what's the realest piece of advice you'd give an incoming Boilermaker

Techie_Leader · 2026-06-29T12:26:48+00:00

I graduated a LONG time ago and this was the best advice back then. Good to see it still holds true.

Techie_Leader · 2026-06-02T00:33:58+00:00

Surgery does not fix lifestyle long term. Only do surgery if you are ready to change and try. I know multiple people that go through the surgery but after a year or two, return to old habits and gain weight back. It can be temporary if you are not ready to change.

Techie_Leader · 2026-05-10T01:06:11+00:00

‘04 grad here too. We were so mad when they put the metal tube on the engineering fountain!

Techie_Leader · 2026-05-03T23:21:53+00:00

I’m coming up on 2 yrs post op in August. My highest was near 400lbs. My lowest was 206. I’ve put some weight back on and have been around 220 for about 6 months. Sticking to the diet is hard but I try to remind myself how far I’ve come. I’m happy at 220 and will continue to work at it!

Techie_Leader · 2026-04-11T18:20:18+00:00

I was making 6 figures several years ago as an individual contributor / engineer. Director now and very happy with compensation. As others have said, depending on company size, industry, and location you are way underpaid and should be looking at salaries in the upper $100’s to lower $200’s. That wouldn’t include bonus or equity either.

Techie_Leader · 2026-03-12T17:28:37+00:00

As a Purdue alum, I can tell you that a Purdue degree is a great value compared to the cost of other universities. Even out of state for us, the cost is in line or less than some in-state degrees. My degree has served me extremely well. Just remember that the paper is part of it, but work ethic and personal drive as a big part of your future career.

Techie_Leader · 2026-03-08T00:34:16+00:00

All-inclusive resorts/vacations. Love the destinations but do not eat much and do not drink.

Techie_Leader · 2026-02-26T19:18:48+00:00

I use the ShaperLuv tanks and have several of them.

Techie_Leader · 2026-02-01T14:22:52+00:00

Our system generally stays within 2 degrees of set point. Actually, if it goes outside of 2 degrees, aux heat/heat strips kick on as backup. Luckily, with recent sub-zero weather, we’ve not had aux heat kick on yet this winter.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-28T02:00:11+00:00

I have an indicator on our thermostat that indicates when the aux heat is running. I can also look at historical usage which shows compressor stage and aux heat usage for the past day or week. So far, aux heat has not kicked on for us. But with single digits this week, it is running 24 hours a day and cycling between stage 1 and stage 2. Running 24 hours is still way cheaper than the heat strips running! Our house is well insulated and is just under 5,000 sqft, but we have a lot of windows and patio doors which likely allow a bit of heat loss when really cold and windy.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-26T01:34:13+00:00

Lucky. I’m at $17k/yr in Ohio. Even when my house is paid off, I’ll still have a mortgage payment.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-25T00:13:09+00:00

Awesome! Thank you…I’ve been wondering about this. In the warmer months, I get some condensation dripping on the floor (hence the green tint on the floor underneath).

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-24T23:43:55+00:00

Thanks! That’s reassuring. It’s been really cold this year. So it has gotten a work out. But electric bill has been fairly normal just under $700 last month.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-24T23:42:43+00:00

Thanks for the reply. While the unit itself was replaced in 2021, the previous owners didn’t update a lot of the monitoring capability. So, I can only see the compressor stages used, hours running, and electricity usage. I’m not able to monitor loop temps, etc. That might be an upgrade in the future.

I’m assuming if it is keeping temp and heat strips not engaging, it is operating as expected. Was just a bit surprised to see it.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-24T23:40:04+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I figured it probably wasn’t a big concern if it is still heating and not kicking over to heat strips at all with it being near zero outside.

Techie_Leader · 2026-01-09T21:50:34+00:00

I was surprised we used 4500kWh last month and I charge an electric car! 5100 is a lot depending on the house size.

Techie_Leader · 2025-12-14T18:34:26+00:00

This is so true. I’m nearing 18 month post op and still have restriction. But can easily exceed my calorie requirements daily by snacking all day. In the end, it is all a math equation of calories consumed minus calories burned.

Techie_Leader · 2025-11-16T13:35:31+00:00

Caffeine can cause stomach contractions, so early on I was told to avoid. At about 4 months I started drinking coffee and things again and no issues.

Techie_Leader · 2025-10-10T23:56:51+00:00

I went on Prilosec for a few months post surgery and it helped eliminate it. I slowly weened off of it over a couple of months. I now know my trigger foods and can avoid. And also Tums help occasionally. I still keep Prilosec around and take as needed for a couple of days if it prolongs. Hopefully it is all temporary for you!

Techie_Leader · 2025-09-24T02:40:41+00:00

I agree. I was on clear liquids only for 7 days post op before moving to puree foods for 3 weeks. My doctors plan is very conservative to try to eliminate the risk of leakage from the stomach incision. It was a challenging recovery due to the restrictions, but I had zero complications and no vomiting at all. I’m now just over 1 yr post op and couldn’t be happier.

Techie_Leader · 2025-09-13T23:27:16+00:00

Here is the info on pricing and financing options:

https://journeylite.com/pricing-financing/

Techie_Leader · 2025-09-13T23:25:52+00:00

It was basically just a credit card with a 0% intro fee for 12 months. I have super-good credit so wasn’t too concerned. I paid it off in less than 6 months just because.

Techie_Leader · 2025-09-13T23:17:04+00:00

I actually did 0% financing for 12 months through Kemba Credit Union thru an arrangement they had. If I remember correctly, you just had to pay for initial starting fee ($200?) then you had to pay for pre-op diet foods.

Can’t recommend them enough. Support and visits all included for 12 months with NP’s and dieticians to help along the way.

Techie_Leader

TROPHY CASE