Recent Posts
Topic: Guest speaker at the Sun City Meeting
Dr. Kathleen Gillespie will be speaking at the Sun City meeting on July 10th at 10:30 a.m.. The meeting will be held in the Sun City Room at the corner of 103rd Ave & Coggins. Everyone is invited to attend and I encourage you to do so. She will be focusing on keeping us on track no matter if you're pre-op or many years post op. Here's some info about Dr. Gillespie:
Kathleen E. Gillespie, Psy. D., NCP, LISAC, LPC is a Counseling Psychologist, Life Application Psychologist, Board Certified Clinical Psychotherapist, an AZ Licensed Professional Counselor and an AZ Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also an Adjunct Professor in graduate studies for Northern Arizona University as well as the Behavioral Education instructor for AZ Weight Loss Solutions. Recognizing the potential growth of the Phoenix Northwest Valley she began Arrowhead Behavioral Health fifteen years ago to fill the need for behavioral health counseling. Today ABH is a full service counseling agency, dedicated to helping individuals develop and integrate their psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual potential to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Dr. Gillespie has a broad range of experience working with depression, anxiety, stress management, abuse recovery, divorce recovery, substance abuse, Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). She strongly supports her clients in achieving their treatment goals for a successful outcome
Kathleen E. Gillespie, Psy. D., NCP, LISAC, LPC is a Counseling Psychologist, Life Application Psychologist, Board Certified Clinical Psychotherapist, an AZ Licensed Professional Counselor and an AZ Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also an Adjunct Professor in graduate studies for Northern Arizona University as well as the Behavioral Education instructor for AZ Weight Loss Solutions. Recognizing the potential growth of the Phoenix Northwest Valley she began Arrowhead Behavioral Health fifteen years ago to fill the need for behavioral health counseling. Today ABH is a full service counseling agency, dedicated to helping individuals develop and integrate their psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual potential to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Dr. Gillespie has a broad range of experience working with depression, anxiety, stress management, abuse recovery, divorce recovery, substance abuse, Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). She strongly supports her clients in achieving their treatment goals for a successful outcome
Certified OH Support Group Leader
Bariatric University - Bariatric Coach
Bariatric University - Bariatric Coach
Topic: RE: Am I on target?? Where I should be? Stressing lately
Make an appointment with the NUTS! Do they still give out that little flex card for 4 visits w/ either the exercise ladies or the nutritionists? Use it and visit with them if you are having issues or are concerned. They are also very responsive via email.
And you are doing GREAT so far!!
Rebecca
And you are doing GREAT so far!!
Rebecca
3 1/2 Marathons down!!! Getting ready to try a marathon!
Day of surgery - 252.5 Highest weight - 269 Goal weight - 134, reached!!
Day of surgery - 252.5 Highest weight - 269 Goal weight - 134, reached!!
arizonagirl2010
on 6/29/10 9:01 am
on 6/29/10 9:01 am
Topic: RE: AZ Roll Call.....
Hi everyone...I had my surgery June 17, so I'll have two weeks this coming Thursday. Then I start the pureed diet. This has been a challenge for me but getting better. Looking forward to attending some after surgery meeting. I can see I need all the help I can get.
arizonagirl
arizonagirl
Topic: RE: Is there such thing as a cheap(er) fill?
I called back because two days after my fill... I was back to feeling zero restriction. The two ladies I spoke to in the office blew me off and basically told me I was "out of luck" unless I was willing to schedule and pay for another appointment. I'm not sure why they told me during the appointment to call back if I had questions or concerns... because they certainly weren't interested in hearing them.
Anyway... after this and a couple prior experiences... it's hard not to feel like they're trying to rack up charges. I hope that's not the case.. but that's certainly how it feels. The only time anyone will give me the time of day is when I'm handing them my dang credit card.
Soooo.... I'm wondering.... can any of you guys recommend a local place/facility/physician/etc where I can get my fills done without having to sign over my firstborn child? I won't have insurance until mid-September... and I don't have $500 just laying around.
Dr. Simpson takes other patients (program fee?) He used to give a few days for the person to determine if the adjustment was right and if there was an issue then he'd tweak til it was right.
Dr. Podkamini take other patients. (program fee?)
Hop over to the Bandsters forum and ask about adjustments for our area. There used to be a gal from Prescott or Payson or somewhere in the mtns that would come down once a week and do adjustments. I believe her name is/was Wendy?
I wonder where all those folks go for adjustments who got their bands in Mexico?
Also....check out www.Fillcenterusa.com I used to work with them through my plastic surgery office. They charge a minimal fee and give you an allotted time to decide if your adjustment is right or not. Nor sure they still have any locations in the valley? Think of them as a gas station for bands. They are dotted all over the USA.
