gym at night. So, another 65 minutes of cardio this morning on treadmill. So I can remember later, I set the speed at 4.0 mph and start off on a 2 % incline. At 20 minutes in, I raise the platform to 3 % incline. At 48 minutes in, up it to 4 % incline. Then, at 58 minutes in, up to 5 % incline. After 60 minutes, the treadmill goes into "cooldown" mode. I leave the speed @ 4.0 mph and put the incline at 1 %. This routine leaves my hr in the "weightloss" area for approx. 30-40 minutes. Then, it goes up into cardiovascular. Both are good. Tomorrow, I have to switch my routine up a little to accomodate my SWAT team physical tryouts next week. I don't want to bench my weight 14 hrs after doing my upper body workout. So, I have to do upper body first. Then, lower body instead of vice versa.

I was allowed sugar free Jello. As long as you don't put anything else in it, no fruit. Otherwise, I had a crapload of Water w/Crystal Light. But, I only had that for 1 wk before I could move onto whole liquids. Those weeks sucked, sorry to say. Never thought the idea of pureed foods would make my mouth water, but I had 2 wks of looking forward to it. That first meal of pureed chicken and fat free refried Beans was almost gourmet.:biggrin: Good luck with it. It seems like forever when you are going through it. Afterwards, you realize it was only a moment in time and completely worth it.

Holy crap, no kidding! I can't believe how far out I have to park in the evenings right now. It amazes me how many people think that they can go in, do maybe 20 minutes of cardio, then lift for 30 minutes (most of which they are socializing with others) and lose weight. I have NEVER done a New Years resolution to lose weight. Why? Because you don't accomplish anything. If that is your reason to hit the gym, you're going to quit in 1 1/2 mos. TOPS! Not being rude or anything, but I hate it when someone gets on a machine or bench and sits there between sets doing nothing or talking. Let others work in so they can get the F out.. Oh well, I'm done and off my soapbox. Thanks. Needed that:biggrin:

Ok, I'm still in the process of checking out all of the areas on the site. So, I was banded Aug. 28, 2007 at Methodist by Dr. Jones. Couldn't be happier with the results. I'm down almost 90 lbs since and been working my butt off at the gym. I live in Shakopee with my DW, daughter and our dog. Nice to see others from MN on here.

Nice pics Manatee! Great job!

I am a Sgt in Minneapolis for the Federal Reserve Police. I've not worn my body armor in forever due to the fact that it made me look "bigger" than I already was. Next week, I am taking the physical tests to try to get back on our SWAT team. They still have all my equipment from before when I had to leave the team due to my weight issues. Not sure any of it will fit right anymore.:biggrin: Sorry, I can't answer your questions directly right now, but hopefully soon. Any thoughts and/or prayers next week would be nice on Wed. Thanks.

Wow, I guess I didn't realize there were more rooms on the main page until just now. I saw there were other men around, but it's nice to see we have our own room. I've only read the first page and looks like I'll need alot of time to read the rest.:biggrin: My name is Jeff. I am a police sergeant in the Twin Cities. I was banded in St. Louis Park, MN on Aug 28, 2007 by Dr. Jones. Insurance covered, after being denied once and put into appeal. So far, I'm down 89 lbs. w/no restrictions. But, I feel I may need one soon. I do real good during the day. But at night, I start to feel the need to snack. May just be old habits as well.:hurray: I'm in the gym every morning doing my cardio. Days I work, for 50 minutes at least. Days I'm off, for at least 1 hr 40 minutes. 4 nights a week, I lift weights. I know if I wasn't lifting, my actual weight loss would be over 100 lbs, but I also know muscle burns more calories. So, I'll keep. Thanks for starting this thread. I think it will be a huge help to see more men going through the same things.

My thoughts exactly. I told a few people close to me when I was considering it. After I got my surgery date, I told a few more people. It was never that I was ashamed I was getting the surgery, it was more that I was ashamed I had let myself get to the point I needed the surgery. (Does that make sense to anyone else?) I told my DW after I started the process with the surgeon and all. I wanted to make sure I was committed before telling her. She had concerns as well. Said it shouldn't be necessary or that there were risks. I finally sat her down and told her I needed to lose "one of her" to be healthy. That stopped her cold. I don't think she had ever thought about my weight in those terms. My friends I told were very supportive. They knew the struggles I had and that things weren't quite right with me. Since the surgery, I've had many people walk right up to me that have never really talked to me before, and ask if I'm losing weight. (Amazes me how people think this is acceptable and their business, especially skinny people. But, that's for another time). I tell them I had the surgery and EMPHASIZE that I am literally working my butt off. I tell them I am in the gym EVERY morning doing cardio and 4 nights a week lifting. I tell them about the struggles I've had in the past. And, I tell them how much better I feel. Ultimately, it is your decision. Both as to whether the surgery is right for you and whether you want to tell others about it. I figured if I chose the right people, I would have more moral support. I was right. As for you DW, she is probably worried about the surgery itself and what could happen to you during that if a complication arose. Just let her know that there are less complications during this than the full bypass. Good luck!

