Weight Wise-VO2 manditory?

Good morning everyone! I have a VO2 scheduled for tomorrow with Somer. I am wanting to know if anyone else did this, and how much it cost. Is it manditory? I have so much to do tomorrow and making it to Edmond and back is 6 hours of my day. Has the test been a big benifit to anyone, or can I do it post-op? Thanks so much for your help.

Amber

I did it several months ago.  It seems to me it was about $70.  It was worthwhile.  When they tell you not to exercise too hard, or not to exercise to the point where you can't easily converse, that's essentially an estimate of how hard you should be exercising to optimize your fat burning.  If you work harder than that, you'll burn more calories, but you'll be using blood sugar and will make yourself hungry.  The VO2 test will tell you how many beats per minute your heart should beat for optimal exercise.  That number changes as you become more fit.  The test will also show, at different heart rates, how much fat vs. blood sugar you're burning.

It is not required.  I didn't do it, although I have been thinking about doing it now that I am getting more fit so I can see exactly what point I should be working my body to.

Hi, Amber.
I did it. The cost was $75, I think. I also did the test to show how my metabolism is functioning (also about $75). Both were very worthwhile. They are not required. If you do it pre-op, then you can be retested some months post-op, to see if you're improving and to help the exercise physiologist suggest changes tailored to your body.
Blessings,
Mary

I wouldn't mind having the test done myself.  I notice I actually tend to drop more weight if I do more, slower exercise....having some confirmation of this would be cool.

Amber,
To mew it is worth the cost since i am a patient of Dr. Keith it was part of the costof surgery. IT IS WELL WORTH your time and money. believe me you may think its a waste of money but after they show you your heart rate and how much you have to walk at what pace to burn the maximum amout of calories you will be so glad you did it.

There is also the cost for the monitor, which they sell at WW for around $60.  You have a strap you wear around your chest and a watch that measure your heat beats, and has an alarm when you go out of your zone.  I had it and felt it was worth it.  They do want you to have it every few months.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I really am thinking I'm going to reschedule the VO2 until after surgery seeing that I only have a week, maybe (LOL) things may change as far as the way my body burns fat, after surgery.

Thanks, Amber

Hi Amber,

I too, had it scheduled and canceled it.  I decided that it would be most beneficial for me to do after surgery and Somer said I could do it 3 months after surgery.  I didn't want to do it now and than my whole body type changes after surgery.  I thoughts what's the point?  Anyway, they will let you cancel and no it's not mandatory.

Hope we helped you decide on your decision.

Good Luck,
Sheila

Hey guys!  I had the VO2 in July and I can't remember exactly how much it was...however it was the greatest thing I have done leading to my WLS.  I was swimming every day, but believe it or not...working too hard.  I bought the watch and band that monitors your heartbeat, and I'm addicted.  It has motivated me to work out more....there were a couple of weeks when the pool was closed for Fall Break and such and I was actually motivated to go to the park and walk!  I haven't had my surgery yet, but am about to have another VO2 to see what progress I have made since the last one. 

Marsha