Vivinthewoods

Although this thread is about WL & exercise, I think it is also important to remember some of the other added benefits we get from exercising, that will make for a healthy body. Exercise will: - 1 - strengthen muscles 2 - increase bone density 3 - tones muscles 4 - increase blood flow to the brain 5 - heart will work more efficiently 6 - improves balance - very import as we age 7 - improves metabolism - even at rest you will burn calories at a higher rate. 8 - helps you loose inches Just a few of the of the advantages of exercise! Then throw in that you will loose weight faster - its a win win thing. Viv - (burning 500 cals a day and loving it!)

Can I join in and just vent about my surgeon's office staff. Although my doctor is very experienced, he employs a staff of former patients, but I do wonder how qualified they are. When I called for an initial consultation it was scheduled at the wrong office, (he has 3) 100's of miles from where I live. Luckily one of his staff caught this mistake before the appointment date. I was asked to bring my psych evaluation on a certain day to the office. The doc did not have enough appointments that day, so did not open the office, Unfortunately no one let me know, I turned up and waited an hour for someone to arrive - not fun on a Aug afternoon in Texas! On my pre-op visit I was suppose to get a 'bag of goodies', but the staff forgot to bring it. I don't know if there would have been anything in there that I would find helpful. Before surgery I called the office to ask if I should take the steroid med I am on the day of surgery - as it has to be taken with a full glass of Water. I heard the girl on the phone call my question out across the office, to other members of staff. I was told not to take it. At my pre-op testing at the hospital the nurse said I must take that med before surgery, but with just a sip of water (not only must this med be taken every day, but it should also be taken at the same time of day). Shouldn't my doc have someone on staff that knew this???? And now for the latest kicker! I had assumed that because I was asked to pay for my first fill that they had checked with my insurance and fills were not covered, but for some reason I decided to checked on this myself - and yes my fills are covered! They would have gone on charging me and I would have gone on paying for fills if I had not persisted in getting this info. There have also been many phone calls, from me, which were never returned - I would have to call them back. Because of this any info I did give to the staff over the phone I backed up by sending that info to them by mail also - this way there was a paper trail. I hope by posting this it may help others with questions to ask of their surgeon.

I just wanted to share the following with you: - Now that I am one month + post-op, statements and ‘Explanation of Benefits’ have started to arrive from the hospital and my insurance company. Although my insurance covers 80% of my WLS, I was intrigued to know what the lager charges, submitted to the insurance company ,were actually for – they are listed on the ‘Explanation of Benefits’ under the nondescript heading of ‘Service’. I called the hospital and asked for an itemized listing of these services, which the hospital provided. Being a non-medical person I do not understand what the majority of items are, but a couple of things did catch my eye. # 1 - on the statement for my pre-op testing there is a double charge for an Electrocardiogram – same date, same service code and same amount of $348.50. #2 - again on the pre-op testing statement, I see my urine was tested for pregnancy. On the paperwork I filled out I listed all surgeries I had had, which included a tubal ligation done 25 years ago! Due to the fact that I have not become pregnant in the last 25 years, I take this as good sign that the tubal ligation has worked and that it is highly unlikely I would be with child now! This, and the fact that I have been post -menopausal for the last twelve years and that I am nearly sixty one years of age, I see as almost certain proof in ruling out the possibility of me being pregnant and yet I was still tested. Cost for this test, $135.00. #3 – if one pregnancy test was enough, there is another charge on the statement (this time on the date of my surgery) for a second pregnancy urine test. This is a completely false charge, as I never give my urine to any one on that day. In fact, on the day of my surgery I had very little urine at all. I arrived at the hospital before 5:00 a.m. and my surgery was delayed and delayed. I did not go into the O.R. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. As I had had my last drink at 11:00 p.m. the night before and did not get a drink of water until 10:00 p.m., this meant I went 23 hours with a sip of water passing my lips. I certainly would have remembered giving a urine sample, as they would have had to squeeze it out of me! Another charge of $135.00. To my reckoning that is a total of $618.50 of wrong/unnecessary charges, and that is only on the few things I could figure out what they were. It makes me wonder about all the other items listed on this 4-page statement!!!!!! I called the hospital and they will audit the Electrocardiogram and one preg test charge. The first preg test is standard for all women. I asked, “if I was 101 years of age would I still get a preg test?” “yes”, was the reply. It maybe standard, but it is not very practical!!!

