Newbie Considering the Journey

[Softtacocrumbs 12]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Lamora, and I'm considering starting my journey. I'm a bit on the fence, but I've read up so much on it, but I'm not sure if I qualify. I know my insurance doesn't pay for it though, so I'm considering doing a sleeve in Turkey (medical tourism).

About me: I'm 5'2'' 230lbs. I asked my GP about my health status since I don't have any inclination towards anything, but he recommended I speak to bariatrics, but my insurance doesn't cover it, unfortunately, and I don't make enough for consult or nutrition consult. But I average a 1600kcal per day, and I work out 6 out of 7 days a week for around 60 min each day up to 2 hours a day. I actively run 5k's but I just can't seem to drop weight, which was why this has been suggested to me.

I did an international trip when I was in college where they lock you up with a nutritionist and they feed you in a hospital and you work out on a CO2 machine, but no matter how much I ran or lifted I couldn't make the CO2 marks I needed to get. And my T3 and T4 are extremely off despite my TSH being borderline. My body temperature is a bit on the lower end at 92-94 F (33-34C). I kept gaining weight on 1800kcal a day with the nutritionist so I dropped back down to my normal 1600kcal a day and I got back to my normal 230lbs weight.

The gastric sleeve was recommended for me since I've been having so many problems dropping weight, and when I run I'm starting to feel some knee and ankle pain as I inch closer to 30.

I don't think I'm an emotional eater, but I could be wrong... But I do also have a lot of issues with my weight and overall self confidence because my family basically gave up on me.

I'm just looking for support and opinions. I really appreciate it. And if anyone has any experience doing medical tourism/procedures and Turkey I would absolutely love your recommendations.

Thank you!

Edited July 26, 2022 by Softtacocrumbs

[KimA-GA 540]

31 minutes ago, Softtacocrumbs said:

Hi Everyone,

My name is Lamora, and I'm considering starting my journey. I'm a bit on the fence, but I've read up so much on it, but I'm not sure if I qualify. I know my insurance doesn't pay for it though, so I'm considering doing a sleeve in Turkey (medical tourism).

About me: I'm 5'2'' 230lbs. I asked my GP about my health status since I don't have any inclination towards anything, but he recommended I speak to bariatrics, but my insurance doesn't cover it, unfortunately, and I don't make enough for consult or nutrition consult. But I average a 1600kcal per day, and I work out 6 out of 7 days a week for around 60 min each day up to 2 hours a day. I actively run 5k's but I just can't seem to drop weight, which was why this has been suggested to me.

I did an international trip when I was in college where they lock you up with a nutritionist and they feed you in a hospital and you work out on a CO2 machine, but no matter how much I ran or lifted I couldn't make the CO2 marks I needed to get. And my T3 and T4 are extremely off despite my TSH being borderline. My body temperature is a bit on the lower end at 92-94 F (33-34C). I kept gaining weight on 1800kcal a day with the nutritionist so I dropped back down to my normal 1600kcal a day and I got back to my normal 230lbs weight.

The gastric sleeve was recommended for me since I've been having so many problems dropping weight, and when I run I'm starting to feel some knee and ankle pain as I inch closer to 30.

I don't think I'm an emotional eater, but I could be wrong... But I do also have a lot of issues with my weight and overall self confidence because my family basically gave up on me.

I'm just looking for support and opinions. I really appreciate it. And if anyone has any experience doing medical tourism/procedures and Turkey I would absolutely love your recommendations.

Thank you!

Have you seen an actual endocrinologist? Sounds like you have a problem which does not need bariatric surgery but an endocrinologist

Edited July 26, 2022 by KimA-GA

[Softtacocrumbs 12]

18 minutes ago, KimA-GA said:

Have you seen an actual endocrinologist? Sounds like you have a problem which does not need bariatric surgery but an endocrinologist

I have been to a few now, and they just look at me and say that it's probably because I'm obese. I need to lose weight before they consider any hormonal problems. That's why I was recommended to get a gastric sleeve.

I think if I get rid of a large part of my fundus that this may hinder some ghrelin production and help with whatever hormone problems I may be encountering. At least, that's what my GP thinks.

[Tony B - NJ 641]

I think i would start off aggressively monitoring your calories using one of the many apps available. you will have to weight your food and pay attention to portion size etc. If you are legitimately getting the calories you think you are and are exercising as you indicate and still cannot lose, then that is a different story. Too many of us think we are eating X amount of calories but when we weigh it out and record every single bite, we realize it is a lot more than we thought.

[Softtacocrumbs 12]

3 hours ago, Tony B - NJ said:

I think i would start off aggressively monitoring your calories using one of the many apps available. you will have to weight your food and pay attention to portion size etc. If you are legitimately getting the calories you think you are and are exercising as you indicate and still cannot lose, then that is a different story. Too many of us think we are eating X amount of calories but when we weigh it out and record every single bite, we realize it is a lot more than we thought.

I'm actually quite proud of how much I work out, since I work out with all the other med students and we try to put compete each other. So, it must be the food. That's a good idea. I usually just eyeball it then log it into MyFitnessPal.

I did a have a good run a few years back when it all started back sliding. I lost around 60lbs, and it stalled and started going back up despite me eating the exact same meals I did before. I'm a yoyo dieter type of person. And my friends think I have a high set point. But I'll try to remeasure the food. Thank you for your advice!

Edited July 26, 2022 by Softtacocrumbs