Have you tried going to the "top" with your own surgeon's program to share your concerns/frustration? It would seem that they'd want their post-ops to be happy campers so that the "good word" would spread and others would knock on their door for biz. Bad biz breeds a loss in biz!!!!
Hang in there! ..... See you at support group at Banner Gateway next Tuesday?
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
On June 29, 2010 at 2:34 PM Pacific Time, sunshine86 wrote:
My surgeon has been giving me minimal fills... and telling me to "call back if you have any questions or concerns."I called back because two days after my fill... I was back to feeling zero restriction. The two ladies I spoke to in the office blew me off and basically told me I was "out of luck" unless I was willing to schedule and pay for another appointment. I'm not sure why they told me during the appointment to call back if I had questions or concerns... because they certainly weren't interested in hearing them.
Anyway... after this and a couple prior experiences... it's hard not to feel like they're trying to rack up charges. I hope that's not the case.. but that's certainly how it feels. The only time anyone will give me the time of day is when I'm handing them my dang credit card.
Soooo.... I'm wondering.... can any of you guys recommend a local place/facility/physician/etc where I can get my fills done without having to sign over my firstborn child? I won't have insurance until mid-September... and I don't have $500 just laying around.
Dr. Podkamini take other patients. (program fee?)
Hop over to the Bandsters forum and ask about adjustments for our area. There used to be a gal from Prescott or Payson or somewhere in the mtns that would come down once a week and do adjustments. I believe her name is/was Wendy?
I wonder where all those folks go for adjustments who got their bands in Mexico?
Also....check out www.Fillcenterusa.com I used to work with them through my plastic surgery office. They charge a minimal fee and give you an allotted time to decide if your adjustment is right or not. Nor sure they still have any locations in the valley? Think of them as a gas station for bands. They are dotted all over the USA.
Have you tried going to the "top" with your own surgeon's program to share your concerns/frustration? It would seem that they'd want their post-ops to be happy campers so that the "good word" would spread and others would knock on their door for biz. Bad biz breeds a loss in biz!!!!
Hang in there! ..... See you at support group at Banner Gateway next Tuesday?
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Topic: Is there such thing as a cheap(er) fill?
My surgeon has been giving me minimal fills... and telling me to "call back if you have any questions or concerns."
I called back because two days after my fill... I was back to feeling zero restriction. The two ladies I spoke to in the office blew me off and basically told me I was "out of luck" unless I was willing to schedule and pay for another appointment. I'm not sure why they told me during the appointment to call back if I had questions or concerns... because they certainly weren't interested in hearing them.
Anyway... after this and a couple prior experiences... it's hard not to feel like they're trying to rack up charges. I hope that's not the case.. but that's certainly how it feels. The only time anyone will give me the time of day is when I'm handing them my dang credit card.
Soooo.... I'm wondering.... can any of you guys recommend a local place/facility/physician/etc where I can get my fills done without having to sign over my firstborn child? I won't have insurance until mid-September... and I don't have $500 just laying around.
I called back because two days after my fill... I was back to feeling zero restriction. The two ladies I spoke to in the office blew me off and basically told me I was "out of luck" unless I was willing to schedule and pay for another appointment. I'm not sure why they told me during the appointment to call back if I had questions or concerns... because they certainly weren't interested in hearing them.
Anyway... after this and a couple prior experiences... it's hard not to feel like they're trying to rack up charges. I hope that's not the case.. but that's certainly how it feels. The only time anyone will give me the time of day is when I'm handing them my dang credit card.
Soooo.... I'm wondering.... can any of you guys recommend a local place/facility/physician/etc where I can get my fills done without having to sign over my firstborn child? I won't have insurance until mid-September... and I don't have $500 just laying around.
HW: 243lbs 
SW: 222lbs CW: 198lbs 
GW: 140lbs
I'm just a hair under 5'1.
12/1/2009- Third Fill, 7cc in a 11cc band
11/3/2009- Finally under 200lbs!!! YAY!!
SW: 222lbs CW: 198lbs GW: 140lbsI'm just a hair under 5'1.
12/1/2009- Third Fill, 7cc in a 11cc band
11/3/2009- Finally under 200lbs!!! YAY!!
Topic: RE: Where is Dr. Steven Simon???
Thanks for your reply & tips. Very frustrating when your DR & records suddenly "disappear."
Topic: RE: Where is Dr. Steven Simon???
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Records usually stay with the facility rather than follow the surgeon from place to place. You should at least be able to get your op report from the hospital and maybe they can direct you to your records?
Dr. Podkamini at Banner Gateway is an excellent surgeon and offers follow-up care for patient's other than their own.
My surgeon is out of state so I'm just doing most follow-up care through my pcp. You should be able to give your pcp the list of labs needed for your annual blood draw.
