Gastric Bypass Surgery|Weight Loss Surgery Recovery|RenewedReflections

Gastric Bypass Insurance

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 18:13:54 +0000

Does your health insurance cover Gastric Bypass Insurance? People considering gastric bypass surgery usually want to know one thing: Will my insurance carrier pay for the procedure? The answer is yes, if you know how to ask…

Whether you are in the pre-approval stage or a long term PostOp others need to hear about your experience with the insurance process. Please send your story of the insurance approval process to us to post. Email your factual account to craig@renewedreflections.com

My new e-Book, Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Secrets, will arm you with the information you need to get your insurance company’s support. Discover the strategies that can dramatically improve your chances of having your carrier pay for obesity surgery. If your request for pre-approval has already been denied, you can learn how to navigate the appeals process and win!

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10 Reasons for being Fat

T2DMan7 — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 04:29:38 +0000

What are Ten reasons for being fat - why is may not be your fault if you are fat. read, then discuss on our Weight Loss Surgery forum.
Why it may not be your fault if you’re fat

By FIONA MACRAE, Daily Mail 22:01pm 16th July 2006

Eat less and exercise more - it has long been the mantra for shedding those extra pounds. But now it seems that all the hard work may have been in vain.

Scientists say there are 10 other reasons why Britons just keep getting bigger. They claim that sleeping habits, central heating, medicines and even some pollutants can play a role in weight gain.

The latest figures show almost a quarter of adults are obese and 28 per cent of under-10s are either overweight or obese.

Traditionally, health practitioners have focused on diet and exercise - and a large dose of willpower - to treat the problem.

However the scientists from top U.S. and Canadian universities say that these other factors must be considered.

Lack of sleep could be partly to blame, they say in the International Journal of Obesity. In recent years, the average night’s sleep has dropped from nine hours to just seven.

Sleep deprivation alters levels of the hormones that regulate food intake and body fat and increase hunger and appetite.

Our reliance on central heating and air conditioning is also a factor. British homes are getting warmer, with average temperatures increasing from 13C to 18C since 1970.

If it is too hot or too cold, we burn calories to cool down or heat up. But if the temperature is just right, the calories may be turned into body fat instead.

Those who take beta-blockers to control their blood pressure can often put on 3lb. Similarly, studies have shown that going on the Pill can add 11lb to a woman’s weight.

Mother Nature may also be to blame, with our body shape being partly inherited. The overweight are also more likely to settle with partners of a similar size, and their children are more likely to be obese.

And the use of pollutants is on the rise, say the researchers. The manmade chemicals in pesticides and plastics can interfere with our hormones and lead to weight gain.

Your mother’s age and your weight at birth are also important, with older women more likely to have obese children and underweight babies having a bigger chance of being obese in later life.

We are also living longer and tend to put on weight as we get older. Finally, giving up smoking can also help pile on the pounds.

The scientists from Yale, Cornell and Johns Hopkins said there was only ‘circumstantial’ evidence supporting poor diet and lack of exercise as the main causes of obesity.

Eating trends in Britain would change dramatically if everyone followed official dietary advice, research shows.

Consumption of fresh vegetables would have to rise by 50 per cent to hit recommended targets.

The amount of bread and fish eaten would increase by 45 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.

Butter would cut out entirely and cheese consumption would go down by 75 per cent, the University of Reading researchers found.

OTHER FACTORS BEHIND THE FLAB

Sleep - Too little increases appetite
Medicine - Many modern medicines lead to us putting on weight
Mother’s age - Older women are more likely to have obese children
Choice of partner - Overweight people tend to pair with each other - and have overweight children
Heating and air conditioning - ‘Comfortable’ temperatures stop us from burning off fat
Genes - Body shape may be partly inherited
Giving up smoking - Nicotine suppresses the appetite
Manmade chemicals - Some chemicals interfere with hormones that keep fat levels low
Weight at birth - Underweight babies have a bigger risk of obesity
Getting older - Weight tends to increase with age

Read more on the original story - Why it may not be your fault if you’re fat

Laparoscopic Lap Band Surgery

T2DMan7 — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:31:23 +0000

Has your gastric bypass surgery “failed”, has your weight increased again? Laparoscopic Lap Band Surgery may be possible to get your weight down again.

Non-invasive procedure corrects problems associated with gastric bypass - 49ABC News 12 July 2006

Gastric bypass surgery helped 28-year-old Bryan Nugent lose 120 pounds. But in the past few years, he’s gained most of it back.

