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I'm feeling so out of the loop on everyone's progress with running. I do not have the energy to go back and read everything so I just wanted to say great job everyone. Renewed - I think you have become leader of the pack!:cursing: I'm not sure where I will start back in the program once hubby is doing better and my hip isn't hurting anymore. The hip is definately getting a break which it probably needed anyway. All I know is I WANT TO RUN! I really really want to run! It seems so crazy that I would say that, but it's true. I want to be able to come here and tell everyone that I am progressing just like all of you are. DH had a better day today. Still having some pain but they are giving him morphine so it is tolerable. They took the catheter out today and I swear that he would have done a cartwheel if he were able. hahah He hoped that he would get to come home tomorrow but I am doubtful. They fitted him for a brace and it hasn't even arrived yet. I miss him and all his silly jokes and remote control hogging.

I just got back from traffic court and the impoundment lot. I had to pay $335 to get my car back. I just got to work and it's 3:40pm! I accidentally let my registration expire October 31st. I don't ever remember seeing a renewal notice but really it's my own fault for not being on top of it. Anyway, I got pulled over for going 78mph on I95 in the left lane, and got a speeding ticket, then the cop found my registration was expired and he called PPA and they towed my car away! I had the cop drive me to work, where all my co-workers came out with video cameras and regular cameras and took pics of me in the back of the cop car. He even let me pose with an "oh no!" face while getting out of the car while they took pictures! Then, I renewed my registration online, and had my co-worker drive me to traffic court. After 3 hours and $335 I got my car out of impoundment and I have to go back to court on January 7th to get reimbursed for the registration ticket and make a plea bargain for the speeding ticket and hopefully have them wave points on my license. Let this be a warning: DO NOT let your car registration expire!!!

I have posted on the general forum about my experience. I was banded on 9/16/2008. On 1/31/09 I had emergency surgery to remove the band and repair my stomach - I had a hole along the bandline and I was leaking air into my body cavity. Luckily I had gone to just yogurt with probios because I though I had gaz so somehow there was no food to infect me even worse. This was followed by a second surgery on 2/2/09 to help stop a massive infection. I spent three weeks in the hospital - left on 2/20/09. My symptoms appeared about a week/11 days earlier. I woke up bloated on my left side. No pain. I disregarded for another 6 days where I went to my generalist. She felt a mass. Called the bariatric surgeon and they thought perhaps a hernia. A cat scan was arranged another 3 days later. Two days later, Sat 1/31/09 I got an urgent message to get to ER because the Cat scan revealed air in my abdmoninal cavity. A lot of it. I called the bariatric surgeon and got her partner. I was told by this surgeon: " You dont sound like you have air in your abdomen (this is a critical situation), the Cat scan must have been wrong. You should have them redo it. It cant be the band, they dont erode at 5 months" Luckily, I still went to ER and from there was taken in an ambulance to another branch of the hospital which did bariatric surgery. I was wheeled into the operating room and soon after operated. I would have likely died had I not gotten to ER and been operated. Out of the whole 3 weeks, I only remember about 12 days. I was delirious the first half of my hospital stay. I was confined to a bed with a nasal gastric tube, and 24/7 Ivs pupping me full of antibiotics and hydration. It appears more like a leaking staple or a staple that pulled? then erosion from what I have understood. I am unclear how that would happen. Anyone Its taken me 3 more weeks to be able to take a shower without feeling faint. Two weeks before I could even drive/walk to my mailbox. I was exausted. My voice has been altered by the nasal tube and its gotten squeaky. I HATE it. I am almost back to normal except I must eat very little to protect my stomach. In 2 days I will graduate to 5-6 oz 3x a day. I was on 2oz of food 3x a day the last 2 weeks. Basically I must pretend I have a band though the scaring is so bad, I will never be a candidate for bariatric surgery again. The original surgeon has not called to ask how I am doing. However they have been asking and trying to get my hospital records. That's been very dissapointing. Finally, I think my insurance is picking the tab after I have paid my deductible but I am not 100% sure. If not, I am really concerned what 3 weeks, 2 surgeries, several cat scans and other tests with cost. From what I understand I am now at a higher risk of intestinal occlusions. My stomach was attached to my abdomen and I feel it. I am no longer a candidate for bariatric surgery, and therefore at a very high risk of regaining the 62 lb I have lost. I forgot, a very important thing. My surgeon told me that sometimes in obese people there is not always a fever to reflect an increase of white cell and an infection. That was my case. Zero fever until after the operation. So, if your stomach gets very bloated, call your doctor. Oh, and I missed a 2 weeks 1/2 trip to New Zealand. Grrrr.

