Post Date: 7/3/09 8:02 am
Topic: RE: FIRST 5K WALK !
I dont think I will ever be up for a half marathon,, I did walk two more nites -- 2 miles each,, it is really hard carrying all this around and I was sure I had walked longer than that,, but I figure it is taking me 75 minutes to walk that so maybe I will get somewhere someday,,lol

Post Date: 7/2/09 11:44 am
Topic: RE: FIRST 5K WALK !
Great job Bonnie!    I am so happy for you and proud of you!  

I suppose next we'll be hearing about you  doing half marathons.   ;-) 

Post Date: 6/30/09 10:12 am
Topic: RE: is there a group in the mw area os iowa?
Hi there.  I'm sorry to be so slow in responding, but I don't check the boards that often anymore.
 
There is a really good wls group here in Sioux City that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month.  It meets at 6:00 p.m. in the Leiter room (down the hall from the gift shop) at Mercy Hospital.  It is run by the Mercy Weight Loss Center out of Midlands Clinic in Dakota Dunes.  The next session will be about planning for vacations. 

It is open to the public but most are people who have had or are planning to have the surgery here.  We do have a few who have had the surgery elsewhere. 

If you'd like more information or a contact, just email me and I'll be glad to provide it.

Oh, by the way, I am 3 1/2 years out, RNY, and have lost 240 lbs.  And I go to the group regularly.

Sally

Post Date: 6/29/09 2:06 pm
Topic: RE: Hello, my Iowa Family :)
GEM,, so glad you wrote to us Iowans, glad to hear from you,,I love the state I live in,, mostly very laid back place to live,, if  you want to enjoy all God has to show you,, Just visited Chicago and decided 24 hours was enough, course I'm old as dirt and dont think I would take to transplanting anyway,,
I had gbp in Jan of this year and have lost 107# so far,, I am sure he made my pouch larger than it should have been cause sometimes I can eat way more than I think I should when Im hungry,,
keep checking on us
Bonnie

Post Date: 6/26/09 9:26 pm
Topic: RE: Anyone have surgery at mercy in Mason City?
I had insurance and the bills that I saw that had gone thru my insurance I would guess it added up to about $23,000.00.   The is for the hospital stay, surgery, anesthesiologist.  I don't believe that includes the testing before hand to get approval from the insurance company.  Not sure where the underlining of text kick on.  Somewhat annoying. 

Post Date: 6/24/09 6:24 pm
Topic: RE: exercising
Yes, routine is definitely the thing!  "Structure your day around exercise" is kind of how you have to think about it.  I hope that you are able to find a way to get the exercise you need.

Post Date: 6/23/09 5:28 pm
Topic: RE: exercising
I had RNY Feb. 13, 2009 so can't relate to the banding.  However, my primary exercise before then was walking and now I have added Curves workouts to my routine.  I do the Curves work out three days a week and walk three days a week........as I told my clinic people, I take the seventh day off because even God rested one day a week.  I also have a Gazelle that I use if it's not decent enough for me to walk outside. 

I too had a slow start to my exercise it seemed.  Once I got going, I made it part of my routine everyday and my family knows this.  They are supportive because I told them it's as important for me to exercise as it is for me to drink the water, take the supplements, eat slowly, etc.  It's all part of the lifestyle changes that I have made to be on this health journey I am on.

I wish you the best with your exercise because it will definitely speed your weight loss and make you feel so much better.

Hope this helps or at least gives you an idea of an option.

Carol

Post Date: 6/22/09 10:19 pm
Topic: RE: Anyone have surgery at mercy in Mason City?
I have not had surgery yet either, but I'm studying up.  I like what I hear about the facilities and doctors in Mason City.  I live near Sioux City. 

Could some one give me an idea of overall cost there in Mason city?

I appreciate any input.

Post Date: 6/21/09 10:11 am
Topic: Hello, my Iowa Family :)

Greetings!

I'm Gem & I came by to say HELLO to all.   I've never been to Iowa, so I have no friends there.  Came by to meet some friends & give a brief introduction.