Hi tbird, Adding moderate exercise into the equation, the website I went to came up with the following numbers: - "Your basal metabolic rate is 1374 calories per day. Your total energy requirements are 1786 calories per day." My age plays a part in these calculations, so maybe I don't need as many calories - I am an ancient tortoise compared to you young chicks! After our chats here yesterday I did up my cals last night and low and behold when I jumped on the scale this morning I had lost a pound!!! I will try again to talk with the Dr at my next appt. At my post-op visit I asked, "exactly how much protein, cals and liquid should I get a day". He just said 4 - 5 small meals of 200 cals each. Now I'm 6 weeks post-op my needs may have changed. I wish he had a nutritionist on staff. Thanks for all the support -

When I first talked with my PCP about looking into WLS I had high blood pressure and cholesterol, plus my blood sugar was creeping up, so I was close to diabetes. She just ask me to just eat more sensibly - healthy foods and to start vigorous exercise for an hour a day, 5 days a week. I started walking on a treadmill and slowly worked up the time, pace and speed. I steadily lost 37 lbs prior to surgery and my BP, BS and cholesterol were all within normal range. I just felt so much healthier than I did 6 months earlier.

Hi Mel, Thank you for your words of encouragement. I guess I was feeling a little discouraged when reading about other Dec. bandsters with super W/L. Thanks too for all the BMR info - very interesting. You obviously paid attention in class! Don't you just love this website, especially our little Dec gang - I just learn so much from you guys. Cheers:smile2:

Hi Mel, Thanks for your questions. I did not know what my BMR was (I'd never heard of BMR!) but Googled it and calculated my BMR to be 1374. I am eating between 800 - 900 cals a day. I get on the treadmill every day for 30 to 40 mins and walk at an 8 incline (incline scale 1-10) and at 3.8 mpr. This burns 400 to 450 cals. It is a week today since my first fill and I have lost just 3 lbs. and I lost 9 lbs from band date to first fill. Do you think I'm just on the low end of W/L? Do you think that because I lost weight (37 lbs) prior to being banded has anything to do with slow W/L now? I do have an under active thyroid, but my meds actually put me slightly above normal - my PCP said she would keep my dosage a little high to help metabolism and W/L. I don't feel as if I'm starving on my calorie in take, just a bit hungry as it get close for the next meal. I just have a hard time getting my head around the fact that eating more calories will make me loose weight. I appreciate your input and comments.:thumbup:

Hi Curious, You and I are both lucky with our fills - I did not even have a numbing shot and all I felt was a little prick and it was over and done. I am having such a hard time moving the lbs since surgery. I walk on the treadmill every day for about 40 mins and I log everything I eat, so I know my calorie count, but the scales remain the same - I'm just 12 lbs down. My first fill was also 3 ccs, I hope my next one will be the same. Let us know if you feel the restriction once you are back on regular foods.

You are quite normal. You are swollen from your surgery and need to give your body time to heal. Each day you will feel a little better. I started to feel well about 2 weeks after surgery. My tummy took/is taking longer to go down. Hang in there - it will happen for you.

Congrats! It won't be long now, after waiting 4 years. I wish you all the best for your surgery day.