I do not have the low profile port, but I was told about it a couple months ago at my monthly appt. The PA said I may need it somewhere down the line if I were to choose it. I just don't know if I would want to go through the whole hassle of surgery again simply for that. We'll see when I get to my goal weight and see if it is even necessary.

Exactly what I was going to say. My insurance turned me down initially due to "not learning anything from my dietician over 6 mos." Their reasoning was that I had not lost weight during that time and I would not be able to lose weight after the band. They were just trying to get me to quit. I was told by the clinic they have this particular branch of BC/BS do this all the time to their patients. I didn't even have to put it into appeal. When the clinic called the insurance company and were told this, along with some other very unflattering items about "those people", the lady from the clinic went ballistic. She flamed them good and told them to put it into appeal w/o even asking me. Solved all my problems and worries. The best part is that it is a neutral 3rd party that looks over everything and decides. Both parties have to abide by the decision at that time. Don't give up even if they decline you. The appeal took about two day, but they have like a week to decide. Good luck and keep the faith!

Ok, last night went back in for upper body circuits. Here's how it went: Assisted chin ups: 160 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Rope cable pushdowns: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Roman chair (back ext): 50 x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat for a total of 3 circuits. Had some difficulty, no biggie just seemed a little too much effort, with some of the exercises due to my week off for recuperating. Should get better by next week. Cardio this morning. Due to cold, I drove into work instead of riding the bus and walking 4 blocks in the -40 deg. windchill. As a result, I was able to do 65 minutes on the treadmill. Burned 927 calories and walked 4.32 miles. No lifting today as it is my recupe day.

Ok, last night went back in for upper body circuits. Here's how it went: Assisted chin ups: 160 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Rope cable pushdowns: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Roman chair (back ext): 50 x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat for a total of 3 circuits. Had some difficulty, no biggie just seemed a little too much effort, with some of the exercises due to my week off for recuperating. Should get better by next week. Cardio this morning. Due to cold, I drove into work instead of riding the bus and walking 4 blocks in the -40 deg. windchill. As a result, I was able to do 65 minutes on the treadmill. Burned 927 calories and walked 4.32 miles. No lifting today as it is my recupe day.

Ok, hit the gym last night for lower body circuit. Here is what I did: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlift: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Repeat for a total of 3 circuits. This morning I did cardio on treadmill for 50 minutes for 3.32 miles and 702 calories burned. Tonight is upper body circuits.

Ok, hit the gym last night for lower body circuit. Here is what I did: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlift: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Repeat for a total of 3 circuits. This morning I did cardio on treadmill for 50 minutes for 3.32 miles and 702 calories burned. Tonight is upper body circuits.

Totals from last week: C-650 S-0 (week off after 6 strt wks of lifting) W-291 Hope everyone is having a good wk.

I had no guidelines set out for me by my Dr/P.A. Of course, I've been lifting weights since h.s., so I never had a problem with lifting. Cardio on the other hand has always been boring. Now, I simply suck it up and do the cardio. I do cardio every morning before work for 50 minutes and on my days off I go for at least 90 minutes. 4 nights a wk I do strength training. But, I only do it for toning now and not for bulk.

Great job Val and Princesst! The key I've found is not to get down when things are going so easy. Just keep working at it and you'll get back on track.

Ok, I know I don't come in here too often, but I had my monthly PA appt. last Thurs. Down 16 lbs in the last month. 291 as of last Thur. WOOOOT!!!!! Hope I can continue to at least avg. around 8 lbs/mo of weight loss. That way, when softball comes around, I'll be down about 115 lbs from the end of last summers league play. Should be quite an improvement in performance.

Ok, been a few days since my last entry. Took last week off from lifting. Concentrated on cardio only. Ended up doing approx. 650 minutes on the treadmill from Jan. 21-26. Lot of time on there and it proved to be a killer over the weekend. Completely wiped me out even though I still got in 240 on Sat and Sun. Oh well, now I know I have some limitations. Hit the gym @ 0500 this morning for 50 minutes on the treadmill. Back around 1715 to start my next cycle of lower body workout. Tomorrow will be upper body.

Ok, been a few days since my last entry. Took last week off from lifting. Concentrated on cardio only. Ended up doing approx. 650 minutes on the treadmill from Jan. 21-26. Lot of time on there and it proved to be a killer over the weekend. Completely wiped me out even though I still got in 240 on Sat and Sun. Oh well, now I know I have some limitations. Hit the gym @ 0500 this morning for 50 minutes on the treadmill. Back around 1715 to start my next cycle of lower body workout. Tomorrow will be upper body.