Armygalbonnie

Well, my last NUT appt is next week! The final step. Or so I thought. When I met my surgeon the first time, it was determined that I didn't need an EGD. For 2 years, I dealt with esophageal strictures. It started after I got really sick in Afghanistan. From 2012-2014, I had several EGDs and my esophagus dialated about 5X. I've been good since early 2014, not even really dealing with GERD symptoms. Out of nowhere, about 2 weeks ago, I started having swallowing problems AGAIN! liquid is the most difficult. It's been waking me up around 0200-0300 every morning. I constantly feel like I have a lump in my throat. I tried to make an appt with my PCM today, to see if I could get a referral to a GI doc. I was pretty much resolved to the fact that this would delay my surgery. Well.... I couldn't get in with my PCM, so I decided to call my surgeon who will be doing my sleeve She can do the EGD and dilate my esophagus in 2 weeks! This is the day after my last NUT appt. Now I won't have to delay surgery. I feel so much relief.

You were dealt a bad hand. I sure hope everything works out quickly.

Will your insurance buy you a CPAP machine so you can go that route for the time being?

OH MY! Have you heard anything yet?!?!?!?

I'm Tricare Prime. First appt was 22 July. My surgeon requires 3 months with NUT, psych eval and physical therapy eval. Tricare South does not require any of this. My last NUT visit is 6 Oct. my paperwork will then be sent to Tricare for surgery approval. Should have surgery early part of Nov. out of pocket I've paid $136. I'll have to pay small fees for the surgery and hospital stay. Less than $100. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My BMI is 35.2, and I will be having surgery. I have fought my weight my whole life. I have joint issues and sleep apnea. I NEED THIS!

Long term, untreated GERD can lead to Barrett's Esophagitis. Easy fix with meds. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm at 35.2 BMI. I do have a co-morbidity. Surgery won't be until November. My NUT told me they will weigh me on the day of surgery. If I'm below 35, they will cancel the surgery, right then-and-there. This is stressful! I hope they will weigh me with my clothes on. Definitely a question I'm going to ask at my last NUT visit in 3 weeks.

Also, Beachbody.com has great workout DVDs.

You should try crossfit!!! I know one of the crossfit gyms where I live, will adapt all exercises for any age, size, physical ability. Back in my day, I used to do it. It was the toughest workout I had ever done. Sometimes I would even throw up afterwords. I always left feeling like I had tackled Mount Everest. It was a great feeling and very rewarding.

It does seem like you are getting a lot of carolies My pre-surgery diet directed by my NUT, consisted of the following: - Protein shake for breakfast - morning snack - lunch = 3 to 4 oz lean protein, 1 c non-starchy veggies - afternoon snack - dinner = 3 to 4 oz lean protein, 1 c non-starchy veggies Snack options: - unflavored protein power + sugar free drink mix - Protein bat (15+ g protein/less than 15g carbs - 1 oz low-fat cheese and small piece fruit/veggies - 6 oz low-sugar, low-fat yogurt (Greek preferred) - 1/2 c low-fat cottage cheese @ 1/2 c fruit - 1-2 oz lean protein + 1/2 fruit or veggies 1 to 2 whole grain carbs can be added a month. By following this mealplan with a few 1/2 bananas added in, I lost 17 lbs in one month. Good luck!

I'm at 35 now and I CANT lose any more weight before my surgery in November. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Oh I have one co-morbidity. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm getting closer and closer. I lost 17 lbs this last month and I can't lose ANY MORE before surgery!! It's crazy, I'm obese but now I CANT lose weight. I have to add Peanut Butter, avocados and whole grains back into my diet. The tricky part will be my 3 day liquid diet before surgery . Did I say my surgery isn't until NOVEMBER? They will actually weigh me the day of surgery. I hope I can meet the requirements. Passed my psych eval. Now I have proof that I'm not crazy I don't think my kids will believe that one! Life is good everyone! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's how it will be for me too! We are the lucky ones.

Doesn't sound much like a friend.

WOW!

You look AWESOME! Great job!

You go gorgeous girl!!

That was the first question I asked regarding surgery Drains? Fortunately, my Dr only uses them on those patients that are having revisions. I've had 5 drains in the past, and it is the worst pain EVER!!! I'm glad your are OUT and you are on the road to recovery. Best of luck with everything! Oh and BTW, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday and congratulations for all of your successes! You look gorgeous. Keep up the great work.

A couple I wanted to know. Will I have drain tubes? Will I take shots post surgery to prevent blood clots? How long will I be in the hospital?

You will still be coming out from under sedation. You DON'T need to be in a car with someone you don't know!!! I'm really sad your husband can't be there for you.

Mine talked about my goals and the goals of the program. She also put me on a pre-op diet, even though my surgery won't be until probably November. I have a comparatively low BMI, so she told me to lose around 10-15 lbs. 29 days out, I've lost 17 lbs. Now I have to figure out a way to maintain it and not lose anymore, or I won't qualify. She also told me that during this month, I have to eliminate carbonated beverages (check), caffeine (check), drink a daily replacement shake (check) and eat at least 60 oz of protein a day (check). I go back to see her on Sept 8th and then one last visit on Oct 6th.

Thank you for sharing your story. You story is so familiar to many. You will do great! Please keep us updated on your journey.

@@speechiegirl So am I! I'm actually dually certified. I'm a Dr of Audiology too. Nice to meet you!