Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Hi All,
The echocardiogram today was uneventful, pretty much like the one I had performed December of 2006 when I was in the hospital.
My "Nuclear Stress Test" is scheduled for next Tuesday, July 22. Instead of getting on the treadmill like a traditional stress test, mine will be chemically induced. I've got two bad knees and there is no way I'd be able to get up to the speed they need me to on the treadmill to get an accurate reading. The chemical induction into my veins simulates two strenuous 30-45 minute workouts and the effect on my heart, veins and arteries. The test takes 3-4 hours.
It doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun but it must be done so I can see what the next steps are. I want to get cleared for surgery as soon as possible. Terry and I'll just have to see what our cardiologist says after evaluating the test results.
I'll post another update next Tuesday evening after the stress test.
Take care,
Chuck
Chuck & Terry
2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S
2006 Ford F250 Lariat CC 4x2 PSD
My Lap-Band Journey!
Chuck and Terry's Pilgrim Adventures
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North Texas Camping Association
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Mandrake
Seattle
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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..stick with the program, my friend, you can't reach the top of the other side without going through a valley. I'm pulling for you...!!!
Mandrake
he ain't heavy..........he's my brother....
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10tca01
Columbia Missouri
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Joined: 02/25/2008
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Sorry, I just have to say it...
Good luck, Chuck!
We are ALL pulling for you here!
Tyler
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Craig and Tyler,
You bet my nose is to the grindstone in this endeavor! The outcome will be life-changing. I know that Terry and I can endure a few bumps in the road on the way to my ultimate goal.
As always, your support means so much to us!
Chuck & Terry
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chef007
katy texas
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Joined: 10/16/2006
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Hi from the road chef,,,,after being a chef for 25 years, in various hotels and restaurants, I gained alot of weight ( a job hazard). I had the lap band done 2 years ago...I have to say it is the best thing I have done for my self...I wish I would have done it 5 years ago....I have lost 105 lbs...I am now on a work out schedule. and i work out 5 days a week, 1.5 hours every work out.. I still have another 100 lbs, to go...slow and steady wins the race...you do not want to lose your weight to fast.... If you have any questions please e-mail me and i will gladly ansewer any and all questions..
THE ROAD CHEF..
"LIFE IS TO SHORT TO EAT BAD FOOD AND DRINK BAD WINE"
THE ROAD CHEF
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 07/30/2004
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Hi Dennis,
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it. I considered other alternatives to my weight loss and have found that the Lap-Band is the best solution for me and apparently you as well. It’s so nice to find other fellow “banders” here on the Open Road Forums. I’ve received all sorts of wonderful support and comments.
I also worked in the food business for over two decades, but not as a chef. I managed several different chains of restaurants, some pizza joints. The problem was we'd close at 2:00, leave the restaurant at around 3:30 then head out for breakfast, which was our "unwinding time". Then of course after eating a nice heavy breakfast we'd all head home for bed.  Much of my weight gain was during those restaurant years.
I need to drop at least 150-160 pounds and my Lap-Band is going to be my partner in that process. Terry (DW) and I are also working on a plan to get our butts back to the gym on and once again stick a regular schedule. The Lap-Band is going to help, but good diet and exercise has to be part of the equation.
Take care, we’ll definitely stay in touch and I’ll PM you if there are any questions I may have. Tomorrow we’re meeting we my surgeon so he can go over the procedure and answer any questions we have. Hopefully after the cardiac test results are in, I’ll be clear for surgery. I’ll then be able to start my new life-long journey.
Chuck & Terry
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Best wishes on your stress test Chuck. I hope everything goes well so you can move forward with your plans. 
How ya doing on those shakes?
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle....
Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Our toys: Sunline T2499 & ProCraft Fish & Ski
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Hi Cat and Jim,
Thanks! I'm sure I will do fine on the stress test; at least I get to go home afterwards and relax! As mentioned previously they'll be performing a "chemical" stress test on me to simulate two 30-45 minute workouts instead of actually getting on the treadmill.
For the time being they (the Lap-Band folks) have pulled me off the prescription protein shakes. The product is expensive ($87 a case for 27 portions). I have a 2 week supply left and they wanted me to hold on to it so I'd have it for the two weeks before the surgery, after it's rescheduled.
Terry and I are doing the Slim Fast thingy and eating one meal a day. We do Slim Fast in the morning; eat a healthy lunch, then Slim Fast again in the evening. Terry's lost 9 pounds and I've lost 10 this past week! We still haven't got our "behinds" back up to the gym like we should have months ago.
As of this morning I have gained back 2 pounds when I had to take some Chinese company guests to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. It'll all be okay in the long run.
Toodles,
Chuck & Terry
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Hi All,
Well I survive my "Nuclear Stress Test" this afternoon. My cardiologist is supposed to have the results back tomorrow morning or afternoon. The test will show if I have any blockage and hopefully clear me so I can move forward with my Lap-Band procedure. I certainly hope so. The test went really well. What a strange sensation it was when they injected the chemicals to simulate a workout.
I'll keep everyone posted on any news.
Thanks for all for their encouragement and support.
Chuck & Terry
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Hoping for positive results so you can move forward with your plan. My mom had two of those chemically induced stress tests, she agreed with you...she said it was a wild sensation and she felt like she wanted to run around the room or something. Of course she wasn't able to do that but she said it certainly felt like she was about to!
Best wishes,
Cat
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