Guest guest Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 Amy Lynn Welcome. What program have you chosen. Start a journal. Map a plan and go go go. NH... Mom to Abby Liz 10/94 Anne 7/99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 Hi there! You didn't leave a name so I don't know what to call you but I just wanted to say that I think it is FANTASTIC that you are doing this with your daughter! What a great example to set for her! And even if the rest of the house doesn't have a weight problem, eating healthy is good for everyone. And it doesn't mean they have to be "deprived" of a thing - the food mover lets you eat "normal" foods - just in smaller quantities than most of us used to eat in. And you have a built-in "exercise buddy" - very cool! Mindy FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2005 Report Share Posted November 12, 2005 Welcome. You did not sign your post so for now welcome Angel. Isnt great that you have a relationship with your daughter that you caught on early. The mom you called probably did not and did not catch signs early on. My daughter just past the 100 lb mark. She is 11 and 4 ft 9 in I believe. She is worried because she never seems full. I believe it is because she eats so fast her belly doesn't catch up with her mind. This is something we are working on. Growing up in a family of 7 I had to seat next to my brother who if you didn't eat right away he may take your food. It worked out well when there was something I didn't like to eat BUT when it was something I liked you had to eat fast. I have learned to slow down BUT occasionally hubby will say you breathing over there from the other end of the table. You wil find great support here. NH... Mom to Abby Liz 10/94 Anne 7/99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2005 Report Share Posted November 12, 2005 In a message dated 11/11/2005 12:55:19 PM US Eastern Standard Time, partangel@... writes: "Mom you make it sound so easy, why don't we both exercise together, and go on that food plan". I made a deal with her. I will go on the food mover plan, the whole household will eat better and together we will exercise at night. >> > > I want to be a positive example for my children. I know this is going to be hard but I feel like I am ready to take off the weight for good. Thanks in advance for the support and any advice.>> Hi! Welcome to the group. I had the same situation. My daughter is a little overweight, not too bad. She is 13. I started a diet at the beginning of the year. I have lost 80 pounds. I still have 30 to go, but I can now say my whole family eats healthier. My daughter has slimmed down some to and makes better food choices. I have a 7 yo son who lost 8 pounds and looks great! It can be done but it does take work. I have a couple of pieces of advice, since you asked. I think one thing that has really helped me lose weight is to keep a journal. I write down everything. I write down all food, water, exercise. I write down my goals, measurements, reasons to lose weight. I write down ways to keep from eating, rewards (non-food) for reaching goals. I also make mini-goals. Saying I need to lose 120 lbs. is so overwhelming! I break it down into 20 lb increments. That makes it sound much better. I also use a small plate instead of a dinner plate. I can fill the plate and it fools me into thinking there is more food. The same amount of food on a big plate seems like there is not much there! It does work! I feed my kids on small plates anyway, so I grab one for me too. I also weigh myself every day. I know some people say not too, but it keeps me on track. If I see the scale start to go up, I can give an extra push to get that weight off. I have also been reading lately that they have done studies that show that people who weigh themselves every day are more likely to lose weight and keep it off. I find this to be true for me. Recently I have taken a break from weight loss. I don't want to gain that all back, but I got so tired of it that I took a break. I stopped weighing myself everyday, and within 3 weeks, I had gained back 5 pounds. It sure does come back on quick! I still exercise every day, but I have made bad food choices. Anyway, I realized that if I didn't get back to it, I would quickly gain a lot of that back. So now I am back on my program (mostly) and I am at least maintaining my weight for now. Much better than gaining! Sorry for writing a book. I wanted to let you know that you are not alone and you can do this. If I can, anybody can. I used to be the ultimate couch potato! Now I am so much healthier and if I miss a day of exercise, I feel bad. I actually enjoy it now! I have so much more energy. I felt a big change in myself after only a 20 lb. loss. Good luck to you, you can always come here for support and encouragement! Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 wow! glad you posted - I also need to lose about 120, as of today I'm 309. I'll be happy at anything under 225. I did the samething about 10 years ago - it took time but eventually I got up to 330, dropped to 265 in 2003 and got to 227 this year but I'm now back. This was my first board too - they're great! --- Partangel <partangel@...> wrote: > Hello,>> I have never posted to a board before > but I really feel like I need some support. I > have battled my weight my entire life. 10 years > ago I went on the deal-a-meal food plan and > lost 45 pounds. Over the years I have gained it > all back plus a few more. I have ordered the > Food mover system and should be getting it any > day. I have not had a scale in my house for a > long time and was shocked at how much I weigh > now. According to the infamous height/weight > chart I need to loose about 120lb.>>> >I never > thought my weight was an issue with my family. > I have a wonderful husband of 17 years and 2 > great kids. Boy was I surprised the other day > when my 9 year old daughter came home from > school and announced she was fat. (She is 4'7 " > and 110) She told me a friend of hers has a > " cool " new way of losing weight. She then > proceeded to tell me, you can eat whatever you > want, afterwards you just go to the bathroom > and stick your finger down your throat and > throw up. I was speechless. I called the > friends mother and was shocked to learn the > little girl is in treatment for anorexia / > bulimia. I had a very long discussion with my > daughter about the correct way to eat better > and be fit. As kids do, she then made a > profound statement, " Mom you make it sound so > easy, why don't we both exercise together, and > go on that food plan " . I made a deal with her. > I will go on the food mover plan, the whole > household will eat better and together we will > exercise at night. >>> >I want to be a positive > example for my children. I know this is going > to be hard but I feel like I am ready to take > off the weight for good. Thanks in advance for > the support and any advice.