Now that I am one month post-op, statements and ‘Explanation of Benefits’ have started to arrive from the hospital and my insurance company. Although my insurance covers 80% of my Lap Band surgery, I was intrigued to know what the large amounts money, submitted to the insurance company, were actually for – they are listed on the ‘Explanation of Benefits’ under the nondescript heading of ‘Service’. I called the hospital and asked for an itemized listing of these services, which the hospital provided. Being a non-medical person I do not understand what the majority of items are, but a couple of things did catch my eye. # 1 - on the statement for my pre-op testing there is a double charge for an Electrocardiogram – same date, same service code and same amount of $348.50. # 2 - again on the pre-op testing statement, I see my urine was tested for pregnancy. On the paperwork I filled out I listed all surgeries, which included a tubal ligation done 25 years ago! Due to the fact that I have not become pregnant in the last 25 years, I take this as good proof that the tubal ligation has worked and that it is highly unlikely I would be with child now! This, and the fact that I have been post-menopausal for the last twelve years and I am nearly sixty one years of age, I see as almost certain proof in ruling out the possibility of me being pregnant and yet I was still tested. Cost for this test, $135.00. #3 – if one pregnancy test wasn't enough, there is another charge on the statement (this time on the date of my surgery) for a second pregnancy urine test. This is a completely false charge, as I never gave my urine to any one on that day. In fact, on the day of my surgery I had very little urine at all. This was because I arrived at the hospital before 5:00 a.m. and my surgery was delayed and delayed and I did not go into the O.R. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. As I had had my last drink at 11:00 p.m. the night before and did not get a drink of Water until 10:00 p.m., this meant I went 23 hours with a sip of water passing my lips. I certainly would have remembered giving up a urine sample - they would have had to squeeze it out of me! Another charge of $135.00. To my reckoning that is a total of $618.50 of wrong/unnecessary charges, and that is only on the few things I could figure out what they were. It makes me wonder about all the other items listed on this 4-page statement!!!! I will be calling the hospital and my insurance company tomorrow.

"Love it. They really do find every possible way to milk the consumer don't they!" Elcee - Yes, the hospitals sure do try to sick it to you. Ocotillo - Yes, I will have to pay 20% of the over charge, but I will try for an adjustment. I'll let you know if I'm successful. I'm not knitting any booties yet!!!!!:thumbup:

I really feel for you and understand the stress you are feeling over your fills. I was lucky - my first fill was so painless, but my surgeon is very experienced. Please think of us, your fellow December Bandsters as your support group - I'm sure I speak for all of us, that we are here with sympathetic ears and kindly thoughts for you and the difficult time you are having.

Thanks Fanny for those encouraging words, I can't wait to see my 'pouch' go down. Small world - I was in Perth last year; my sister lives a bit further south, in Busselton. I hope you get some cooler temps and rain soon.

I have the same problem. I started walking on a treadmill in May-09 (banded in Dec.) and the weight has come off my thighs. Since being banded I have noticed my boobs are getting smaller, but my tummy area is not moving, in fact since the op it seems harder to pull my tummy and stomach in. Does anyone have this problem? I know I'm just a month post-op, so fingers crossed my belly will go away with time.

My first fill went fine too - doctor just patted my tummy a few times to find the port and then just a tiny pick - that was all I felt. I got 3cc. Then a floroscope and drinking that barium stuff - this is what I was dreading, but it was fine. I thought I would have to drink a big glass of gritty barium, but it was only one small mouthful, about the consistency of Milk of Magnesia, which I saw go straight down into my big stomach and the nurse said that was perfect. I sat and drunk a full bottle of with no problem and then went shopping to the fabric store next to the Doctor's office - how nice of him to move into that location! I have to be on a liquid diet for 3 days and soft food diet for 3 days after that. So glad your fill went well.

But just think about the, "WOW - just look at mom now!" you will be getting. Hang in there with the W/L - it will happen. Hey, I win the prize for the slowest post-surgery weight loss. :thumbup:

Me too! Let me know how yours goes and how many cc's you get. Good luck:thumbup:

Congrats. More power to you as you rev on by into the 200's!!!:smile2:

Welcome Logan, You will find lots of helpful info here and great support as you start your WL journey. Good luck for your surgery.