“You think it’s a fail-safe procedure, the first gastric bypass, but it’s not, he said.
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Gastric Bypass for Teens

T2DMan7 — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:12:53 +0000

Brazilian doctors researching Gastric bypass for teens found that it allowed teens to lose nearly half their body weight, and Gastric Bypass cured teens suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Gastric Bypass Might Be a Smart Move for Teens - ABC News 29 June 2006

By MICHAEL I. SILVERMAN, ABC News Medical Unit

Gastric bypass is often seen as the magic bullet for those who desperately need to lose massive amounts of weight.

And while the surgery has its risks, its benefits (mainly reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases like heart attacks and diabetes) seem to outweigh the dangers, raising an important question: What about adolescents? Is teen obesity serious enough to warrant the surgery, too?

New research seems to suggest that the answer is yes. Brazilian doctors followed 42 children ages 13 to 18 for two years after they underwent gastric bypass surgery. These teens lost nearly half their body weight, and it cured those suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
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Fat people not more jolly

T2DMan7 — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 04:16:56 +0000

Fat people not more jolly, says study that links obesity and depression - discuss on our Weight Loss Surgery forums.

by Lindsey Tanner
July 10, 2006

Fat people are not more jolly, according to a study that instead found obesity is strongly linked with depression and other mood disorders.

Whether obesity might cause these problems or is the result of them is not certain, and the research does not provide an answer, but there are theories to support both arguments. (more…)

Gastric Bypass May Boost Blindness Risk

T2DMan7 — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 02:53:34 +0000

You need to be careful about your levels of vitamin A, as Gastric Bypass may boost blindness risk. Gastric Bypass/Blindness. Discuss diet and suppliments on our Weight Loss Surgery forum.

15 June 2006, Forbes - A boom in gastric bypass surgery could lead to an unwelcome trend: an increase in vitamin A deficiency among patients that raises their risk for vision loss.

So conclude U.S. researchers who studied the medical histories of patients who were nearly blind or had very poor eyesight but no family history of blindness.
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Royal Opera House rehires singer fired over weight

T2DMan7 — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 02:02:29 +0000

The Royal Opera House rehired a singer fired over weight. Yes, weight loss surgery definately helps with employability. Discuss on our forums how weight loss surgery has helped you with you employment, or had you fired over weight.

Associated Press, 9:43 PM EDT ON 9 July 2006

London � An American soprano fired by the Royal Opera House because of her weight has been rehired after undergoing stomach surgery and losing 135 pounds, her spokeswoman and the prestigious theatre said Sunday.
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Lack of Sleep Can Pack on the Pounds

T2DMan7 — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:40:46 +0000

It is better to sleep 7-8 or more hours per night, as Lack of Sleep can Pack on the Pounds. Lack of sleep increases the hunger urges and brings the body to a state resembling pre-diabetic. Discuss on our Weight Loss Surgery Forum.

Lack of Sleep Can Pack on the Pounds

By Alan Mozes
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, July 7 2006 (HealthDay News) — If an improved diet and extra trips to the gym fail to help shed those excess pounds, a growing body of research is shining light on a new way to get to a new you: Do nothing.

Do nothing, that is, but sleep. (more…)

Teenage Stomach surgery

T2DMan7 — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 14:00:53 +0000

Read about the success of Teenage Stomach Surgery on RenewedReflections. Then discuss with others how you can reduce obesity, on our Weight Loss Surgery Forum.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Obese teenagers who had surgery to shrink the size of their stomachs on average lost nearly half their weight in the four years after the procedure, according to a study presented on Thursday at a medical conference.

Researchers from the Hospital Sao Camilo in Brazil also said that the laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery eliminated high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes for the teenage stomach surgery patients who had those conditions. (more…)

Half-ton Mexican man loses 200 pounds

T2DMan7 — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 03:45:25 +0000

Read about how a Half-ton Mexican man loses 200 pounds on RenewedReflections. Then discuss with others how you can reduce obesity, on our Weight Loss Surgery Forum.

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Manuel Uribe weighed 1,235 pounds when he made a desperate plea for help on national television in January 2006.

Unable to leave his bed for five years, the 41-year-old mechanic in the northern industrial city of Monterrey longed to move again and get help for the lesions on his legs, which he kept bound together with duct tape to keep the infections from getting worse.