>> > Live, Love, Laugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 I also come from a large family so I definitely can relate to eating fast before its gone. After reading your reply I watched how fast we ate this weekend. Is it normal to eat an entire meal in 7 minutes, LOL. Something we are going to work on for sure. Thanks for the encouragement, Peg FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Thanks for the encouragement, I started a journal this weekend. It really puts it in perspective what I eat when I see it written down. I appreciate the advice. PegThe journey in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Welcome!! I'm glad to hear you corrected your daughter and that the two of you are going to get healthy together. I worry about my daughter sometimes, she's not overweight, but with me so focused on losing, I don't want to impress on her that that's what's it's all about. but she does eat healthier now. My mom is always talking about her butt. Saying it's big etc. I'm like don't tell her that, there is nothing wrong with her butt. You know stuff like that can give a young girl a complex. then the dieting obsession starts!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 I honestly would tell your mom something. I don't know what era she grew up in but I bet it was a time when Twiggy was the thing! > > Welcome!! I'm glad to hear you corrected your daughter and that the > two of you are going to get healthy together. > > I worry about my daughter sometimes, she's not overweight, but with me > so focused on losing, I don't want to impress on her that that's what's > it's all about. but she does eat healthier now. > > My mom is always talking about her butt. Saying it's big etc. I'm > like don't tell her that, there is nothing wrong with her butt. You > know stuff like that can give a young girl a complex. then the dieting > obsession starts!! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Welcome Bert! Congratulations on being banded...You sure can't beat the price...Way to go! You sound very committed which is a great thing...You'll have very little problems if any...These next few weeks are the hardest but it does get easier...Take care and keep us posted... Rena DOB: 9/26/06 204/157/135 Bert <mtagge1@...> wrote: Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00.Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves.Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done.Anyway, I would like to share my experiencesMy first reportI was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation.I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they realize their integral part of providing that medical care.At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that.There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That was it for scary times.The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them home and having it gold plated.Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that everything was going great.I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. Passing gas became an almost religious experience.Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems.While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill.I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive)Thank you again Walter team.Post scriptI knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get chewable or liquid?End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should risk my stitches on it. Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Hi Bert I'm so glad everything went well with your surgery. I truly agree with you when you say (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive). I believe that having a positive mind state along with following doctors orders are the key for a successful recovery and surgery. Take care and keep us posted! Rosy Lab RNY 03/07/07 257/238/125 In , " Bert " <mtagge1@...> wrote: > > Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. > Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was > going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves. > Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter > are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not > talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, > etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on > the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are > zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered > means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the > former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done. > > Anyway, I would like to share my experiences > My first report > > I was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation. > > I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than > that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by > Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the > institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In > trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the > opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on > duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they > escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they > realize their integral part of providing that medical care. > > At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the > program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a > success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac > testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional > preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, > anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am > working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation > took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care > because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial > team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that. > > There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting > where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the > surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein > liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of > delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid > protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That > was it for scary times. > > The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, > but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be > operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I > would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two > hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the > commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known > that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember > too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill > effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia > was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and > headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I > believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by > air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. > > In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. > That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for > sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary > glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them > home and having it gold plated. > > Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that > Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt > of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed > through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that > everything was going great. > I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was > really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems > that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic > action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, > nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken > out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In > any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever > remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. > Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate > total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. > Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. > Passing gas became an almost religious experience. > > Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out > of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of > my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no > problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at > the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like > before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems. > > While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like > the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will > follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, > chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill. > > I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when > you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds > is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health > gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive) > > Thank you again Walter team. > > Post script > I knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet > which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast > do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a > blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get > chewable or liquid? > End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never > again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should > risk my stitches on it. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Great information Bert. Thanks. Glad you are here to share it with us all. I go to Mexicali for my banding on the 4 th of June. My daughter is also having it done. > > Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. > Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was > going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves. > Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter > are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not > talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, > etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on > the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are > zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered > means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the > former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done. > > Anyway, I would like to share my experiences > My first report > > I was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation. > > I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than > that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by > Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the > institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In > trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the > opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on > duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they > escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they > realize their integral part of providing that medical care. > > At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the > program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a > success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac > testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional > preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, > anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am > working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation > took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care > because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial > team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that. > > There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting > where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the > surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein > liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of > delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid > protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That > was it for scary times. > > The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, > but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be > operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I > would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two > hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the > commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known > that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember > too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill > effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia > was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and > headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I > believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by > air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. > > In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. > That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for > sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary > glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them > home and having it gold plated. > > Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that > Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt > of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed > through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that > everything was going great. > I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was > really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems > that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic > action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, > nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken > out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In > any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever > remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. > Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate > total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. > Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. > Passing gas became an almost religious experience. > > Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out > of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of > my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no > problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at > the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like > before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems. > > While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like > the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will > follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, > chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill. > > I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when > you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds > is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health > gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive) > > Thank you again Walter team. > > Post script > I knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet > which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast > do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a > blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get > chewable or liquid? > End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never > again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should > risk my stitches on it. