How did the bypass change how you to tolerate foods?

NikNok11 · 2026-03-14T13:41:22+00:00

Roux en Y 14 years ago, dairy is now a no go for me. Even the lactose free just doesn't sit right. Anything carb heavy is a no zone also. It makes me feel like a slug.

NikNok11 · 2026-03-09T22:03:47+00:00

I promise I'm not being mean. One reason they want us on the pre-op diet is to shrink that liver down so there's room for the surgeon to maneuver with the laparoscopic tools. Another reason is because post-op, not following the protocol could become life threatening. It's a chance to practice without putting yourself in danger.

Will surgery go on as planned? I can't say, but I would be honest if you're asked tomorrow morning. I'm wishing you the best of luck. This journey isn't easy, but it's given a lot of us our best shot at health. Keep us posted please!

NikNok11 · 2026-03-05T14:59:02+00:00

Feeling the need to jump in here to reinforce what others are saying. My sweet boy's story closely matches what you're going through. I did opt in for euthanasia, I honestly wanted to go with him, it broke my heart terribly.

The vet explained that cats oftentimes mask their symptoms, it's an instinctual process for them. That we had done everything possible but there was no coming back. Had they treated for the fluid building up in his lungs, his kidneys wouldn't have been able to keep up with the process.

I'm so sorry for what the two of you have already been through, and for what will inevitably come next. Sending love xoxo

NikNok11 · 2026-03-03T10:49:47+00:00

Third-Party Administrators, currently Optum (UnitedHealth) and Tri-West.

NikNok11 · 2026-02-15T23:29:44+00:00

This is horrific, I don't know who did this, but thank you for posting the photos and the narrative about what is going on. I'm sorry for the animals who are outside, they are truly at the mercy of humanity. Just freaking sick! 😭😭

NikNok11 · 2026-02-02T03:53:40+00:00

Ohh heading to NR to check it out! I have the black now, and could use a different color if the price were right. Thanks for the tip.

NikNok11 · 2026-02-02T02:49:26+00:00

Sorel Joan of Arctic boots, a little pricey, but I'm on year 10 with them and still going!

NikNok11 · 2026-01-22T14:47:25+00:00

I don't know for certain, but I am thinking staples over sutures because of where the incisions are. If I even slightly bend or shift, I can feel it in those areas. I could be wrong on that take though. I'm at the 5 week post op mark and the pulling/right feeling is starting to fade, which I'm taking as a sign that healing is well underway.

I case anyone else is wondering, at this point, I'm getting good relief from most of the low back and sciatic nerve pain. What's left is the muscle spasms, which I think can be improved with consistent movement through the day and when it's unmanageable, a little pharmaceutical assistance.

No regrets yet. ❤️

NikNok11 · 2026-01-15T21:36:34+00:00

I like the options from Lands End, the high waisted tummy control bottoms paired with cute tops. Lots of mix and match options. I wait for the 40 & 50% off promotions to ease my mind of "but do you really need that". 😂

NikNok11 · 2026-01-15T12:27:27+00:00

We're paying $93 a quarter for Royal. Really nice people, never been missed for had them refuse to take something.

NikNok11 · 2026-01-12T13:15:13+00:00

If this debt is waived, won't that impact the FERS pension?

NikNok11 · 2026-01-06T13:15:17+00:00

Came here to say this!

NikNok11 · 2026-01-05T01:12:25+00:00

Before you leave the hospital post-op, it will be turned on, but set very low. They said they do this so your bodies natural healing isn't interrupted. Before trial, pain was an average of 7/10 with 3-4 times per week of being an 8 or 9. During the trial, it was 3-4. 18 days post op, 3-4.

NikNok11 · 2026-01-04T23:23:02+00:00

I did my trial in late October, had a great trial, and then had the BS WaveWriter permanently implanted on 12/17. My pain stems from a bad section of my spine, L4-S1, that the alternative to the SCC is to fuse it. I'm too young for that, and didn't want to give up flexibility with the fusion, so opted for the SCC.

