Body Composition Scan

[syzygy314]

Janis - Thanks for sharing this! I"m still hunting for a place up here to get one done! I have an appointment with my internist in March, so I may just ask her for a list of places I can call. I'm looking forward to knowing where I stand as well, especially since I'm at goal weight now. I need a better idea of what my next goal should be!

I'm aggravated right now because at my last asthma appointment, I let my doctor talk me into getting the H1N1 shot - only because I got so sick last November! Well, my arm where I had the injection is STILL painful. It's making weightlifting difficult. It even hurts to put my arm around my puppies at night in bed! Yes, that's an important function!

Anyway, it's been almost 3 weeks. I called and their not sure why I'm having an issue still. There's no swelling, redness or excess heat from the site, so I'm trying to wait it out until my recovery week (2 more weeks) and see if it will go away then.

Not going to get anymore shots, except my tetanus shot! That one never gave me any problems!

 

[cindy_975]

i have been thinking of getting this done, too.

and actually that is my closest DEXA center.
but i am feeling kida fat right now (a month long vacation in India and I know I lost some muscle). Glad to hear you found it useful! I should probably go in a few weeks

Cindy

Jen

I had my appointment yesterday. The location is right off 1-80, southwest of Whipple and El Camino Real. If you go, and are coming from 280 - I'd exit at Edgewood or Farm Hill Rd. (I went to Woodside and had to double back. 280 is so much less congested than 1-80, prettier drive too.)

The scan, itself, took very little time. I was instructed to not wear any wire or metal of any kind, so I wore a sports bra - no clasps, eye-hooks, adjustment bars, under wires etc.. and I wore a pair of yoga pants. No jewelry.

It is the same sort of DEXA scan you would receive for a bone density test, but since I did not have a doctors order for the scan, the technician only gave me the printed report for body composition, however I do have a "BMC" (bone mineral content) figure in grams that tells me what my bones weigh.

The report breaks down each limb, trunk, android (stomach, abdomen), gynoid (pelvic, glute), then gives a total, which is an average of all parts and pieces.

The report also gave me lean body mass. Finally - there is a separate percentage given for fat that is more than essential fat - it is inaccessible fat that is paramount for life, i.e. the fat found in bone marrow.

I am glad I had the scan done, despite the long drive, this information gives me a road map, guidance, really, of where I should go and what I should put my attention on.

And that is: eating clean, making food choices that will fuel my workouts and that will feed my muscles for repair and recovery. Plus an occasional treat to keep life interesting and make meals fun. My goals are shifting away from a figure to achieve on the scale and towards keeping my muscle and strength gains, and living a long, strong, flexible, agile and athletic life.

One other thing - the calipers - the pinch tests were pretty darn accurate. I was surprised at how accurate they are. But the calipers alone didn't tell me what I needed to hear - which was IGNORE the scale and go by measurements, how clothes fit, how I feel, and keeping an eye on over all health. The scale is an excellent feedback tool - but I was becoming a slave to it and needed more comprehensive information.

The DEXA scan was only $49. Pretty cheap for focus, direction, feedback, and affirmation.

 

[Janis]

Janis - Thanks for sharing this! I'm looking forward to knowing where I stand as well, especially since I'm at goal weight now. I need a better idea of what my next goal should be!

Way to go Tricia! When I reached my goal, around the time of my stress fracture, I was worrying/wondering about "what now." You're on the right track, setting a next, new goal is important, that's the advice Tom Venuto gave me too. He also suggested I ease into maintenance calories - 100 k at a time until I found the number that works.

I'm aggravated right now because at my last asthma appointment, I let my doctor talk me into getting the H1N1 shot - only because I got so sick last November! Well, my arm where I had the injection is STILL painful. It's making weightlifting difficult. It even hurts to put my arm around my puppies at night in bed! Yes, that's an important function!

Ouch! I wonder if he nicked a nerve with the injection. I hope you regain your strength and mobility soon.

Your Avatar is great! I also like the photo with the same halter top, it's a close up but you are wearing sunglasses.

 

[Janis]

and actually that is my closest DEXA center.
but i am feeling kida fat right now (a month long vacation in India and I know I lost some muscle). Glad to hear you found it useful! I should probably go in a few weeks

Cindy

Hi Cindy

You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

 

[jennifermaria]

Jen

I had my appointment yesterday. The location is right off 1-80, southwest of Whipple and El Camino Real. If you go, and are coming from 280 - I'd exit at Edgewood or Farm Hill Rd. (I went to Woodside and had to double back. 280 is so much less congested than 1-80, prettier drive too.)

And I live off 280, so it's way more convenient for me to take 280 .

Thanks so much for the recap!! I can't wait to schedule mine! How far in advance did you have to book? I should have scheduled it for today, since I have the day off, hmm...

I'm leaving for a 10-day vacation in Italy in 3 weeks, so now I'm debating on whether or not I should get scanned before I leave or after LOL. I guess that depends on how much weight I think I'm going to gain over there .

 

[Sunshine1528]

Well great thread ! Especially since I am South bay ! I've toyed with the idea of getting water weight test done but this might be double duty. Wonder if my MD would prescribe since I'm "older" ?

Jennifer - can't wait for a second report and I may just have to schedule one for myself. Wonder if they'll give a "Cathe" discount if enought of us go up there? LOL !

 

[hiitdogs]

Before y'all jump on the DEXA scan bandwaggon don't forget that all of these scans do expose people to radiation. It's a 5 to 10 minute procedure and whereas a lot of times the radiation exposure is low, it depends on the equipment they use, this can vary by provider. Also keep in mind that radiation is cumulative.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162170.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521093034.htm

I am not against medical imaging in general but I am very picky about what is really necessary. I am not sure about the medical necessity checking your body fat and body composition and to me the risk does not outweigh the benefit, but that's a personal decision that everybody has to make for themselves.

Just a different perspective.