Recent Posts

MoabMama
on 7/25/07 4:47 am
Topic: RE: favorite protein bars??
Hey Brown-eyed Susan.  Contrats on the loss.  Personally I use the Atkins protein bars. - what I look for is a high ration of protein to sugar.  I also read somewhere that sugar alchols aren't as bad for us as straight sugar.  But I just had to try different protein bars until I found the Atkins bars and I like (most) them.  Good Luck.  Kimberly
Mike F.
on 7/17/07 1:12 pm - West Jordan, UT
Topic: RE: DS support
Hi Paula, Sorry it's taken so long to respond to your post!! It's been awhile since I've gotten on this site. But to answer your question, I have had the DS almost 3 years ago (August 31, 2004). Unfortunately I had to go to Phoenix to have it done. I have UHC for my insurance and at least at the time there was only ONE surgeon in UT who performed the DS and my insurance did not cover him. And I was convinced the DS was what I wanted so I found a surgeon in Phoenix who did the DS who WAS covered on my insurance. His name is Dr Zahn,  and though he was a great surgeon, I think he retired in the past year or so.. I am very thankful to have had the DS. I haven't had any problems at all, and it's the greatest thing not to be obese anymore.. BTW, we're practically neighbors!! (I live in West Jordan) -Mike F.
Ethel777
on 7/17/07 7:47 am - UT
Topic: RE: Support Group
 Thank you so much for replying to my e-mail. How are you doing after your surgery? Thank you for letting me know about St. Marks Hospital. I will check that out for sure and call the phone number that you gave me. i look forward to hearing from you and finding out how you are doing? Thanks again!
SeaShell258
on 7/17/07 5:08 am
Topic: RE: Support Group
I think there is one at St. Marks hospital on the second Wednsday of each month. I had my surgery there two months ago and they listed this group in their info. packet.  I haven't gone because I live about an hour and a half away.  You can call Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians at 801-268-3800 to find out more info.  Good luck!
GraceUtah
on 7/16/07 3:29 pm
Topic: fill doctor from Utah in the news

Am in Provo and did some research on the md that FillCentersUSA referrs people in UT to. Dr. Derek Muse with Highland Family Practice.  Was in the media for a diet that works, supposedly. 

 

http://www.abc4.com/content/health/story.aspx?content_id=302 3c782-131f-4a99-92a0-5060298997ab Here's the story: Kelli Sellers lost 45 pounds. Jan Stevenson has lost 57 pounds. Judy Fox has lost 45 pounds. Six months ago, losing weight for these women felt like "mission impossible." They, like so many others, are hardly alone. "I was really tired," says Kelli. "I had tried so many diets and I was just at my wits end," say Judy. "I didn't want to go anywhere," says Jan. But that's all change, thanks to a medically controlled diet developed right here in Utah. For these women, that difficult-to-drop weight is just melting away. "Oh gosh, I hardly recognize myself," says Kelli. Jan adds, "I wish Id done it sooner." "I actually like to go clothes shopping again," says Judy. Developed by Dr. Derek Muse of Highland Family Practice, this low calorie, high protein diet leaves no second guessing. Patients are allowed small pre-packaged meals everyday. Meals ranging from shakes, soups, high protein pretzels, even nutritionally designed candy bars. "It's an aggressive diet but the benefits are tremendous," say Dr. Derek Muse. Regarding the meals you eat, Dr Muse says, "They're specially formulated so that they do supply all the nutrients that you need, so they minimize the amount of muscle you lose during the diet." "I like it because I'm told what I can eat instead of, 'oh just continue to watch this stuff.' There's a menu and you get to choose from the menu and I'm not hungry," says Judy. Not hungry because the high protein sends your body into a fat burning mode Dr. Muse calls a mild state of "ketosis." "It's actually simply training your body which it does within, it learns in seven days to use fat as an energy source," says Dr. Muse. During this six month diet, patients have regular check-ups, are prescribed vitamins, minerals, and when necessary appetite suppressants. "They have to come for 26 weeks and I see them once a month of course. We're cheerleaders as well as their encouragers and we monitor them to keep them safe," says Muse. Another benefit of the diet...a weekly support group where patients help each other battle the bulge and learn how to handle the psychological cravings for food. Dr. Muse's Nurse Darce knows firsthand how the diet works. She too has benefited from the program. "I started at 190 and I weigh 120, so I've lost 70 pounds and I've kept it off a year," says Darce. "We've had a couple who have gained it all back, but the majority has kept most of it off," says Dr. Muse. "It hasn't been hard at all. It really has been pretty easy for me and the food has been really good," says Kelli, whose lost 45 pounds since last December. "I have that energy, I feel good," says Darce. The price of the diet is as follows below according to Highland Family Practice: TWO MONTHS $500.00 MONTHLY AFTER THE FIRST TWO MONTHS $225.00 COMPLETE SIX MONTHS $1400.00 According to Highland Family Practice, this price includes intake visit, the monthly follow up with Dr. Muse, the weekly follow up with the counselor, the weekly class, monthly follow up blood work and an additional EKG after a 30 lbs. weight loss. This price does not include the first EKG, and initial blood work which can be billed to insurance, or done through your regular doctor. This price does not include the weekly food. The food, on average, will cost $65-75 a week depending on what you buy that week. This price does not include maintenance follow-up appointments with the Doctor either. The cost of the intake visit is due at the time that the appointment is made, which is $125. This amount is non-refundable if the appointment is canceled less than two hours prior to appointment time. Payment for the program chosen is due at the first class. The amount that was paid at the intake visit will be applied to the program at that point. For more information on the diet you can contact Highland Family Practice at 801-272-4111. Their address is 4460 South Highland Dr, Suite 400, Salt Lake City 84124.

