I'm new and I want to get on the bench.

OldmanJim
on 4/26/12 5:50 am - AZ

That's what I like and need from you guys, NO SLACK. I have to go back and read everyones profiles like I just did with yours. It's neat seeing someone who is 5 1/2 yrs out and still in the forums. I saw were you mentioned getting a stent. I have 5 over three proceedures. 1x3x1. Hope your heart attacvks are behind you. Everyone of you has so much wisdom to share with us rookies. I want to thank everyone for answering my post and I am looking forward to my first Sun Weight In. By the way what does rejection/fracture rate mean?

cabin111
on 4/26/12 7:09 am

RNY on 10/09/06

Below is a copy and paste from the Mayo Clinic...I think my rate is 60%...I get confused because the cardiologist mentioned 2 different numbers...But he said I'm in the normal range...

Ejection fraction: What does it measure?

What does the term "ejection fraction" mean? What does it measure?

Answer

from Martha Grogan, M.D.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Chambers and valves of the heart

Ejection fraction is a measurement of the percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it contracts.

During each heartbeat cycle, the heart contracts and relaxes. When your heart contracts, it ejects blood from the two pumping chambers (ventricles). When your heart relaxes, the ventricles refill with blood. No matter how forceful the contraction, it doesn't empty all of the blood out of a ventricle. The term "ejection fraction" refers to the percentage of blood that's pumped out of a filled ventricle with each heartbeat.

Because the left ventricle is the heart's main pumping chamber, ejection fraction is usually measured only in the left ventricle (LV). A normal LV ejection fraction is 55 to 70 percent. The ejection fraction may decrease if:

You have weakness of your heart muscle, such as dilated cardiomyopathy
A heart attack has damaged your heart
You have problems with your heart's valves
You have had long-standing, uncontrolled high blood pressure

Ejection fraction can be measured with imaging techniques, including:

Echocardiogram. During an echocardiogram, sound waves are used to produce images of your heart and the blood pumping through your heart.
Cardiac catheterization. During cardiac catheterization, a thin, plastic tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein in the arm or leg and then moved to the heart — most likely the left ventricle. Using images taken during the catheterization, your doctor can see how your blood pumps through your heart.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During an MRI scan, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of specific parts of the body. When an MRI is used to study the heart, it's known as a cardiovascular MRI.
Computerized tomography (CT). During a CT scan, a special X-ray technique is used to create cross-sectional images of specific parts of the body. When a CT scan is used to study the heart, it's known as a cardiac CT.
Nuclear medicine scan. During a nuclear scan, trace amounts of radioactive material — such as thallium — are injected into the bloodstream. Special cameras then detect the radioactive material in your blood as it flows through the heart and lungs.

OldmanJim
on 4/26/12 2:48 pm - AZ

Thanks for the information. I've been seeing a cartiologist for over 9 yrs and that term was never mentioned to me. Hopefully I've never had it. I've had every test except the Nuclear scan, most many times. You see once you hit Medicare your treated like a Gold MC. LOL

Charlie S.
on 4/26/12 11:45 am

VSG on 08/30/11

I know it is scary. Been there, done that. I must say this... Your life will be better. It will be WAY better. Even if you don't get off of the oxygen, your mobility will be so much better you won't have any trouble lugging it around.

And as a former smoker, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It is the hardest thing I ever did, quitting smoking. I have been smoke free since 3/22/09. Great job.

Now, do everything the other guys said and you'll be great.

                              HW: 429                     SW: 380               Height: 5'08"

OldmanJim
on 4/26/12 2:59 pm - AZ

Thanks for the encouraging words. I should have said my last cig was on 10/3/2009. I pushed it all the way as far as quitting. I was so bad that I had to use my inhaler before and after each smoke. When the Dr said smoke and die I realized it's now or never. Sort of where I am now with RNY. My Dr's have been after me for yrs & yrs to lose weight. In Mar I thought of a Lapband but heard it has a lot of problems. All my Dr's expidted my paper work I guess because they didn't want to give me a chance to change my mind. Sorry for being so winded. My typing is terrible tonight because I'm sick and tired or tired and sick.

billmacc7
on 4/27/12 6:01 am - MA

Hi Jim,

Wanted to welcome you to the Forum. I agree w/ what all the others said. Aside from the smoking, I can relate to all the other things you spoke about. I have been overweight since birth!!lol, but seriously it has alwasy been a problem. I had the surgery 15 months ago and have lost 150 pounds, am the healthiest I have been since high school, and am doing things I never dreamt possible like running a 5K road race. All because I had the COURAGE, COMMITMENT, AND CAPABILITY to decide to have WLS. Do what needs to be done...it will save your life.

Best,
Bill

OldmanJim
on 5/6/12 3:30 am - AZ

I'm so sorry Bill I didn't realize that people comment over days. You've had a tougher road than me to hoe. My weight came from middle age and letting myself go. I've put "on" 60 - 70 lbs since I retired in 2006. You are an inspiration. To have lost 150 lbs in 15 months is unbelievable. I know I will never run again but I sure would like to do the "Pat Tillman Race" some year. I will have to remember your 3 "C"s. Thanks again, Jim

(deactivated member)
on 5/10/12 2:43 pm - Canada

I know the concerns you have as I've been lurking here for some time, and at 404 lbs and age 71, there's some question if they accept me at all. The surgeon yesterday scared me outlining all the risks of having the surgery late in life, so i wish i had gone ahead when i was your age! i thought the VSG would be best for me, but the surgeon wants to do RNY if approved as he said there could be 'leaks' with the VSG that could be fatal.

I'm going through the early stage process to evaluate me...the surgeon was first, the internist, nurse tests, psychologist, and dietitian will all meet after I've seen them all, and they decide my fate. I'm in Canada and it takes forever to get approved.

OldmanJim
on 5/11/12 4:22 am - AZ

Thanks for responding to my initial post. I wish you well in your pursuit. I thought my approval was too quick from Medicare. But once you read a lot of these posts you see it takes some people over a year a two to get approved. Your the first Canadian I've heard from, so I have no idea how long it will take you. Your right about doing the surgery at a younger age. That's one of my big fears Jumping thru the hoops is a lot of fun. I am in my 9th day of my 14 day protein diet. Surgery is next Thursday. I can't believe I haven't cheated yet. It does make you lose weight as I am down to 319 since Apr 5th. Good luck on your journey. Check in here on Sunday morning and you will see quite a few good guys who have already had RNY. Join the conversation.

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