Here are some answers, based on my personal experiences:
1) ANY exercise is a good start! I would recommend getting a pedometer so that you can measure your activity throughout the day. Start with 5000 steps in your day, move up to 7500, and eventually get to the recommended 10000 per day (equals 5 miles). Once you get that under your belt, then continue to pick up the quantity and then, even more important, the pace. Just like all goals, it should be incrimental.
2) Some exercise needs to be put off...anything that deals with the adominal region has a waiting period.
3) The rule for sex is 2 weeks. Then you just need to be careful! No chandaliers or contortionist-activity! LOL
4) I can't tell by your profile or your post whether or not you're male or female. Believe it or not, it does make a difference! Men lose the weight much more quickly. I know it's not fair, but that's the way things were engineered. At 500 lbs, you're going to lose weight pretty quickly. To maintain a weight of 500 lbs, you're looking at well over (stimate here) 6000 calories a day. For the first couple weeks of surgery, you're looking at maybe 200 or 300 calories being taken in. You're gonna burn like a furnace, baby!
5) Average hospital stay, provided there are no complications, is 2 and 1/2 days. I know...hard to believe, but true! This is the case with Dr C's practice, at least.
6) There are hernias, and various other complications that can occur. You want to be in-tune to your body, watch for warning signs. Also, when you're checking out a surgeon, ask questions regarding their stats. They should be able to break down all of the potentials for complications, and you can make sure that you're comfortable with teh odds of the procedure.
7) There is a ton of paperwork and clearance required. Insurance companies and the surgeon want to make sure that this isn't just an overnight, reactionary decision. They need to make sure that you're fully aware of the procedure, and that you've undergone all of the required testing. They need to substantiate the surgery, and the co-mordities that come up during the paperwork process will solidify your chances at approval. A long, varied, and verifiable diet history is also required.
8) I had sleep apnea, and it was done in a month. I had Diabetes, and I was completely off the meds within 6 weeks. I immediately switched to 1/2 doses right out of the hospital. I'm also no longer experiencing high blood pressure. Also, my pulse rate and level of exertion have become normal. This is after being over 400 pounds and grossly overweight my entire life.
Hope this helps!
__________________
Mike
Open w/ Dr. Callery
March 22, 2004
411/224/229
|