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Obesity Increases Risk for Disease

T2DMan7 — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 02:19:07 +0000

Read about how Obesity Increases Risk for Disease on RenewedReflections. Then discuss with others how you can reduce obesity, on our Weight Loss Surgery Forum.

The American Cancer Society recently presented evidence that links weight gain later in life to an increase risk of breast cancer. The study of more than 44,000 women found that the more weight a woman gained, the greater her risks for all types, stages and grades of breast cancer. Breast cancer is linked to increased levels of estrogen. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which adds to the risk.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2006 — The American Cancer Society recently presented evidence that links weight gain later in life to an increase risk of breast cancer. The study of more than 44,000 women found that the more weight a woman gained, the greater her risks for all types, stages and grades of breast cancer. Breast cancer is linked to increased levels of estrogen. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which adds to the risk.
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How Many Calories Do I Need?

admin — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:48:24 +0000

By Sanae Tanaka, M.D.

Many people who have had weight loss surgery wonder how many calories (kcal) they need each day to reach and maintain a healthy weight. If you are not far out post-WLS, your calorie intake will be minimal, and will be below your intake for weight maintenance. In those first few months after surgery, it is critical that you stick to the recommendations from your doctor and dietitian. (more…)

Steamed Fish with Yogurt Dill Sauce

admin — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 17:40:01 +0000

Health experts recommend fish as the best animal protein alternative to red meat. It is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are so important to our health.

Numerous studies suggest that a predominantly plant-based diet is linked to long-term health. The phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins in plant foods seem to bolster the body’s defenses against cancer, heart disease and stroke.

And to go with your steamed fish, why not steam a variety of colorful and healthful vegetables? We recommend gradually making the transition to a plate that contains 2/3 (or more) vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans to one-third (or less) animal protein. A spring dinner of steamed fish with yogurt dill sauce is a good place to start. (more…)

Preparing Your Life Emergency Kit

admin — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 22:24:14 +0000

Anyone who lives in hurricane or tornado country knows that the time to get their emergency kit of food, water, flashlights and first-aid supplies together is long before the storm season starts. That way, they are prepared should an emergency strike, and they don’t have to waste valuable time looking for the essentials in the midst of a crisis. (more…)

Bills Come Due for Obesity Operations

admin — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 17:31:09 +0000

David Phelps
Star Tribune - March 25, 2006

As insurers balk at paying for stomach-shrinking surgery, doctors fear they are losing power to make medical decisions.

It’s a new twist in the battle of the bulge.

So many overweight Minnesotans are seeking obesity surgery that insurers struggling to control the cost of the procedure are getting in disputes with health-care providers, who say the companies are taking medical decisions away from doctors and their patients. (more…)

Obesity Surgery May Cut Hypertension

admin — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:21:21 +0000

CNN.com
Wednesday, March 22, 2006

CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) — Weight loss surgery has the added benefit of dropping high blood pressure levels as it slims morbidly obese patients, according to a new study. (more…)

Weight Loss Surgery Not Without Risks

admin — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 20:43:58 +0000

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) — Weight loss surgery, called bariatric surgery, has become an increasingly popular solution to obesity, but as with any invasive procedure, there are some risks, according to a new report. (more…)

Lap Band arrives in Manatee

admin — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:44:45 +0000

TIFFANY ST. MARTIN
Herald Staff Writer - March 23, 2006
Eileen Gentile’s family planned to take a cruise to Europe this summer, but they thought the money they’d set aside could be better spent - on Gentile’s well-being.

They opted to postpone their trip and spend the saved money on a weight-loss surgery new to Manatee Memorial Hospital. Gentile underwent the minimally invasive procedure March 3 - just the second day doctors performed Lap Band surgery at the Bradenton hospital. (more…)

The Journey Is the Destination

admin — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 16:37:03 +0000

I’ll admit that I’m spoiled. You probably are, too. That’s because in this fast-food, self-serve, 24-hour, 800-number, microwave-safe, Shopping Network world we all live in, we’ve become accustomed to instant gratification. Along the way, we’ve lost the thrill of the journey and all we can see is the destination.

