Scoutingismylife!

Just be strong! The hard part is over now. Keep us posted as we are all here for each other. Just remember take it slow.

Lehigh Valley Hospital was great! Had my surgery on 5/23/12. I started the program at 430lbd and today I am 290!!!!!!!! I am no longer Pre diabetic, no high blood pressure, and no more sleep apnea! This surgery saved my life! I had the roux en y gastrix bypass done by the way. Three months post op I was able to go to the gym without restrictions of weight training/lifting and cardio. Depending on your insurance Lehigh Valley is either a 3 or 6 month program. It starts with the information session night it's about a one hour seminar. Then you are called a few days later to make an appointment to meet the surgeon and discuss surgery options. You'll then meet with the scheduling advisor (her name was Pat) to set a surgery date and follow up appointments throughout the process. You will have several sessions at the Weight management center located across the lehigh valley hospital, cedar Crest. There is a program fee but consider it a down payment for your new life. There you meet with nutritionist, nurse practitioner, behavior specialist, exercise expert, etc... Each meeting is required as the program progresses. All sessions are informative and fun. Hope this helps. Any more questions message me I'd love to answer anything for you! Good luck.

Meggiepoo.... You stated surgery was October 1. How are you doing! Hope all is well please keep us posted!

I was able to fully exercise (weight training and cardio) three months post op. immediately after surgery and while in recovery I was walking walking and more walking. I took it slow at first but it got easier as time went on. There is alot of excess gas from the laproscopic surgery that needs to dissipate and walking does wonders to get rid of the bloating you'll feel after surgery. I now walk/ hike 3-5 miles a day and rotate My gym routine for cardio and weight training. I also do the Insanity program! As for Lehigh Valley Hospital.... Dr Richard Boorse saved my life! I had no complications and we thoroughly discussed all weight loss procedures before my final decision of Riux en Y bypass. The surgery took about 2 hours and was out the next day. Walking a few hours after surgery. The staff and EVERYONE at Lehigh Valley was very attentive and on point. I had a low grade fever after surgery when I got to my room for the overnight stay. The AC was not working and room had no air flow. Within a few minutes maintenance showed up to service AC and give me a pedestal fan. Fever disappeared in less than an hour. With any program one has to complete a Pre-op program and each network has different standards. I started my journey at St. Lukes but had to switch half way through becuase new job and different insurance. St Lukes has a bit more intensive Pre-op program as far as surgery approval testing and weight loss requirement Pre op. Lehigh valley had a program that was more conducive to my schedule. I scheduled the appointments that worked for me. There was a fee which needs to be paid up front and if your insurance does it try to get reimbursed. This fee covers your life long commitment and any lifetime support you need for nutrition, pshycological exams, exercise advice, etc. consider it a down payment on a new life. Small fee to lay for a new life and it can be paid in installments. All co-pays will apply as well.. My whole process Pre op testing/ Pre op program, etc lasted three months as my insurance did not require any kind of Pre op program participation. However every insurance varies.... BOTH programs had same Pre op program length either 3 or 6 month. And both health networks are centers of excellence. So I am not bias to either program- please keep that in mind as I have done both programs but as stated needed to finish with Lehigh Valley becuSe of new job and new insurance. I hoped I answered all questions please let me know if you want additional info.

I had my surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital on May 23 2012. I am 4 months 4 days post op and since begining the program am down 130lbs! I feel great- no more HBP, Pre-diabetic, swollen ankles, or sleep apnea... It is a new lease on life! I am located in the West End of the Poconos (Lehighton by Beltzville State Park). Have any questions or need support I am here for yah! Good Luck!

I am 4 months 3 days post op. Before begining the Weight Loss Program I was 430lbs. day of surgery 409 lbs. As of this evening 300.4lbs!!!! For a whopping total of 130lbs since my journey started! I too have difficulty clothes shopping. I pick something I like but people tell me its too baggy because all of my life I was so used to picking that type of clothing. Pick form fitting clothes and something that is "Actually" your size and you'd be surprised! I am no longer on blood pressure meds, pre diabetic, or have sleep apnea- things just get better and better every day! I have started the insanity work out and do what i can until i build myself to the full work outs... My sisters wedding is in 20 days and I have never felt better than to go to a tux fitting and need a size smaller than what was originally ordered! keep up the great work everyone! I love reading the threads here and keeping myself motivated to keep up my new life and trying new things!