Anyways, I'm 61 months post op - over 100% of my excess body weight was lost by 18 months out and it stays off (I've even tried to regain a few pounds LOL).   I started at 267 pounds and have weighed 116 for the past year or so.   I think that is where I'll stay.  I'm now considering plastics...my surgeon suggested implants but I'm not looking for implants, just a lift...after years of having big floppies that jiggled & bursted out of clothing when they weren't suppposed to, I really like my itty bitties that only move when they are supposed to.  As for my PREop comorbidities, I had arthritis and highblood pressure.  Both of which I still have although my weight is has definitely been eliminated as a factor in aggravating either.   After WLS, I was put through MANY, MANY, MANY tests to deterimine why at around 130 pounds at that time, my blodd pressure would not stay in check.  Results indicated because they weren't treating the CAUSE of it...only the symptom.  The cause - well, my chronic high blood pressure was found to be a congenital defect stemming from a steroid imbalance.   Once they started to treat "steriod imbalance", my blood pressure readily cooperated.  Point in saying all of that?  Before WLS, only the physician who said I needed WLS to eliminated my weight as a factor so specialist wouldn't have it as a diagnosis crutch had suggested my blood pressure was something far deeper than typical diagnosis.   Before her, every single physician I'd ever gone to said my blood pressures hovered around the 190/160 range because I was over weight.  NO ONE looked for any other cause.  NO ONE.  So in summary, whatever they're telling you "if you loose weight your ____ will go away", sometimes they are trying to get you out of their office without doing real work. 

Anyways, that's me in a nutshell!!  My contact info is on my profile, please feel free to use it.  I decided that I would spend a few days floating around OH (FOR A CHANGE) greeting family on OH - & WLS family will always be my family.   Although, I know once I close this browser, it will be months before I log back in so with that I ask that you please feel free to come by and say hi :)

Salt & Light
gem

Post Date: 6/15/09 9:09 am
Topic: RE: Where do you buy your protein powder?
http://www.vitacost.com/Syntrax-Matrix-5-0-Perfect-Chocolate

Post Date: 6/13/09 5:09 pm
Topic: Where do you buy your protein powder?
I live in Northern Iowa and am looking for somewhere that carries matrix protein powder.    does anyone know where they carry it?   It is out of stock on several of my favorite websites.

Post Date: 6/12/09 2:42 am
Topic: RE: Anyone with Wellmark BCBS of Iowa?
I have Wellmark BCBS of Iowa.    When I checked VSG was not covered... just band or bypass, but I realize they have mutliple plans and employers can choose options.   I chose bypass through Mercy in Des Moines.     I was approved on the first try.

Post Date: 6/10/09 8:55 pm
Topic: RE: Anyone with Wellmark BCBS of Iowa?
I also have Wellmark BCBS of Iowa but have the Lap Band. I went through Mercy Center of Weight Loss and they helped me get approved and the program helped me with all the hoops that had to be jumped through before surgery.

Amanda

Post Date: 6/10/09 6:28 pm
Topic: RE: For those attending Chicago....PLEASE READ!!
Jenn -

I'm sorry you won't be able to attend - I was looking forward to meeting you!    I know I mentioned I might be interested catching you all in Iowa City and car-pooling over - but I have three young adults who've decided to come along so they can enjoy a weekend in Chicago, so we are working around everyone's work schedules.

For any of the others who are going - I'm hoping to see you there.

Jody

Post Date: 6/8/09 8:30 am
Topic: Clothing Exchange at Chicago Event
Hi everyone!

I wanted to let you all know about the clothing exchange that will be taking place on June 12th at the OH conference in Rosemont, IL. 

If you have clothes that you would like to pass along to others please bring them to the conference in Rosemont on June 12.  Drop off begins at 10 am.  I will be there along with others to help sort them out.

If you can remember a few things:

1.  Please make sure all clothing is WASHED prior to drop off. 
2.  If you can sort them into bags by size before dropping off, that will be a big help.
3.  Exchange will open at 2:00 pm.
4.  People do not have to bring clothing to be able to take clothing home.
5.  Please bring your own bags to transport your "treasures" home with you.
6.  There is no extra charge for ANY of this!  It is included in your ticket!

Thanks!  I am looking forward to making lots of new friends and I hope to see you there!