The problem arises when we try to apply that line of thinking it to more “weighty” matters. The “see it, want it, get it” mentality can quickly become a “see it, want it, EAT IT” compulsion if we’re not careful. (more…)

Italian Herb-Roasted Chicken in Tomato-Basil Sauce

admin — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 03:12:26 +0000

This roasted bird ain’t no chicken to your taste buds. The herbs and garlic add so much flavor that leftovers are perfect cut up into a nice salad or eaten cold as a delicious protein packed snack. And, of course, chicken is low in fat–especially roasted–so dig in!

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Weight loss surgery on the rise in U.S.

admin — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 03:03:54 +0000

BY TAMMIE SMITH
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Feb 25, 2006

From 1998 to 2002, the number of weight-loss surgeries in the United States went from 13,365 to 72,177, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year. The total number of weight-loss surgeries was expected to top 100,000 in 2003.

Current estimates are that about 140,000 of the procedures will be done this year. (more…)

Myths about Weight Loss Surgery at TheMorbidMe

admin — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:55:07 +0000

I happened across a blog TheMorbidMe that is extremely well writen and has two really excellent post about weight loss surgery myths. Please stop by and read his accounts on gastric bypass surgery realities.

Tags: gastric bypass, bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery insurance, obesity surgery, lap band

Spicy Seafood Fajitas

admin — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 18:38:24 +0000

Launch a fiesta of flavor in your mouth with this healthy Mexican coastal favorite. This recipe allows you to easily eat a 1/2 portion and have 100% of the exciting flavor. Feel free to change out the seafood to your favorite. BBQ shrimp is a fantastic variation. (more…)

University at Buffalo to launch $5M obesity study

admin — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 14:44:53 +0000

Business First of Buffalo
6:53 AM EST Tuesday March 7, 2006
The University at Buffalo is preparing to embark on what’s being billed as a landmark study on obesity. (more…)

Choosing the Knife - Weight Loss Surgery

admin — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 13:55:38 +0000

By Sally Squires
Washingtonpost.com
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

“Today” show weatherman Al Roker and singer Carnie Wilson are likely to have a lot more company in the once-exclusive ranks of those who have had weight-loss surgery. (more…)

Benton Man Rediscovers Himself After Life-Changing Weight Loss Surgery

admin — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 17:25:38 +0000

BY: JIM MUIR
THE SOUTHERN

BENTON ILLINOIS - Everybody has experienced one of those awkward moments when somebody speaks to you and calls you by name, and you’re completely caught off guard because you’re convinced you’ve never seen that person before in your life.

That exact situation happened to me recently - with quite an unusual twist. (more…)

Citizens Receives Weight Loss Surgery Certification

admin — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 17:01:23 +0000

Victoria Texas
March 6, 2006
PATRICK BRENDEL - Victoria Advocate

The Citizens Bariatric Center gained special certification just in time to comply with new Medicare guidelines that surgeon B. Dean McDaniel feels will help lead to better care for the extremely obese, most of whom have no recourse to weight loss but surgery. (more…)

Dana

admin — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 21:44:24 +0000

Hi, my name is Dana. I am 41 years old and had RNY WLS on February 21, 2005. I started this journey on January 14, 2005 weighing 260.5 lbs. As of my 8 month anniversary I weigh 136 lbs, and would never have thought it possible to lose 124.5 lbs in such a short time. I have so much energy today and NO co-morbidities, yea. I thank God and my surgeon EVERYDAY for giving me my life back, no more just existing, I’m Living and Lovin’ Life.

For more pictures, and to submit your own, please view our weight loss surgery pictures. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for sharing your experience.

Letty A.

admin — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 21:43:16 +0000

On August 2, 2004 I gave my son a kiss goodbye hoping it would not be the last. I talked to him while he was asleep and told him I loved him and that I was going to be back soon.

At around 5:00am in the morning my husband (now my ex) drove me to Methodist Hospital here in Houston. On my way to the hospital I cried and prayed. I cried so much I remember my eyes getting swollen. That morning I prayed for God to work through my surgeons hands. I have faith that’s how it was because I have not had any serious complications whatsoever.

I’m 150 lbs lighter and now 15 months post op! My doctor is very proud of me and my progress. I used to be a size 26-28 and now wear a size 12. I started off at 335lbs and now weigh 185lbs. Yeap!! 185lbs! I have not seen the ones on that scale since I was 16 years old. That’s when I had lost 50 lbs and was weighing 199lbs. I’m lighter now at 25 years old and that really amazes me!

