JapGirl

I know that feeling. It's not as bad as it once was, but I have a degenerated disc in my lower lumbar, at my weight now my back hurts almost constantly. They aren't having me go on a pre op diet, but I'm doing a self imposed diet. With having lost as much as I have in the past and keeping it off, I know it's up to me and my own willpower and how well i stick to and use the info I'm given...... My mistake was quitting smoking. I ballooned after that

How did your EGD go? Any word on your results and/or surgery date? I am so excited for you..and very curious how far out they are scheduling surgeries! Went good. I had the test done on monday. I got results immediately. I have a small hernia. I am trying to get the information faxed over to Dr.Nicholson..... no dice so far. Fax machines suck. So I'm going in the morning to get the paperwork filled put and faxed over

I have pre made some meals in my freezer. Everyone mentions how tiring it is for the first few weeks. So I'm meal planning. I'll still have to he the one to cook it (i.e. pick it out and put it in the oven) but that's alot less work comparatively. There's a bunch of websites that have 'freezer ready casseroles'. I got some recipes off there. Most of them are Pasta based though. I'm also making ready to cook burger patties and meatloaf, baked chicken etc and freezing them as well. And im also making some Soups to use for the first few weeks and portion it in muffin tins for the freezer, akd freezing the muffin sized blocks. That way I can just grab a Soup block for work or during recovery. And I can have what I like. I prefer homemade soups

Isopure also makes an unflavored no carb version I mix it with coffee. It doesnt like hot liquids, so I mix it with a touch of cold water to disolve it before adding it to soups or drinks

Where are you getting yours done at?

Yes we can! I think as a group it might be easier to just revisit this thread though

Thank you I am very excited!

The most common regret I've seen is not doing it sooner.

I should get to schedule mine this week or week after. Hoping for end of feb.

Yes! I am 27. Hoping to get my surgery date next week or week after. Planning for end of feb. 5'7" HW 250 CW 215

It's very common to have one. Most docs will fix it while they are in there for free or for a small fee.

I actually am flying in that morning. Having the surgery done, then flying home later that same evening. Since my flight is short they said they are okay with me going home. I am just having the sleeve done though

I understand your concern!! Speaking for myself, I was much bigger 5 years ago. 250lbs with a BMI of 40. I lost 80lbs and kept it off for 4 years. I quit smoking to be a better example for my kids 1.5 years ago and now I can't seem to lose the weight I gained when I quit which has put me back into the "obese" category. Having been through pretty substantial weightloss before, I'm fairly prepared for the changes I have to make. I have ZERO plans to drink sweet tea (which I don't like) or pizza. In prep for the changes I have given up sodas, most all sweets, and am transitioning back to healthier life style. This isn't a magic wand It's forced portion control and help with hunger hormones. I also am not doing this just to lose weight I have a degenerative disc in my back that has hurts regularly now that I have gained some weight back. I'm not sleeping well, and I actually deal with the hernia symptoms on a regular basis. When I lost the weight I had in the past I worked with a therapist to sort though the issues that had caused my weight gain originally. Thank you for your concern!! Sometimes tough love is needed I get that. But this is more than being thin for me.

I go to do my EGD on monday, hopefully by Friday or the following Monday I will have the results and be able to set my appointment!

You're welcome

Some surgeons are willing to bill insurance for the hernia fix and then have you cash pay the difference for the sleeve which can lower the cost considerably. All total my cost for my surgery will be $5100. This includes the surgery, pre op testing, the sleeve portion, etc.

The hernia is probably the hiatal hernia. This is where part of the stomach comes up through the hole in the diaphragm and gets stuck. A portion of your stomach is bulging and is a "herniated". It's commonly fixed with bariatric surgeries. This type of hernia causes a range of symptoms. Pain in the chest when eating, reflux/heat burn etc.

That's fantastic! Keep us updated!

That's awesome! Thank you for the info!

It's going to cost me about $2600 over max out of pocket. But it varies by insurance and I plan to use my HSA to pay for part of it

Since you were an out of towner, what was your surgery stay like? 3 days? 4 days?

If everything goes as planned I'll get my sleeve before vaca

I've already talked to them about the insurance options and what my cost will be. It was actually right about what I was expecting. I am supposed to call tomorrow to schedule the EGD and since I'm out of state I think we will be doing the results follow up over the phone. This is great news! 3 weeks is definitely doable! I've been hearing some good things about this doctor and his staff! Thank you for the reply!

That was what I was thinking since body builders drink higher carb shakes, but since she can't drink Boost then I would think she may have a similar reaction to higher carb shakes. True, but you can find some that have higher calories, and not so many carbs. Boost has a lot of sugar too i think. Or maybe if its sipped all day. I would say that there are lots of bodybuilders who are in prep mode that keep their calories higher but carbs are usually watched. Isopure has an unflavored no carb protien powder. It has 25g of protien per scoop. And you can mix it with literally anything. I've mixed it into coffee, Soup, etc.

I am considered a "low bmi" patient of a BMI just barely under 34. I am going the hiatal hernia route with the Nicholson clinic. I'm pretty stoked! I have to do the pre op testing, then I get to set a date for surgery..... so that being said.... If you went through the Nicholson clinic (Dallas-Fort area) and either did self pay, or the hiatal hernia route. How quickly were you able to get the testing/surgery date set for. The reason I ask is because I'm hoping for feburary. My son's birthday is in March and he is also on school break in march as well. If I have to push it back into March I'm worried about energy levels interfering. Tell me your story!