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Hi Bert... I really enjoyed reading your experience. I haven't read about a US experience in ages and almost forgot they exist! Gas... Never forget GasX. Sometimes if you get a little tight your stoma acts as a one way valve. You can swallow air but you can't always burp. GaxX comes in strips but it takes two strips to equal one dose of the tablets (going by memory on that one) and it does seem to help a great deal. Just get the chewables. Berry flavor is best. ;o) Tablets... Centrum comes in adult chewable tablets. Berry or orange flavor. Good stuff, totally workable for bands. The only bit of info you left out is your military experience, I'd love to hear (read) about it. Good to meet you!!! On 3/20/07, Bert <mtagge1@...> wrote: Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves.Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done.Anyway, I would like to share my experiences My first reportI was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation.I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they realize their integral part of providing that medical care.At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that.There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That was it for scary times. The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them home and having it gold plated.Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that everything was going great.I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. Passing gas became an almost religious experience. Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems.While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill.I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive)Thank you again Walter team.Post scriptI knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get chewable or liquid? End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should risk my stitches on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Welcome, Bert! Glad to have you with us. Take things a day at a time for right now. You are on your way to good health and good times! Best of Luck! C Tampa FL DOB 9-7-06 240/208/150 (Getting closer to those onsies!) >From: " Bert " <mtagge1@...> >Reply- > >Subject: First post >Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:33:09 -0000 > >Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. >Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military >I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The >price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. >Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was >going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves. >Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter >are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not >talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, >etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on >the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are >zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered >means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the >former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done. > >Anyway, I would like to share my experiences >My first report > >I was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation. > >I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than >that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by >Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the >institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In >trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the >opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on >duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they >escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they >realize their integral part of providing that medical care. > >At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the >program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a >success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac >testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional >preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, >anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am >working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation >took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care >because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial >team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that. > >There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting >where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the >surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein >liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of >delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid >protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That >was it for scary times. > >The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, >but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be >operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I >would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two >hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the >commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known >that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember >too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill >effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia >was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and >headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I >believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by >air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. > >In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. >That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for >sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary >glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them >home and having it gold plated. > >Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that >Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt >of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed >through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that >everything was going great. >I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was >really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems >that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic >action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, >nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken >out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In >any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever >remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. >Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate >total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. >Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. >Passing gas became an almost religious experience. > >Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out >of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of >my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no >problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at >the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like >before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems. > >While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like >the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will >follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, >chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill. > >I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when >you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds >is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health >gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive) > >Thank you again Walter team. > >Post script >I knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet >which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast >do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a >blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get >chewable or liquid? >End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never >again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should >risk my stitches on it. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Bipley, Hello it's Trina from Portland Oregon I am just curious...how much weight have you lost??? I have not lost anything since my first fill on January 23 I expect it is because I got filled too much???? Just curious. Bipley <Bipley@...> wrote: Hi Bert... I really enjoyed reading your experience. I haven't read about a US experience in ages and almost forgot they exist! Gas... Never forget GasX. Sometimes if you get a little tight your stoma acts as a one way valve. You can swallow air but you can't always burp. GaxX comes in strips but it takes two strips to equal one dose of the tablets (going by memory on that one) and it does seem to help a great deal. Just get the chewables. Berry flavor is best. ;o) Tablets... Centrum comes in adult chewable tablets. Berry or orange flavor. Good stuff, totally workable for bands. The only bit of info you left out is your military experience, I'd love to hear (read) about it. Good to meet you!!! On 3/20/07, Bert <mtagge1> wrote: Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves.Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done.Anyway, I would like to share my experiences My first reportI was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation.I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they realize their integral part of providing that medical care.At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that.There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That was it for scary times. The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them home and having it gold plated.Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that everything was going great.I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. Passing gas became an almost religious experience. Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems.While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill.I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive)Thank you again Walter team.Post scriptI knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get chewable or liquid? End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should risk my stitches on it. Have a great day, Trina Antonopoulos 503-348-6425 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. > Given that option, I had no choice. However, if the military was > going to refuse the proceedure, I was making plans for Dr. Aceves. > Oh, and any tales that you have heard about the care at Walter > are not quite what I saw. The buildings needed maintenance (I am not > talking about mopping the floor, but heavy duty plumbing, electrical, > etc.). Now you have to realize that the minute the a base is put on > the BRAC list (base reallocation and closing) maintenance funds are > zero'ed out. Prior to placement on the list, but being considered > means that funds are severly cut. Given that, I do not blame the > former commanders, as there is nothing that they could have done. > > Anyway, I would like to share my experiences > My first report > > I was banded on pi day, 3.14 (or 14 March) with great anticipation. > > I could not imagine any place in the world giving greater care than > that which I have received through the Walter team, headed up by > Dr. Carmody. And it is a team. It was clear that all parts of the > institution works for one goal, that of first class medical care. In > trying to get to a support group meeting I entered the base from the > opposite side of the hospital. When I asked some firefighters on > duty of where the meeting room was, they did not just tell me, they > escorted me. That is way beyond the call. It also shows that they > realize their integral part of providing that medical care. > > At times it looked like the team was working to get me out of the > program, but they were insuring that the operation would be a > success. The strenuous evaluation process, including cardiac > testing, stress testing, bloodwork, metal evaluations, nutritional > preparation, exercise and lifestyle preparation, X-ray, > anesthesiology. All of that work and preparation meant that I am > working on a great success. I hated the time that the preparation > took, but would hate much more if I was lying in intensive care > because something was overlooked. Yes, I am a part of that medial > team too, and Dr. Carmody's team insured that. > > There were some scary times, well time. That was the pre-op meeting > where I was told that if my liver had not shrank enough that the > surgery would be rescheduled. That fear made me start my protein > liquid diet a day early. The diet is not fun, but the thought of > delaying the surgery and having to go through an even longer liquid > protein diet was enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. That > was it for scary times. > > The day of surgery I did not appreciate having to come in so early, > but then to realize that it was possible that the person to be > operated on before me might for any reason not be a candidate, and I > would be up right then. So the delay was just a passing of what, two > hours? I have wasted much more than that standing in line at the > commissary. Pre-op preparation was, well, I guess well. I known > that I had an IV started in my left hand, and really do not remember > too much after that till waking up in post-op, No pain, no ill > effects. Remember that the last time that I had general anesthesia > was in the 1950's and that was drip ether. Talk about nausea and > headaches!!! None of that this time. There was discomfort, but I > believe that that was from the stretching of the abdominal cavity (by > air pressure?) to undergo the laparoscopic procedure. > > In away, the worst part of the medical procedure was just beginning. > That of no water by mouth for what seemed years. Thank goodness for > sponge tipped swabs that you could put some water on the