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Topic: new to website
hi i have a lap band and am not having very good luck with it and wondering how people have done with the revision to a vgb?
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
So I had to chase my medicine with juice and now it is staying down. No more vomiting yayyy!! I am on day four and I have started full liquids. Starting to feel pretty good still sore in the stomach area other than that I am fine. Thanks for the uplifting words keep up the good work :)
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
Hi, thanks for responding to me. I got the information paperwork in the mail yesterday from Kim at Dr. Cottams office. I looked it over and it was pretty much what she talked about on the phone with me. Unfortunately, I have come to the decision that I just can't afford having this surgery anywhere in the U.S. I just can't afford it. Medicare won't pay. I can't get in big debt at my age. Social Secuity just does not pay enough to cover a $17,000 plus loan to go to Utah.... and Arizona is asking $24,000 for the VSG sleeve. Nobody here in AZ. does imbrication that I could find. Nonetheless,it would cost too much for me, so after much research with patients that have used Medical Toursim...I'm going to Mexico. Dr. Joya is my choice in Puerto Vallarta. Excellent surgeon, puts you up in the beachfront KRYSTAL hotel for three days in Puerta Vallarta... and I'll ber getting my procedure done in the AMERIMED hospital, brand new state of the art, look it up and see how nice. I'll spend 2 night in hospital, three in the hotel, where an associate physican will come every day to check on me. How about that ....A HOUSE CALL!! Anyone out there that is is the same financial boat as me, checkout Medical Toursim as an alternative. See thinjourney on you tube and faithkp, both used Dr. Joya and were very pleased with their experiences. HOLA everyone.
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
I loved Dr. Cottam! Good choice. My insurance made me do a 6 month diet with my family dr (I did WW online), and I had to at least maintain my weight, couldn't gain. I had to visit my family dr 3 times during the 6 months, and I could ONLY talk about weight loss. My BMI had to be 40 (it was 40.3) at the start. The insurance only had the band and the bypass approved, so those were the only surgeries I could choose. My sister had had the gastric sleeve done, and that is what I wanted, but could not pay for it on my own (it was $17,000), so Dr. Cottam gave me the option of doing the imbrication and having the band put on so the insurance would pay for it. The imbrication is fairly new and he needed more patients to do it, so he was doing it for free. After I did all of that, the insurance paid for all but my 1500.00 deductible. I also had to pay a 325.00 program fee that the insurance did not cover. I believe it pays for your appointments after surgery, but I only needed to meet with him 1 week after surgery to check my incisions. I haven't been back since. I have not needed a fill since I have consistently lost weight without it. There is little to no after-care, but his office has a lot to offer, I just live 45 minutes away and haven't needed to go back. Good luck with the insurance. You are in good hands with dr. Cottam
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
I was only nauseated in the hospital right after surgery for about 6 hours. Other than that, I've been fine. Just remember the first month is kind of miserable, but I promise it will pass! Also, remember, this is not a magic cure, it still is a lot of work! I diet and exercise every day and still lose it kind of slow. Since surgery I have lost 45 pounds (5 months ago). You can do it! Good luck.
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
Hi I am new to this I got the gastric imbrication on yesterday. I have been quite sick but only when I drink this liquid medicine that the doctor gave me. Have you experience any nausea???
Topic: RE: What is VGB? Having band and imbrication next week!
Hello dpw...I see you had dr. cottam as your surgeon. I'm thinking of using him for my VSG. I feel he is an excellent surgeon. I don't live in Utah, and will be traveling to see him. What was the process your Insurance Co. put you through to get approval. You said you had to get Lap Band in order to get the coverage and Cottam was doing the Imbrication for free. What was your cost for that procedure. I didn't get a quote for a Lap band... and did for fee include any after care program?
I appreciate your reply.
cookielu46
I appreciate your reply.
cookielu46
Lucille, in Arizona 
Topic: VBG
www.thecutefatfriend.blogspot.com
I will be updating on my blog more frequent than here. Feel free to read and follow
Has anyone had the new procedure done by Elmer Valin?...Or in the process to have it? I swear I feel like the only one lol.