There have been so many changes in my life. I have lost and gained allot of things. Let me start off by naming several things/people I’ve lost:

I lost my husband and first love of 12 years. He left me earlier this year and our divorce was final in June. It wasn’t my choice to get divorced and God is my witness I did everything I could to save our marriage. He chose to leave me. He chose to divorce me. I feel like my weight loss intimidated him for some reason. I don’t know why he left me and my son. All I know is that I wish the best for him and pray he finds whatever it is that he’s looking for. I’m not a fan of “divorce” and find it very difficult to accept it. My ex-husband said divorce is just a paper and what counts is that we are still married through church. I guess he was trying to give me hopes of us getting back together but he’s hurt me so much by him leaving me (this was not the first time) that I don’t see him with me in the near future.

With all that pain inside of me I had to concentrate on something else. Instead of turning to food like I would do when he would leave me I turned to something else. I had had a project in mind and I knew that the best way to not think about my husband and our divorce was to do this project. I had my house painted and removed all the carpet except the bedrooms and installed tile. Of course I didn’t do it but I was involved in everything. It was something I wanted to do when I bought my house in 2002 and accomplished my goal by the end of May this year. The paint in my walls was brown. YES BROWN! A very depressing brown color my ex husband had chosen and I changed it to a nice light beige color. My son’s room was dark blue and I also changed that to a lighter color (baby blue). I repositioned my bed/furniture in my bedroom and changed sheets and curtains. I wanted nothing to remind me of my husband. I now feel happy and have no hate for this man. One afternoon when he came to pick up my son to take him with him he was left speechless with all the changes I did. My house now looks bigger, newer and brighter. All I asked was “what do you think”? He was so stunned he could NOT say a word.

I also lost some friends along my weight loss surgery journey. Friends that I now know weren’t my real friends because never through this journey have they called to see how I’m doing or even cared about my divorce.

A few things I’ve gained are confidence, higher self esteem, and 4 friends named Norma, Candy (princesssplenda), Vicki and Raul and of course Craig! They are all my WLS friends and want to thank each and every single one of them for being there for me when I needed them.

Candy I know that you’re encouraging words when I was going through my divorce helped me enormously and I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I love you so much and I want you to know you mean a lot to me.

I have new friends, new body, almost a new home and last but not least a new stomach with a new body. I still have to loose at least 35 lbs more but I feel very happy with what I’ve accomplished so far.

I was tired of being tired and took the courage to do something about it. To anyone considering having surgery I say GO FOR IT! Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you. Put yourself in God’s hands and let him guide you. I had this surgery for ME, MYSELF AND I and I continue to think that way.

Hugs and God Bless everyone! Letty

For more pictures, and to submit your own, please view our weight loss surgery pictures. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for sharing your experience.

Linda (Pinalope)

admin — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 21:42:14 +0000

My name is Linda, and I was born a chubby little blonde in Montreal, Quebec. I spent most of my young childhood as the *plump girl*, then slimmed down in my teens. Although, having no self-esteem, I was an easy target for bullies and the *in* crowd. The most insulting thing anyone can say to a young girl is *you’re fat!*…so I was treated as the fat girl through high school…I was called cow etc…mind you, I was 5′7″ and only 147 Lbs!!!!

Over the years I blossomed, and not in a good way. I married at 20 (I was about 180 then), had my 2 kids, and then kept gaining! I eventually plumped out to a whopping 290! I managed to lose 60 pounds on my own, without even trying…just through water intake and walking at work.

I had said no to the idea of WLS for about 2 years…then finally, after enough research, I decided that it would be the best thing for me. So, I found a doctor and got things started.

It took about 2 years from my first phone call to make an appointment for my consultation…till the day I had my surgery. July 7th, 2004 was the beginning of the rest of my life…my re-birth!

The past year and a half has been amazing. I have lost a total of 139 Lbs (I only wanted to lose 118) I now weigh less than the amount I lost!!!! This surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I sit here now, at 129 Lbs…no complications to date, and wearing a size 3! Life is good!

People can see what my journey has been like by checking out my OH profile. I have a lot of photos there too that show my progress and my family. I could NOT have gone through this without the support of my family. My fiancee, my sons, my ex-husband…all of them, they’ve been wonderful!

I hope everyone who chooses to go through this surgery, has a successful and uneventful journey!

Linda/Pinalope }i{

post-op Dr. Christou

July 7th, 2004

268/129 below GOAL!

For more pictures, and to submit your own, please view our weight loss surgery pictures. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for sharing your experience.