FMH Wellness Center

Hi All, Has anyone participated in the Frederick Memorial Hospital Wellness Center programs? I'm just starting out and have had a consult with Dr. McKenna in Frederick. Once I get through the process my surgery will be at Holy Cross in Silver Spring. He is referring me to them, I know they do a liquid diet but I'm not sure if I'll be on the full liquid or some modified version. I look forward to getting to know everyone. Deb.

Hey Deb - Welcome to the MD Board! Please feel free to jump on in to our posts! You're starting out on a journey that's scary and exciting, all at the same time, so feel free to ask anything of us. We are a variety of pre & post-ops, and short of medical advice, can happily give our opinions on EVERYTHING!!!! I live in Middle River, and participate in Franklin Square Hospital Center's Health & Wellness Program - it's actually part of their cardiac/pulmonary rehab, but the wellness program allows me to work out at the hospital gym (treadmill, weights, elliptical, bike, etc.) 3X a week for $30/month. It's a good deal, and I love the people there. I don't know if it's at all similar to FMH's program, but if it is, I think you'll love it. Take care and good luck, Teresa (Tia)

Hi Deb, Welcome to the MD Board. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with program you referred to. I had my surgery at St. Agnes in Baltimore and I'm not even sure St. Agnes has a Wellness Center/Gym like what Tia described. It's a heck of a ride, this WLS Journey. Buckle up tight and get ready for the ride of your life! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask, we're a friendly bunch and we have all been there Take Care, Terry

Hi, I did the FMH wellness center program for 5 months and a week. I lost 45 lbs, no longer qualifiying me for surgery, but have since regained 30, so I am attempting to get approval for surgery with Dr. Li. (I havent been submitted yet, and apparently the person who submits to insurance is on vacation) I will finish the additional 3 weeks of diet next Wednesday, so am very anxious. THe Wellness Center program is very nice, and if you are over 60 lbs. overweight you will probably be on the full liquid diet. The first 5 days are hell, and then it is pretty tolerable. They give you lots of good tips on getting through it, and I used almost all of them - pickles, gum, sugar free jello etc. THe wellness center program is pretty expensive - made a huge dent in our budget with 5 kids at home. They will get you moving very sensibly, and will monitor your health pretty carefully. I am a pessimest about the long term results of the liquid diet since your metabolism seems to drop considerably, and I couldnt maintain the low intake. Good luck on your journey,