Susan 2.0

Welcome! Who's doing your surgery? HW: 254 SW: 243 (10/15/12) CW: 226 (11/21/12) Sleeved 10/15/12 by Dr. Ryan Heider @ Lake Norman Regional. (self pay)

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Uh, yeah. My cousin has a 22lb turkey for 5 of us. Overkill much? Maybe I should have brought some Tupperware for leftovers.....

Hey retakk - Were you able to get an appointment soon at Dr. H's office?

Congratulations on your decision!!! You will be so pleased with your choice. I'll still be here to help with any other questions/concerns so bring 'em on!!!

Which flavors/brands? I didn't like one brand but love the vanilla & the Key Lime flavors by Okios (a Dannon brand)

If you're still torn between Dr. Heider & going to Mexico, don't just look at the dollars. Look at what you're getting: Dr. Heider may not be as experienced as the doctors in Mexico, but he trains many other doctors on the laparoscopic technique of the sleeve surgery so he must be doing something right (he has done over 400 sleeves, I think closer to 500 now). Plus, your money pays for nutritional follow ups & monthly doctors follow ups for at least a year. Will you be seeing your Mexico surgeon on a monthly basis after your surgery? Is your doctor in Mexico going to KNOW you - or are you just a patient he met 30 minutes before he walked into the O.R. (If you even get to meet him before the surgery)? I'm not saying going to Mexico is the wrong decision, I'm just telling you what I considered when I made my choice to allow Dr. Heider to do my surgery.

He'll tell you he uses a small bougie & explain that it's all technique. You can use a bougie as your guide, but each doctor is different. Meaning: a doctor can use a small one but then cut further out from it. But in my experience, his are small. No drains.

Other (very recent) Heider patients I know of here on VST are: CLTgirl Jennyannk73 my time

Thanks for sharing!!!!

Retakk - don't let the number of nights in the hospital worry you. If you're that concerned, there is a Hilton Garden Inn right by Lake Norman Hospital where you could stay an extra couple of nights. Even better is that at the hotel you won't be woken up every couple of hours to be checked on. :-)

Yes! I was sleeved on Oct 15th & doing GREAT!!! I don't weigh myself so I can't tell you those stats, but I have lost many inches & already at least one pants size down. Staff is fantastic. I was self-pay at Lake Norman &, this being my first surgery & first hospital stay, I couldn't have asked for better treatment. Everyone is very responsive via email & so helpful. Let me know if you have specific questions. I'd say "good luck" but you won't need it with Dr Heider as your surgeon!!!

Dr Ryan Heider @ Lake Norman Regional Hospital in Mooresville, NC: $13,500 includes 2 weeks Optifast pre-op diet, 2 hour workshop, 2 upper GIs, anesthesia, surgeon fee, 1 night hospital stay, 1 year of monthly follow-up doctor & nut visits.

What does the dde21 stand for?

Tell dad that asking about pounds lost isn't encouraging. He should ask how you're feeling, if you ate enough Protein today, or if you got your walking done.

Yay for DrH patients!! Don't you love him & his staff?? Glad you're doing well. I'm 4 weeks out (tomorrow) & feel great. I'm still eating a little too fast but, other than that, no complications or problems!! Congrats & welcome to the other side!!!

Stopped by Panera Bread for a takeout of their yummy chicken Soup broth & the guy behind the prep counter flirted with me so I flirted back. As I'm walking away I hear a female, practically yelling, say: "I knew it had to be a BIG girl" & then laugh. Why do females have to be so mean to each other?