catfish87

Fluoroscopy is when they use what I refer to as similar to a live X-Ray during the adjustment. It can be helpful for locating some peoples port. But the main reason is to physically SEE placement of the band, and how much restriction a person has, and that all is well. You drink a contrast Fluid and the surgeon and you can SEE how fast or slow the barium fluid passes through the band area. In my opinion, due to my experience, ALL doctors should be using this method, at least occasionally. It can show other things besides restriction levels.... Here's a link to my surgeons page describing it. http://www.hoab.org/fluoroscopy-st-louis-missouri/ Heres a video of my band from last year.

I have BCBS insurance through my employer. If I get an adjustment, my insurance gets billed $700, the negotiated rate is $486.25. They pay $389.00, and I "should" pay $97.25 ( after meeting my yearly insurance deductible I've got an 80/20 plan ) This include's the normal office visit and discussion with the SURGEON, and prob 15 min discussion with a NUT. AND ALWAYS Fluoroscopy guidance/viewing....wouldn't have it any other way.

Great job everyone! 5k run this morning after work. It feels like summer time in the midwest......95% humidity this morning. Happy Thursday all!

I usually will "gain" 2-4 pounds during a couple hour bike ride...and thats my goal now. But I will drink 10 pounds of water or more during longer rides. I weigh myself before and after most all longer exercise sessions....just to make sure I'm not getting dehydrated. Easier said than done, but don't fret over the daily fluctuations...It'll drive ya crazy.

Nice 26 mile easy pace on the bike this afternoon. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/508418293

Participated in the Highland Biathlon ( 5 mile run, 15 mile bike ) yesterday, with mixed results/fellings. This would be my first multisport competive event. I had to work the night before, so I'd be doing this on no sleep. (probably a mistake) The temps were HOT and humid for the 8am start. 70 degrees and 90% humidity! I had hoped to complete it in 1:40, thinking about 47 minutes for the run, 3 transition, then 50 minutes on the bike. The run was an utter fail! The course had some hills in it and I just didn't have it in me...actually walked some around mile 3.5. Finally got the run done a little over 50 minutes. Transistion to the biking shoes/helmet/etc went pretty good at around 3 minutes as expected. ( I wasn't gonna push the transition ) Then the bike ride...what I thought would be my "strong" point. I passed several people on the bike leg...and only had one person pass me. Finished the bike portion in 49 minutes. Too bad there wasn't more bike involved. Overall, it was a good learning experience. I'll do more of these, but not sure I'll do another after working the previous night. I just really felt exhaused halfway through the run. I forgot to have my garmin set for multisport, but heres the course Run/transition with the first 1/2 mile of the bike: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507540030 Last 14 miles of the bike: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507540035

PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had this for "breakfast" this afternoon after my run. If I enter it into my LoseIt app, I get the following results. 1 scoop bodylogix chocolate Protein powder 120 cal 1 banana ( medium ) 105 cal 1 cup Almond Breeze Almond milk (unsweetened) 30 cal 2 tbls PB2 45 cal Crushed Ice totals 300 cal 31 grams protein 36 grams carbs 5 grams fat I put it in the Ninja and it is great...just like a Thick "Frosty". Edited to add, I find peeling and freezing banana's in a Ziploc bag and using them, makes this even better than using unfrozen bananas...and you don't have to add as much ice.

5k HR target run for me today. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/506131229

Congrats to you!! Enjoy your first organized 5k June 7th. High 5's on the accomplishment...You've earned it!

My thoughts exactly. Best wishes.....

Congrats and job well done!

This is very similar to what I'll do occasionally. http://coloradobariatric.com/2012/04/5-day-pouch-test/

Hi ToyToy, Welcome! Have you been following up with your surgeon, and getting adjustments to your band? Are you saying you are 15 lbs heavier than when you had your surgery, or have recently gained 15 lbs? Did your band ever provide you with any help or has it just seemed like a diet for you? I'm just trying to get an idea where you may be with restriction level. As far as the 5 day pouch test, it is used by many, to varying degrees of success....depending somewhat on how your band may or may not be adjusted.

Congrats on a job well done!!!!!, and thanks for coming back and sharing your success story. I think I remember we talked about a year or so ago. Best wishes for continued success!

This sounds like my morning Protein shake. I use chocolate Protein powder in place of the cocoa, half or whole frozen banana, ice and almond milk...sometimes Peanut Butter, coconut, PB2....put it in the Ninja and Yummy!

5 mile run, transition, and a couple quick miles on the bike....just to practice for Mondays Biathlon. Who knew it'd be so difficult to change shoe's from running to cycling while dripping wet.....lol. Hope everyone has a great day!

How old is the HRM strap are you using? I use garmin and it started wizzing out after about a year (kinda common for this one from what I read online). Does it work correctly ever?...at rest? Maybe the battery is weak in the sensor. Wetting the strap as you do helps. They also make a gel specifically for HRM's. Regardless....Kuddos to you on being in the "athletic" group! I (hopefully) attached a pics, showing the difference I was seeing with the old vs new HR strap. The top pic is with the new and the bottom one is with the old soft strap. The bottom pic is obviously not reading right....I think they just wear out sometimes.

Oh my...another runner in our group! Yea for you!

26 mile bike ride this afternoon before work. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/503692961

are you on a PC? if so, there should be a edit button under your post.

no...you can't delete a thread you've started. You can go back and edit it.

Good for you for following up on a regular basis. I've read over the years from many "studies", informational manuals, fill protocol, etc, from band manufactures about adjustments and when to give a fill to patients. EVERY one I've ever read describes NOT to give the patient a fill if they're losing the targeted amount, say 1-2 pounds per week. Unfortunately, they don't take into consideration the patients effort.....how much dieting/exercising the patient is doing, and how much the band is doing. I really feel some surgeons would do better by just asking what the patient feels, regardless of pounds lost. There came a time for me, when the band was doing NOTHING, and it was all just another diet, of which I failed at many times. But after getting properly adjusted, it was night and day. So hang in there, it can get much better. Best wishes!

You'll do great...as others have said, try and keep moving as much as possible. I had next to no pain...although I took my prescription pain meds like clockwork. I'm coming up on 5 years post op and would do it again in a minute! Congrats on taking the first step to a healthy new you!

Great job everyone! Todays 5 mile run felt really good! I think the break last week ( three days ) was what my body and mind needed. Ran strictly by HR today, targeting 85-87% of my max HR. I think I will target a 9:09/mile for my Memorial day biathlon....followed by the bike ride. I'd like to get another Half Marathon in UNDER 2:00 this year, so I need to get the 5 mile time around 8:55. Todays run http://connect.garmin.com/activity/502855355