I will be updating on my blog more frequent than here. Feel free to read and follow
Topic: Support Group Meeting this Saturday
I am hosting a support group meeting this Saturday in Raleigh NC. This month I will be talking about managing the challenges of the upcoming holidays. I will share some recipes and welcome others to share recipes that they enjoy.
I also invite people to engage in a clothing swap. Many people find that they are no longer able to wear gently warn clothing that may benefit others in the group. If you have some things and would like to participate, please do. Please be sure to take with you any items that you bring that are not selected by others. If you do want to keep the items, you can take them to Thrift Store and a Goodwill within a mile of the support group location.
If you more details about the meeting, please go to www.meetup.com/nc-wls.
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Topic: How much protein do we need?
There are often a lot of questions and concerns about how much protein we need after bariatric surgery. This is a link to a paper that appeared in Bariatric Times. This paper titled Protein and the Bariatric Patient by Laura Frank, PhD, MPH, RD, CD, October 2008 appeared in the Bariatric Times (http://bariatrictimes.com/2008/10/07/protein-and-the-bariatr ic-patient-2/)
The conclusion of this discussion appears below:
Protein Prescription for the Bariatric Patient
Usual protein recommendations for the post-bariatric surgery patient are anywhere from 1 to 2g protein per kg of adjusted body weight—calculated as current body weight (CBW) minus ideal body weight (IBW) multiplied by 25 percent plus IBW [CBW-IBW x 25% + IBW]).25 A minimum of 60 to 70g of protein per day should be ingested.13 Many programs recommend a range of 60 to 80 grams total protein intake per day or 1.0 to 1.5g/kg IBW, although exact needs have yet to be defined. The use of 1.5g/kg IBW/day beyond the early post-surgical phase is probably above metabolic requirements for non-complicated patients and may prevent the consumption of other macronutrients in the context of volume restrictions. An analysis of the RYGB patient’s typical nutrient intake at one year postoperative found no significant changes in albumin with daily protein consumption at 1.1g/kg IBW.12 Following BPD/DS procedures, the amount of protein should be increased by approximately 30 percent to accommodate for malabsorption, making the average protein requirement for these patients approximately 90g/day.30
Here is a link to a Pound to KG conversion calculator you can use to determine your weight in KGs if you want to use the formulas above to determine the amount of protein necessary to support a healthy body post op. Please make sure to check with your Dr. or Nutritionist before making any changes to the protein levels in your diet.
The conclusion of this discussion appears below:
Protein Prescription for the Bariatric Patient
Usual protein recommendations for the post-bariatric surgery patient are anywhere from 1 to 2g protein per kg of adjusted body weight—calculated as current body weight (CBW) minus ideal body weight (IBW) multiplied by 25 percent plus IBW [CBW-IBW x 25% + IBW]).25 A minimum of 60 to 70g of protein per day should be ingested.13 Many programs recommend a range of 60 to 80 grams total protein intake per day or 1.0 to 1.5g/kg IBW, although exact needs have yet to be defined. The use of 1.5g/kg IBW/day beyond the early post-surgical phase is probably above metabolic requirements for non-complicated patients and may prevent the consumption of other macronutrients in the context of volume restrictions. An analysis of the RYGB patient’s typical nutrient intake at one year postoperative found no significant changes in albumin with daily protein consumption at 1.1g/kg IBW.12 Following BPD/DS procedures, the amount of protein should be increased by approximately 30 percent to accommodate for malabsorption, making the average protein requirement for these patients approximately 90g/day.30
Here is a link to a Pound to KG conversion calculator you can use to determine your weight in KGs if you want to use the formulas above to determine the amount of protein necessary to support a healthy body post op. Please make sure to check with your Dr. or Nutritionist before making any changes to the protein levels in your diet.
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
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