RESTORe patients - check in

I wanted to see how you all are doing.  I hope everything is going well.  I am still trying to get my testing scheduled, so hopefully I will have that done by the end of 2007, and a decision will be made if I am eligible for the study or not.  

I posted recently about having had the procedure done on November 6.  I had my 2 week appt today..I just had to see the nutritionist and the research nurse.  I've lost about 15 pounds so far but so would anyone on a liquid diet!  I'm not supposed to start soft foods/pureed until tomorrow but yesterday and today I had a little tuna with mayo.  I took about 20 minutes to eat a small can (3 oz) and it tasted like heaven.  I was very very careful...took small bites and mashed the heck out of them in my mouth.  I was completely satisfied and content.  I can't wait to be able to eat "normal" foods to really test out the restriction.  Right now I still have to be careful that I don't dislodge any stitches.   I hope you can get your appts scheduled soon! 

I am glad you posted.  Well done on your success so far!!!  It sounds like you are doing really well.  I will do practically anything for a 15# loss, but you are right, when it's nothing but those liquids, you sometimes don't have a choice :)

I will keep everyone updated on my progress, as soon as something starts happening :)
 

I went to Brigham and Women's yesterday in Boston for a RESTORe study.  I had an endoscopy and passed - I was delighted.  However, today, I had an upper GI and they found a fistula - now I cannot be considered for the free study.   I was very upset most of the day.  However, I realize that this means that I have two reasons for the weight gain - the large stoma opening AND the fistula.  Not just because I am a failure.  That does help emotionally. Now I need to find out what else I can do -- does anyone else have experience with this?  Does insurance cover a fistula - even if I haven't developed any comorbidities YET?  Can they do the fistula repair and the RESTORe procedure at the same time? Anyone with any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Kathy