I have to brag a little bit here.... I am six weeks post op and work two jobs. My part time job is commissioner at a boy scout camp. I am a jack of all trades master at none: conducting trainings, maintenance, business management, etc.... A few of the directors knew I had the gastric bypass RNY, the staff does not know and continued to hassle me when I told them I wanted to do the mile swim. I had no conditioning or prior training so with it being the fourth of July and having off from my full time job I proceeded to do the mile swim. I COMPLETED the swim in HALF HOUR and could have done two miles!! It was the most athletic thing I've done my entire life and can't wait to continue to exercise and enjoy the new me!!!! Never let anyone tell you "No!" and be persistent enough to prove them wrong! Not to mention swimming is a very relaxing and great exercise routine! Veni, Vedi, Vichi!!!!! Labor Omnia Vincit- hard work conquers all!!! Keep up great work everyone!!!! Ok rant over! Thanks for listening.

I have to brag a little bit here.... I am six weeks post op and work two jobs. My part time job is commissioner at a boy scout camp. I am a jack of all trades master at none: conducting trainings, maintenance, business management, etc.... A few of the directors knew I had the gastric bypass RNY, the staff does not know and continued to hassle me when I told them I wanted to do the mile swim. I had no conditioning or prior training so with it being the fourth of July and having off from my full time job I proceeded to do the mile swim. I COMPLETED the swim in HALF HOUR and could have done two miles!! It was the most athletic thing I've done my entire life and can't wait to continue to exercise and enjoy the new me!!!! Never let anyone tell you "No!" and be persistent enough to prove them wrong! Not to mention swimming is a very relaxing and great exercise routine! Veni, Vedi, Vichi!!!!! Labor Omnia Vincit- hard work conquers all!!! Keep up great work everyone!!!! Ok rant over! Thanks for listening.

Unfortunately when your co workers start seeing how great you will look and how much weight your down there will be rumors and questions raised.. Take it from someone who works with adjudicated youth and about 200 employees. I've heard it all from my "skinny" "co-workers" and they really are curious, inquisitive only because they care about my health and get along very well together. But, working with detention centers I am the largest employee at the company. The only advice I can give is to either "hide it" and state you've been on strict diet- which is partially true; or, be blunt- "I had surgery, and dont wish to talk about it any further and ask they respect your wishes." I have already gotten into very heated discussions about "taking the easy way out"- EVERYONE here knows WE HAVE NOT TAKEN THE EASY WAY! We have chosen a new lifestyle after exhausting everything else. I have also had the very inquisitive employees who want to know more about the procedure, etc. I simply say I had a lifestyle change please respect that and leave it alone. I dont want to get into a long story with everyone as to what i did, how i did it, etc. I know not much help... But the best I can give.

I am still very stiff and feel like rubber bands around the incisions. I am walking around the house alot and am trying to ease off the pain med I was sent home with. I still sleep on my back. I have found i easier to use a heating pad 20 minutes on 30 minutes off at night with a cover over the abdomen of course as to not burn the incision sites.. I am just concerend. I see everyones post about walking around and feeling great... I am a bit discouraged thinking is it me? Should I be toughing it out and walking alot more....

Three days post-op. Surgery was Wednesday Morning. I suppose I am over zealous and that everyone heals at different paces. Just curious is all knowing that some people post how they are walking around almost pain free days after and I still feel pain. The heating pad was allowed by my bariatric group. The only concerns was making sure incisions are covered to prevent burns to the sites. I read somewhere that someone placed muscle rub cream on their back to help with discomfort. I would be against that as it absorbs into the skin and can possibly affect the incisions.

Had surgery at 7:30a today. Was two and a half hours long and I am walking laps around the hospital floor! Still alot of discomfort but can't wait to get home tomorrow afternoon!

This has been the longest five months of my life. Brought on by one of the toughest past year of my life! I can not wait to start a new lease on life and look forward to using the tools learned to finally reach so many dreams! I am scared, nervous, and excited!

Thanks John and good luck! As you've heard from many of us before your in our thoughts and prayers. I too can not sleep knowing tomorrow begins anew! I found this site/ iPhone app two days ago and the support, idea, threads have helped tremendously.