Hello everyone this is my first entry . I am 37 years old and am considering having the lap banding procedure done. I have a health problem known as vasa vagel syncope and I was wondering if any of you may have this condition as well ? My concern is the location of the band and the compression that is there around the stomach and I was wondering if this procedure may make this worse or better for me . I have talked with Dr. Oldham and Dr. Weiss from the Bluegrass Bariatrics and they tell me that they are unsure of the side effects for me and suggested that I post on a chat room to see if anyone else can share their experiences with me . Please help if you can . Thanks!!!!!!!

I live across the bridge & had it done at Clark Memorial by Dr. McMillian. Staff & hosp. were great. They have a program with a bariatric coordinator who you see weekly to help you for the first 12 weeks. They also have monthly support groups. Good luck & look around.

I am in my fifth month of supervised dieting. I have Humana Insurance. Can any of you tell me if there is a set criteria that they are looking for when they are deciding whether to approve or not. I want to make sure my doctor does not leave anything out that they may jump on for denial. When I see him we talk about calorie counting and exercise and whether or not I have lost any weight. Does he need to write a letter? At any rate, after the 20th I am suppose to call the bariatrics office to set up my all day appointment I guess to see the nutritionist, pych, labs etc. I really don't know what all they do. I know I will have to have pulmonary testing and cardiac testing. Please enlighten me to any other information that may help me. I am going to have surgery at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, KY by Dr. Weiss and Dr. Oldham. :thumbup: Cheryl

Thank you...it's funny, but my doc just asked if I'd speak at both his seminars and the bariatric support group. I'm kinda nervous but I agreed.

I didn't have a supervised diet before surgery, but i did receive very clear post op instructions as well as a lot of in person follow up. If I could give advice to any pre-sleevers (or other bariatric procedures) it would be to choose a surgeon/ surgical center AT LEAST as much on their support, education and follow up as any other factor. This bariatric thing is no joke, it's a lot of work and you may very well need the support in the long run.

I never had any need for bariatric-specific treatment post-op. I had lots of questions, but those were all easily handled via phone, email, or Skype with my surgical team. The only physical follow-up I've needed is blood work and monitoring of my vitals, which my PCP has had no trouble handling. I had visits and blood work with my PCP at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and now just as part of my annual physical.

I live in Iowa so I get treated at the one in Rochester MN they have great doctors. I have been going for 3 years now I have a team of 2 neurologist and 3 neurosurgeons, so the bariatric team works close with them.

Well today I am back to work. I really did enjoy my time off. I even went camping twice! But I guess I have to come back and make some money or I will be camping permanently. My boss said she can already see my weight loss in my face and my uniform suit isn't as tight. I brought my bento box today with a small portion of fish and some bbq beans and white chicken chili. I went and ate my beans on my first break. I'm in one of my offices sipping on water now. I think being back at work I might be able to regulate my intake better. I have a glass of ice water sitting here staring me in the face saying "Drink Me!" I emailed the food manager that is over our Employee Dining Room and asked if those of us who have had bariatric surgery could show our "Eat Cheap" card and be able to buy stuff a la carte. Right now we get charged a full buffet price if we get ANYTHING off of the hot line buffet. It's only $3 but I don't want to pay $3 for 3 oz of food. If I can't pay a la carte then I want to be able to take left overs home with me, which they currently frown upon. If they say no to my requests, then I simply will not buy food from them. (Or knowing me, I might take it up with the General Manager.) I'll keep ya posted. I am a manager at a casino if anyone was wondering. But being back at work is so far so good. I have lots of support here since there are several WLS patients that work here that I can talk to and everyone has been supportive of me.