Post Date: 6/6/09 2:40 pm
Topic: RE: Anyone have surgery at mercy in Mason City?
I had my surgery at Mercy in Mason City on 03/31/09.  They were awesome.  I had told them that I have a problem with getting sick coming out of surgery and they did an wonderful job making sure I had the meds and patches that I needed and I never once got sick.  The staff at the Bari clinic is wonderful.
I used Dr. Ver Steeg. 
I recommend both Mercy and Dr. Ver Steeg.

Post Date: 6/6/09 8:25 am
Topic: Genesis in Davenport?
I live way up north right near the Minnesota border and am looking for somewhere that does the sleeve. The closest I've found is Genesis in Davenport. Anyone been there that can fill me in?

Post Date: 6/3/09 8:41 pm
Topic: For those attending Chicago....PLEASE READ!!

I know there were at least 5 or 6 of you planning to go to Chicago and all ride along/carpool together. I can remember who all you are, sorry, its been a while since Ive been on.  However with that said, I need to find out if there is anyone who would be willing to drive everyone over? Or a couple of people? I was planning on going and driving but some family cir****tances have arrised and I am not able to go now. :( I was really looking forward to the time to get to know some of you and to get some great information from some great people!!

I want to appologize to each of you now for bailing on you all like this, and this close to the event. Im so sorry! I hope that someone will be able to step up to the plate and help out in this way so that the plans can stay similar.  I was going to room with Carolia and needlesstosay will not be able to do that, but I will keep the reservation for her so if someone needs a room you might want to contact her to see about rooming together! :) 

Thanks for all your understand, I hope that you will not be too mad at me! I also hope that this will not ruin anyones plans to be able to go.

Your friend,

Jenn

Post Date: 6/3/09 5:04 pm
Topic: RE: I'm new and I have a TON of questions....please help!

You are in the perfect place!  Those are some great questions, and I don't have the answer to the insurance question!!  We all have lots of questions as newbies!!

When I submitted to ins. (just  a couple of weeks ago) I had a letter from my PCP and my chiro stating that WLS would be beneficial for me and the reasons why.  So hopefully when it comes time both of your will be willing to do that for you!

Have you decided on the type of surgery you want to have?

Post Date: 6/3/09 11:28 am
Topic: RE: Anyone have surgery at mercy in Mason City?
I had my surgery there on Dec 18 (RNY). I received EXCELLENT care! My surgeon and his staff are the best too! I would highly recommend it.. heck I drove all the way across the state to have my surgery there.

Post Date: 6/3/09 9:24 am
Topic: RE: BCBSIL - Denied Again

I turned in copies of my WW books ...  but if you did a six month supervised with your PCP - it sounds like perhaps the PCP just didn't provide the appropriate documentation about those efforts.

Also consider any reciepts you might have to show what you've done (payments for WW,  doctor office visits,   gym memberships, etc.)      Some of those in the last year will be online if you paid by credit card, or your bank has an online banking to print your checks,   or stuff you turned in if you have a flex account, etc.      

I'm not great at keeping and organizing receipts - but I was impressed by what I could find through electronic record keeping. 

Jody  

 

Post Date: 6/2/09 6:13 pm
Topic: RE: Anyone have surgery at mercy in Mason City?
And I'll be there in August. :)

Post Date: 6/2/09 12:29 pm
Topic: Looking for Dr in my area

I have just moved to Keokuk, IA and I am looking for a Dr in the area.  I had my surgery done last January so I'm looking for a follow-up dr for fills.  Thanks for everyones time!!!
Michelle

Post Date: 6/1/09 5:51 pm
Topic: RE: BCBSIL - Denied Again
Kim,

First let me say how sorry I am that you were denied.  I know it must be so frustrating to get the denial letter.

I have BCBS insurance but it's the Iowa plan.  I was approved the first try so I am inclined to agree that your PCP must not have sent in specific documentaion so that the insurance company would approve it.  I don't know of any others who have been denied by BCBS.  Keep trying and advocating for yourself and consider getting a second medical opinion if you think that would help.  DON'T GIVE UP!!!  You will win eventually.................I really believe that.

Keep us posted on things, too.  We are here for you and we care.

Carol