I understand your frustration. Surgeon's who bounce around (or who are bounced around) make follow-up pretty crazy!
BTW....E.R.'s have to take people whether they have records or not but programs/surgeons/docs have policies in place and can turn folks away. So to get one of the surgeon's at Tempe St Luke's to take care of you then you just need to go through the E.R. ....but...if they have been that rude to you then my guess is that you'd want to hit someone elses E.R. rather than theirs?
Good luck!
Dr. Podkamini at Banner Gateway is an excellent surgeon and offers follow-up care for patient's other than their own.
My surgeon is out of state so I'm just doing most follow-up care through my pcp. You should be able to give your pcp the list of labs needed for your annual blood draw.
I understand your frustration. Surgeon's who bounce around (or who are bounced around) make follow-up pretty crazy!
BTW....E.R.'s have to take people whether they have records or not but programs/surgeons/docs have policies in place and can turn folks away. So to get one of the surgeon's at Tempe St Luke's to take care of you then you just need to go through the E.R. ....but...if they have been that rude to you then my guess is that you'd want to hit someone elses E.R. rather than theirs?
Good luck!
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Topic: RE: FISH OIL
Thanks ReCurve, I willl check it out.
Debbie
Debbie
CERTIFIED SUPPORT GROUP LEADER
SUN CITY
[email protected]
Topic: RE: Am I on target?? Where I should be? Stressing lately
They're plan is 3 meals a day no snacking, ppl on the main board suggest adding meals and increasing protein, but then I would not be following my program, and I am trying to be a "by the book" kind of gal!
HELPDee,
Having worked in the biz for quite a while; one thing I know for sure is that =losing continuously without some kind of rest period is very very rare. If any of us were to graph our post-op loss....you can see the general downward trend overall BUT....little glitches of time (or plateaus) is just plain normal.
Kudos to you for following your programs protocol. There is a lot of very good information available out and about and at some point you may want to jump on board with exploring outside of the box but.....your surgeon happens to be one of those who is in tune with the latest ASMBS guidelines and has always been ahead of the game with protein requirements.
Meeting with the new person may be a boost! Be open minded, perhaps go in with a food journal so they can see your diligence and then mention the good advice that others on the main board have been giving you. Each patient is unique in their losing patterns so one blanket "plan" may not meet your individual needs and you may need your program tweaked a bit. In general, most surgeons recommend increasing: exercise, water, protein and decreasing: carbs, calories, cheese, salt.
Congrats on your success so far! You'll keep rockin your WLS if you stay focused. Don't let a little plateau stress you out. Your body may be losing some inches while the #'s on the scale are hanging tight. Also....don't rule out the weather changes. Our bodies hang onto fluids in the heat....just hydrate!!!
Keep us posted!
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
On June 28, 2010 at 10:50 AM Pacific Time, dee492 wrote:
I had my surgery Dec 16th and have lost 105 pounds, which I know is a great accomplishment and I am very happy about it to say the least. I feel great and can do so much. I love being able to shop in a "normal" store. I went from size 26 to a 14 and it feels amazing. BUT.... I have been in a stall a FUNK for a little over 2 weeks...I am stressing because I go for my 6 month follow up at Dr Blackstone's office tomorrow and see someone I dont even know and I don't get to see the NUT. I just feel like I am not where I should be.. what can I do better.They're plan is 3 meals a day no snacking, ppl on the main board suggest adding meals and increasing protein, but then I would not be following my program, and I am trying to be a "by the book" kind of gal!
HELP
Having worked in the biz for quite a while; one thing I know for sure is that =losing continuously without some kind of rest period is very very rare. If any of us were to graph our post-op loss....you can see the general downward trend overall BUT....little glitches of time (or plateaus) is just plain normal.
Kudos to you for following your programs protocol. There is a lot of very good information available out and about and at some point you may want to jump on board with exploring outside of the box but.....your surgeon happens to be one of those who is in tune with the latest ASMBS guidelines and has always been ahead of the game with protein requirements.
Meeting with the new person may be a boost! Be open minded, perhaps go in with a food journal so they can see your diligence and then mention the good advice that others on the main board have been giving you. Each patient is unique in their losing patterns so one blanket "plan" may not meet your individual needs and you may need your program tweaked a bit. In general, most surgeons recommend increasing: exercise, water, protein and decreasing: carbs, calories, cheese, salt.
Congrats on your success so far! You'll keep rockin your WLS if you stay focused. Don't let a little plateau stress you out. Your body may be losing some inches while the #'s on the scale are hanging tight. Also....don't rule out the weather changes. Our bodies hang onto fluids in the heat....just hydrate!!!
Keep us posted!
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
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