Debby
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 13:14 ET
I had my assessment today at the Brentwood Clinic in Calgary. Everyone there was really nice. I found out I'm 1" shorter than I thought (great!!) and a few pounds heavier than what my bathroom scale reads. I should have shaved my legs ... maybe it would have helped.
Because I'm in ketosis (from following Atkins) they said I could start the program right away. The two other ladies that joined this morning were told to start on Saturday. I got my shot and I go back on Monday for my first weigh in. I've also got an appointment scheduled with their doctor and need to go and have some bloodwork, a chest x-ray, and an EKG done. Even though I had the bloodwork and EKG done in July, they want it to be within the last 30 days.
Oh and I've been given a prescription for a potassium supplement because of the blood pressure medication I'm on.
Brian, my nurse was very interested in this board. I was telling her about it and she wants the URL as a number of patients ask if there are any support groups for Dr. B. patients.
All in all it was a good experience and I'm on my way now.
BrianB
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 14:17 ET
Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) I had my assessment today at the Brentwood Clinic in Calgary. Everyone there was really nice.
Hooray! 
Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) Because I'm in ketosis (from following Atkins) they said I could start the program right away.
That's great that already being in Ketosis gave you a jump start on the program.Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) I've also got an appointment scheduled with their doctor and need to go and have some bloodwork, a chest x-ray, and an EKG done. Even though I had the bloodwork and EKG done in July, they want it to be within the last 30 days.
I had to have the CXR and EKG thing done too -- I don't know if that is standard for everyone, only people above a certain weight, or just people with other complications (I have diabetes). They actually drew the blood right there in the clinic and sent it off. I went to my normal doctor's office for the CXR and EKG.Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) Oh and I've been given a prescription for a potassium supplement because of the blood pressure medication I'm on.
I'm pretty sure everyone takes potassium -- I do, and it seems like I've seen plenty of folks mention the potassium supplements elsewhere. They can get a little pricey, so I'm getting mine filled through the mail order option of my insurance -- that should save a few bucks.Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) Brian, my nurse was very interested in this board. I was telling her about it and she wants the URL as a number of patients ask if there are any support groups for Dr. B. patients
By all means, feel free to give your nurse the URL. One of the nurses at my clinic is starting the program at the end of this month and I told her I'd give her the URL when she started.Quote (Debby @ Sep. 07 2006,13:14) All in all it was a good experience and I'm on my way now.
Here's wishing you a great first month!!!
Debby
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 15:15 ET
Thanks Brian. My butt is a little tender but it will survive. 
As a side note, when the nurse was going over my medical history she asked me if I ever experienced feeling tired. I said "Yes" and she kind of looked at me. So I said "Well ... I'm fat! Of course I get tired." LOL 
Big Guy
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 15:30 ET
Congrats Debby!!!!
I go for my assessment on Monday!!! I am looking forward to it! THanks for the insight.
Debby
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 18:02 ET
Good luck on Monday Steve. 