salivary > glands to relieve the dryness. I thought about taking one of them > home and having it gold plated. > > Fluoroscopy went very well, and it was pleasing to see the pride that > Dr. Carmody took in is work. He was almost bragging about the tilt > of the band, the placement, and the amount of barium that flowed > through the opening. His pride just gave me more encouragement that > everything was going great. > I spent a night in the hospital, due to my sleep apnea, but that was > really no problem. The next day I went home, but there were problems > that came up there. I do not know if it was a result of the narcotic > action of the anesthesia, the aggravation to the abdomen, the barium, > nerves and swallowing air, or the horrible taste of medicine taken > out of the capsule and dissolved in water, and then taken orally. In > any case, I developed the worst case of gas that I have ever > remembered which forced pressure back on the band. I was worried. > Very worried. I tried an enema, and while it did not give immediate > total relief, it provided some. And then more. And then even more. > Finally I had equalized the pressure inside and out, and no problem. > Passing gas became an almost religious experience. > > Remember where I mentioned the horrible taste of medicine taken out > of the capsule? Well, I rationalized that it is only the outlet of > my newly reshaped stomach that has changed, and since I had no > problem of taking down five or six capsules prior, why not try one at > the time, and let the stomach dissolve the gelatin capsule like > before? I tried, and no problems. Repeat, no problems. > > While I am still in the first week of my recovery, and do not like > the diet of everything must be able to go through a straw, I will > follow. I am quite looking forward to solids that get chewed, > chewed, and chewed. And in a way, to my first fill. > > I have lost 20 pound since starting the pre-op diet, but hell, when > you are a male weighing over three hundred pounds dropping ten pounds > is just too easy. I am looking forward to the continued health > gains. (I do not loose weight, I gain health. Always positive) > > Thank you again Walter team. > > Post script > I knew that I needed to take vitamins, so I took a Centrum tablet > which went down without a problem. Then I started to think, how fast > do these dissolve in your stomach? Did I just set myself up for a > blockage? Why did I not follow all of the directions and get > chewable or liquid? > End result, no problems, but that may have been blind luck. Never > again, just because it worked once ok, does not mean that I should > risk my stitches on it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Have a great day, > Trina Antonopoulos > 503-348-6425 > > > > > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 > > Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 hello Cherylmy name is Donnie,I was reading your post about your brother and the lap band thur the military .my sister was checking on having lap band surg thur tricare insurance.She recieved a call from the doctor and was told the insurance did not cover the band but will cover gastro bi-pass and i did not understand why.I am amazed and shocked.She is in bad health and I glad that something can be done but concerned.I wish your brother well.Donniecb495079 <cherylbeck@...> wrote: > > Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 > > > > Hi, Bert Tagge here, a long time lurker, and just got banded. > > Nothing against Dr. Aceves and his clinic, but as a retired military > > I just had a gastric band emplaced by Walter Medical Center. The > > price? $0.00. Travel costs, metro fare so about $3.00. > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Finding fabulous fares is fun. > Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 Hi Pam. I'm 44 and just had my second THR five weeks ago. I waited until the pain was unbearable, actually living in denial both times. It got to the point when I realized with each one that I wasn't participating in life. Both times I let it go to the point where I really didn't have a choice. I wish I hadn't waited so long, as I feel I did waste a lot of life. The longer you let it go the more you will find yourself giving up your freedom and enjoyment. It got to the point where I lost friends because in the end all I would do be to go to work and come home. Too miserable to go out, and too miserable to inflict myself on others. At least with the surgery you know there's a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Good luck with your decision. In a message dated 6/15/2007 7:09:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mazzuch writes: Hi. I am a 52 year old female. I went to my doctor and he said that I have arthritis in my hip which I figured out because of the pain. My question is how do you know when it's time for a THR or do you let the doctor advise by your symptoms? I also get bursitis in my good hip that seems to come and go. I had a cortisone shot in it last year which really helped, but it was scary. Right now he has put me on Daypro and told me to take it easy for a few weeks with the exercising (walking on the treadmill). The doctor said there could be a THR in my future but it's hard to tell for sure. He is a rhuemotologist. Do I just try to manage the pain or should I be aggressive and go for one. The pain comes and goes, but something is always there and I can't put my shoes on. I guess my question is what make one decide to go for the THR. Do you have to wait until the pain is simply unbearable? Thanks for the answers. I'm new to all of this. Pam See what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 Pam, if you have the means and the time, and someone to help you for a week or so, I can only say go do it. Just from my experience, having been in pain for almost 6 straight years, four years ago had the rt hip done, then the left hip started, then we had a job relocation, house wouldnt sell, etc etc, and I was unable to have the second replaced until this April. I cannot get over how much energy I have, and not have any pain. Unbelievable. I forgot what it was to be without pain !!! Read all the posts here, and weigh all the positive vs the less that perfect outcomes. But most of all, speak with an orthopedic surgeon, research him, ask others about him, etc. Your pain won't get better by itself > > Hi. I am a 52 year old female. I went to my doctor and he said that I > have arthritis in my hip which I figured out because of the pain. My > question is how do you know when it's time for a THR or do you let the > doctor advise by your symptoms? I also get bursitis in my good hip > that seems to come and go. I had a cortisone shot in it last year which > really helped, but it was scary. Right now he has put me on Daypro and > told me to take it easy for a few weeks with the exercising (walking on > the treadmill). The doctor said there could be a THR in my future but > it's hard to tell for sure. He is a rhuemotologist. Do I just try to > manage the pain or should I be aggressive and go for one. The pain > comes and goes, but something is always there and I can't put my shoes > on. I guess my question is what make one decide to go for the THR. Do > you have to wait until the pain is simply unbearable? Thanks for the > answers. I'm new to all of