In my bariatric practice, the Nutritionist is a registered Dietician who specializes in Bariatric patients. Our surgeon defers to her in the areas of what to eat and when. My plan is 4 -5 meals daily at least 3 hours apart. Each meal to have 3 oz protein - eaten first, a multigrain or fruit serving (2 each max per day - not to be eaten at the same meal) and any quantity of green veggies. At 6 weeks I was supposed to be eating at least 800 calories and at 7 months I'm around 1200 or so. Of course it wasn't until 12 weeks that I could fit in anything but the protein and only 1 - 2 oz so I still supplemented with a protein shake daily. At almost 7 months, I eat only real food as I can' stand protein shakes any longer. They make me gag.

Since these are independent members of the national "Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association" it's unfortunate but not all "Blue Cross Blue Shield" companies treat bariatric surgery in the same way. Some are great - others? Not so much. Let us know which specific company you're with and where you are located so you can get the right answer, FOR YOU. Here is a link that identifies all the BCBS Association members in case it helps anyone: BCSB Companies and Licensees

Had my pre-op testing this morning, chest x-ray, urine & blood test, did a ekg last year so they used that one. I didn't realize that my doctors are the only one with the Center of Excellence from Sacramento CA to Portland OR, that's a very comforting thought, I was also informed that I will have a private room in a new addition to our hospital with a special bariatric trained staff, some of which have already had the procedure, another calming thought! After my appointments I stopped by the local 'Carb Essentials' and picked up a container of Unjury Chicken Soup Flavored Protein Powder, a customer standing in line was also a patient from my doctors office, said to mix that with fat free chicken broth and it was very tasty. I was excited for another protein option, especially since its not a sweet one!! I am a salty girl and I don't care who knows it! lol, getting close, 10 days and counting

I live in Mo and go to Mercy. Dr. Edwards did my sleeve and my revision. Their bariatric center is really good.

I can't answer for that person but in my humble opinion, the need for such a high amount of protein isn't really needed. I think in the beginning, to follow through the best you can. But I just ordered Dr Garths book called a Proteinaholic today. He's a bariatric surgeon who went vegan and encourages his patients and everyone on a vegan diet. I'm currently doing vegetarian. I'm going to read it and see what he has to say. He dispels the myths about protein, protein, protein. Even though my doc wants me to do protein (min of 65g and that's where I keep it) he does promote more veggies and grains too, which is what I'm doing. So far so good. Still losing the weight too. 😊

http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/bariatric-surgery-risks.html#How_to_Reduce-Main

Ahh.. I see. First off, you are very petite. 1500 calories is appropriate for a 6'4 male bariatric patient (and most of THEM don't eat that much during weight loss). Your new nut sounds much more knowledgeable. Did she recommend a calorie count? 900-1000 is probably a good level for you. (If she recommended less, that is ok too.. time is of the essence at this point). You will need to stay away from grains for the entire weight loss period, and possibly forever. Starchy veggies (beans and potatoes) can take their place when appropriate. (Some people have problems with potatoes, but I suspect it isn't the potato that's the problem.. its the butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheese they load onto said potato.) When we tried gluten free, we were starving All. The. Time. This time we aren't hungry. I'm not because of the surgery, but my hubby isn't hungry, and he didn't have it. The only difference I can tell is beans. We now eat black, kidney, or pinto beans every day. (He eats 7oz, I eat 3.5oz, drained). We eat them with eggs (me 1, him 2) and salsa, no added fat other than what is in the eggs. We were pleasantly surprised to find that when eaten every day, gas isn't an issue.