GraceUtah
on 7/14/07 12:20 am
Topic: RE: Need to find a support group
Hi, there are in Salt Lake..found them online.   I'm in Provo and am searching.   Anyone?
GraceUtah
on 7/14/07 12:09 am
Topic: RE: HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP

Hate it for you.  My first thought was, "get rid of the husband".  But my second thought, was don't say that.  I'm single and 37, marriage was annuled many moons ago.  Haven't dated in 8 years, actually not by choice, just noone has asked... well, the guy at the post office don't count - he curses like a sailor. But this came to mind due to your 'emotional' eating.  Relationships can make or break a person.  Can lift them up or tear them down. 

My weight was by choice, I chose to eat.  But being a single mother, being both Mother and Father, the breadwinner and nurturer... can cause any person to crack.  And crack I did.... no, not alcohol, not drugs, not smoking... FOOD. Eating was always worse when I was married or dating.  I lost a hundred pounds starting 8 years ago.  And now I've chosen surgery, the band to help me more.  CT, it's gonna be a battle, but I've learned how essential it is to BATTLE the emotions, some days you will be victorious... others... not.  But you are the only you... claim your independence from emotions.  (That's what July 4th is for me each year.  Independece from one more 'thing' in my life that drags me down.) Good luck and post again to let us know how you are coming along! (oh, marriage is sacred and please don't anyone misunderstand my comment.  Your spouse can be your best friend, your support, well, should be is more like it.  Nurture your marriage and yourself.)

GraceUtah
on 7/13/07 11:55 pm
Topic: RE: Personal experiences with post-surgery LapBand? Wanna know what it's like

Don't listen to me... as I didn't do it right.  But I want to share my experience as a 'what not to do'. I was banded one day and the next day up and walking.  Walking alot as I even went outside.  Walked to the store with my sister (who came with me) to get her a snack.  Walked all the way back.  Yeah, I was hunched over... the ground is very interesting!  :)     It's the sutures on the abs.... when I tried to stand straight up... felt like it was ripping.  So hunching over... just fine. After the walk I had some discomfort... no pain.  I over did it. The gas (as they blow you up like a hot air ballon for surgery) was not comfortable.  And the apple juice they were giving me I figured wasn't helping (apple juice can cause gas).. so I declined the juice and just had water... lots of water.  The gas goes from the shoulder (pinching senstation) to the tummy.   Just let it go! I felt really good and left the next day to go home.  Liquids were not satisfying me.  If I don't eat I start shaking.  So I went to broths on day 3.  And 2 days later I was on mushies. 

Tolerated everything just fine.  By a week I was on solids... well, not like steak or anything... but oatmeals, thin meats, pasta, etc. Now I am at 4 weeks out and can eat ANYTHING.  I have absolutely no restriction.  I can feel the band and can feel it when some food passes through.  Once I drank water too soon after eating... new to the UT desert and 100 degrees was killing me!  It bubbled up... I think that's called regurgitation.   I've lost ZERO pounds, have no pain, incisions healing just fine.  However, it's my fault.  If I could live off jello and pudding... well, I guess I wouldn't have had the band to begin with.   Not all is lost for me as I'm going for an adjustment AND I'm seeking out support to help me curb my eating.  I've called and called to Overeaters Anonymous... but nothing.  I know there's a support group in Sandy and Salt Lake... but I'm in Provo, a single mother of three.... I can't get away and spend 2 hours in the car (1 hr each way) plus the hour for the group. So, if anyone knows a group in Provo/Orem... could you post it for me and others. Momma_Nebbs, hope this helped....this is what not to do.  Make sure you follow your MDs instructions and reach out the instant you faulter!

 

 

GraceUtah
on 7/13/07 11:42 pm
Topic: RE: Dr. Robert McKeen? Anyone heard of him?
I'm a prior band and new to Utah.  I use these boards for almost everything.  I need adjustment and don't know where to go.   Saw a Dr. Green mentioned but when I called  $533!  OUCH. Dr. .. I don't know his name in Orem was almost $400.  But in Salt Lake is Dr. Muse for $155 and like 80 bucks more for fluoro.  This sounds too good to be true, yes.  I'll find out in 2 weeks as this is when I have my first appt with him.
GraceUtah
on 7/13/07 11:32 pm
Topic: RE: Mexico or no Mexico

Same situation.  I weighed my options and went. With surgery, options are weighed ... risks and benefits.  Death can occur so that is the big factor.  But weighed with living a life obese, with comorbidites?  Death has looked good from time to time.  Nah, but coming close... the chronic joint pain is what did it for me.... SURGERY.

Now, Mexico or not.  $7,000 vs $13-20,000?   That's a no brainer for a single mother of three.  I did the research, checked on former patients... and I went to Mexico. Was better than I expected as I've lived in third world countries before for my work.  I've delt with substandard health care and MDs who had education in Fiji and Phillipines, to name a few. Mexico was GREAT!   What matters to me is cleanliness and education and for the MD, experience.  (Oh, and is he behind on his mortgage?... you can figure that one out) If I ever need surgery again in the future... I will not hesitate to consider Mexico again.

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