this. Pam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 90% of the time Osteoarthritis requiring hip replacement or hip resurfacing can be diagnosed from x-rays. If your doctor has not done them, he cannot diagnose you properly. With x-rays you can see the narrowing of the gap that should be filled wth cartilage. At your age, please be sure to check out all your options such as resurfacing (surfacehippy/) and the different THR options such as ceramic, metal on metal and metal on Poly. I had resurfacing two and three years ago, and at the ripe old age of 68 can run, jump and play tuch rugby with my grandkids. Chris De Smet RBHR June 23,2004 u LASR May 27,2005 In Joint Replacement , " Pam " <mazzuch> wrote: > > Hi. I am a 52 year old female. I went to my doctor and he said that I > have arthritis in my hip which I figured out because of the pain. My > question is how do you know when it's time for a THR or do you let the > doctor advise by your symptoms? I also get bursitis in my good hip > that seems to come and go. I had a cortisone shot in it last year which > really helped, but it was scary. Right now he has put me on Daypro and > told me to take it easy for a few weeks with the exercising (walking on > the treadmill). The doctor said there could be a THR in my future but > it's hard to tell for sure. He is a rhuemotologist. Do I just try to > manage the pain or should I be aggressive and go for one. The pain > comes and goes, but something is always there and I can't put my shoes > on. I guess my question is what make one decide to go for the THR. Do > you have to wait until the pain is simply unbearable? Thanks for the > answers. I'm new to all of this. Pam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 My advice is to manage the pain until it can't be managed. Be guided by your medicos because there are advantages for going later rather than earlier, but it is important not to lose too much range of motion and mobility to cause problems that won't recover after the surgery. Aussie Margaret RTHR 1990 revised 2004 First Post | Hi. I am a 52 year old female. I went to my doctor and he said that I | have arthritis in my hip which I figured out because of the pain. My | question is how do you know when it's time for a THR or do you let the | doctor advise by your symptoms? I also get bursitis in my good hip | that seems to come and go. I had a cortisone shot in it last year which | really helped, but it was scary. Right now he has put me on Daypro and | told me to take it easy for a few weeks with the exercising (walking on | the treadmill). The doctor said there could be a THR in my future but | it's hard to tell for sure. He is a rhuemotologist. Do I just try to | manage the pain or should I be aggressive and go for one. The pain | comes and goes, but something is always there and I can't put my shoes | on. I guess my question is what make one decide to go for the THR. Do | you have to wait until the pain is simply unbearable? Thanks for the | answers. I'm new to all of this. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Hi Margaret,I went to my regular Dr and told her about the St Wort she said they wouldn't help me so she put me on Zoloft I take one at 8:30pm because of the way I sleep during the day :-) I think they are making me feel better :-) I am taking the Generic they cost $232.00 that seem like a lot of money for 90 pills and I got a one refill :-) On Thursday I went to my two Dr's office it was in the same building so that was nice :-) I went on the little pace bus they came 5 minutes early I was ready and when they pick me up it was 10 minutes early I was all done so it work out ok :-) The Arthritis Dr had me get both of my Hips and my Knees x-rays because I told him how I fell :-( Well My left hip only has a little Arthritis so I was glad to hear that My left knee is bone on bone and needs to be replace :-( He gave me a cortizone shot on the side where my new hip is he gave me the shot where I have bad scar tissues and bursitis. Well he told me when I am ready I should get my left knee replace he wanted to give me a shot in my knee I told him that it doesn't bother me I think because of the Arthritis medicine I am taking :-) He seem a lot nicer now he showed me my x-rays the Hip one still has the two screws holding it in and my knee replacement I can't remember my other Dr ever showed me my knee replacement x-ray it was strange the way the two pieces where it fits in their :-( I also saw a foot Dr He had x-rays taken of my feet I had to get up on this high table and put my foot of a blue pad and turn around and put my other foot on the pad it was really strange Well he said on my left foot I have Hammer toes just the three middle ones so he gave me these toe things its made of that wrap stuff that you use for a sprain and it has this soft stuff inside of it I'm hoping this will straiten my toes out :-) I have get these shoes called High toe box shoes did you ever hear of these kinds of shoes ? I also have to wear these ted socks because I have Venous Stasis in my legs :-( Well you take care and have a nice day :-) I asked my foot Dr if I should go to PT for my feet he said no. and my regular Dr said if I was 20 years younger she would have been able to help me better :-( SusieMargaret <zztinau@...> wrote: My advice is to manage the pain until it can't be managed.Be guided by your medicos because there are advantages for going later rather than earlier, but it is important not to lose too much range of motion and mobility to cause problems that won't recover after the surgery.Aussie MargaretRTHR 1990 revised 2004 First Post| Hi. I am a 52 year old female. I went to my doctor and he said that I| have arthritis in my hip which I figured out because of the pain. My| question is how do you know when it's time for a THR or do you let the| doctor advise by your symptoms? I also get bursitis in my good hip| that seems to come and go. I had a cortisone shot in it last year which| really helped, but it was scary. Right now he has put me on Daypro and| told me to take it easy for a few weeks with the exercising (walking on| the treadmill). The doctor said there could be a THR in my future but| it's hard to tell for sure. He is a rhuemotologist. Do I just try to| manage the pain or should I be aggressive and go for one. The pain| comes and goes, but something is always there and I can't put my shoes| on. I guess my question is what make one decide to go for the THR. Do| you have to wait until the pain is simply unbearable? Thanks for the| answers. I'm new to all of this. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 I think the only way a doc can tell if you and also how soon a THR or a hip resurface procedure is through an xray of that hip. It will show immediately the diminished cartliage and also calicum deposits and cysts that have formed through grinding of bone on bone. Pain is always not a good indicator of when to have surgery. It is a huge step, but sometimes the hip can be really bad and there is little or no pain. Also, for a hip resurface, which is bone conserving, there is a window of time that you can have this procedure done.....so you do not want to wait too long. I would suggest finding an OS and have an xray done and see what he says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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