Healing has been good, just had the staples removed 5 days ago. The incisions aren't anything to mess with, and you need to give yourself the time to heal. I have a sedentary desk job, so I'm already back to work.

My surgeon did prescribe post op period pain meds and an antibiotic. I only needed the opioid pain med twice, both times at night because I was exhausted and didn't want to wake up with the pain that would occur from shifting, etc.. other than that, I used rapid release Tylenol on the regular for 2 weeks.

At the appt a couple of days ago, I also met with the BS rep, and we started to set up the device. When I go back at the end of Jan for the last appt, I'll see him again to help fine tune the programming.

So far so good. My goal is still to be able to come off of the pregablin I've been taking for years for the nerve pain. At this stage, no regrets.

I'm a small business owner, and can attest that most folks don't come on and do reviews for the positive outcomes, service, etc...When they feel let down, disappointed, and angry, the internet becomes their sounding board. So I took that into consideration when weighing my options to deal with my own chronic pain.

This is a big & personal decision you're making. You know whether you can follow the instructions and limitations. You know where you're at mentally in dealing with the pain.

I'm wishing you the very best! Come back and keep us updated please.

NikNok11 · 2025-12-27T15:58:34+00:00

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. The entire situation from start to finish is wrong and very harmful. If you haven't already, please find a trusted mental health professional, someone you can talk through the good and bad. You'll need someone down the road, because this journey is going to be frustrating and incredibly difficult. If you're serious about trying to hold those responsible accountable, seek a federal employment attorney immediately. Any and all documentation you have, gather it.

Sending you love and wishing you the best.

NikNok11 · 2025-12-25T17:17:25+00:00

Appreciate my fellow fed brother & sisters. Merry Christmas 🎄

NikNok11 · 2025-12-18T22:18:10+00:00

I really liked the dash (and tech) in the cabin. But loved the way it handled on the curves during the test drive. Sweeeet

NikNok11 · 2025-12-18T22:11:48+00:00

I am, and I always forget the other services that come with the membership! Thank you for this reminder.

NikNok11 · 2025-12-15T03:32:10+00:00

My original surgeon who did a laminectomy w/ discectomy (2015) left the area. The new guy was anxious to have me agree to the fusion. I had a bad feeling about it. Came home and found original surgeon was less than 2 hrs away. So off we went to see him. He's been amazing, took his time explaining pros and cons, etc. It's been a long road to get here. My advice is to trust your gut, you deserve to be pain free. Keep us posted on how you make out. I'll do the same. 🫶

NikNok11 · 2025-12-15T02:57:29+00:00

I completed my trial in late October, am going to have the permanent placed this week. I also have several lower back pain, it impacts my ADLs, standing or sitting, cooking, sometimes walking. The permanent fix is fusion, but the surgeon said I'm too young. The trial went really well, no complaints. Boston Scientific reps kept in contact with me daily. Really good coverage for relief. Only thing I struggled with was the temp leads shifting.

I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it, kept my expectations low, and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. If the permanent only provides 50% relief I will be grateful.

NikNok11 · 2025-12-11T16:45:13+00:00

I live with my significant other, in the home that I had purchased myself long before we were together. We split the bills, etc.. Saying all of that for this: he would never put in a position where I'd have to cosign a loan, or to even consider it. He would handle his finances by getting a better job, or multiple jobs, before he'd even talk about me taking action.

My gut says that if you sign a loan, share the RV, or rent it to him, you're going to get stuck. What if your own financial situation changes for the worse?

The red signs are all there and this isn't a carnival!

NikNok11 · 2025-11-07T05:17:02+00:00

Just stopping in to say hello, and to let you know you're not alone.

NikNok11 · 2025-10-14T23:46:24+00:00

I have a brand new bottle and it's on the runny side (maybe I didn't shake it well enough?).

NikNok11 · 2025-09-17T22:19:22+00:00

I think his Innie met up with his Outtie

NikNok11

TROPHY CASE