Wow. What does thiamine deficiency have to do with the topic of this thread? That’s an awful lot of medical jargon mixed with scare tactics of posting it in a thread that has nothing to do with vitamin deficiency. I have complex lifelong chronic illness which includes neuroimmune/immunodeficiency. Basically it effects every aspect of my body. I also have neurological symptoms starting long before surgery. I take a series of gummy vitamins. My last bloodwork by my bariatric surgeon my thiamine aka B1 was within the normal range. Just take the right vitamins that have good bioavailability (whole food based, chewable or liquid form) and have regular bloodwork and there is no need to panic about vitamin levels. Besides an issue with iron and some bloodwork that could indicate anemia (which I’ve had issue with before surgery) my blood vitamin levels have been fine so far. Even my extremely low vitamin D is in normal range now. Low thiamene isn’t going to instantly cause some life threatening neurological disease. If your doctor says it’s low, take the vitamin. Or just take a good food based b complex as prevention. I e studied holistic heath, nutrition and vitamins. Do I remember everything. No my memory sucks but it’s crazy to post a long medical research report and not even on the appropriate topic. Sorry if I’m rather touchy today. Taking a basic multivitamin isn’t enough especially tablets like centrum or any tablet that might not get properly utilized by the body is probably not enough. One of the things about gastric bypass surgery is an investment in our health and making sure to get the right vitamins and nutrition. But I’ll shut up. I got flack because I said I take gummy vitamins and too many. Just do your best and don’t worry about thiamene deficiency unless your doctor says it’s low and it’s easy enough to get a natures way alive b complex vitamin at the grocery store.

I am so jealous of you vegas people. J sorry about the job sucking. I feel your pain. I work with a bunch of lazy bitchy 50 somethings who feel entitlement because they have worked longer than me. Too bad I can run circles around them and have learned more in a year and a half than they have in 20. The only saving grace is the work i get to do in the bariatric center. I heart my nurse coordinator.

WTG Renewed!! You are kickin' butt, lol!!

Renewed... your boys are beautiful! What a nice picture! Luluc... LOL, I think I would have been pleased by the comment! BTW, did you say your intervals are: Run 5 min, Jog 1 min, repeat for 30 min?? So you don't walk!! In the HEAT!!! Ok, now you're my hero!

Suzanne...it is soooo much easier when your spouse in on board! Althought my hubby doesn't run, he is FINALLY on board with me about food and losing weight. He's lost 9 lbs in 3 weeks and has been going to the gym with me. I'm sooo proud of him. Not to mention it makes it a lot easier for me to stick to my diet when we are doing it together. Good luck! Renewed...how are you feeling today? Kathy..Hope you are having a great time! I miss your posts...

me too....UGH, but it was my calves hurting. i ran 45mins sat: 25min run / 5min walk / 20min run & was completely energized to run 30mins straight this am. didn't happen. got in 10min run & 10min walk, then hopped on the bike and did 30min interval - running just wasn't in the cards today - happens, treadmill's ALWAYS there the next day:tongue: renewed - glad your mom will be w/you, thinking of ya!! kathy - great job on 20mins; no matter HOW it breaks down....it's 20min georgia girl - i have to workout in the AM, otherwise it doesn't happen for me - but i know i need carbs for that workout or i peeter out.

mamato3 - my DH almost killed me the first time I cut off my hair. It was right after my youngest daughter was born...It was mid back then. This time he really liked it. I asked him the difference. He said I had an ugly haircut before. renewed - kuddos to you for your run. I know you had to have been tired. Also I admire you for taking in foster kids. I myself am an ex-foster kid. I was adopted at 6 months. Of course I don't remember my foster mother, but I admire her. She kept a picture album and diary for each child she kept - then forwarded them to the adopted parents. I still have mine. I'd love to find her someday, but I don't know where to start. Sugarbean - Are you ready for school to start? Do your kids know you've dropped so much weight? Where's Georgia?