Life Before Surgery
Life before surgery was rough but I still enjoyed life! I always want people to know that I was “happy” at a heavier weight but the weight definitely impacted my life. At my highest, I weighed 335lbs. I am 5’7” tall. I was always tired, had to request a seat belt extender every time I flew and couldn’t ride rides at amusement parks. I teach high school and take my seniors to Six Flags every year. I always lied and said I was scared of roller coasters. This past May, I rode the rides! It was the best feeling ever; second to being able to cross my legs all the time!
I choose the surgery simply to be healthier. While I don’t have my own children I have many nieces and nephews that I wanted to be around for. I also wanted to be healthier to indulge in my love of travel.
The Nicholson Clinic Experience
For me the process with Nicholson Clinic and Dr. Long was amazing. My insurance didn’t cover the surgery so being a cash patient it was much quicker. I made the conscious decision in March to investigate the surgery. Had a consultation sometime in May and surgery scheduled for July 9. I was traveling in June, otherwise it would have been sooner. The consults with all the required personnel were easy (met via Zoom during COVID), personable and they answered all the questions. I had my surgery at Baylor Surgicare in Garland and they were great! Nurses were very friendly and joking around before my surgery, and they were hands on after surgery. The PA I’ve seen for every Post-Op visit is the ABSOLUTE BEST! He genuinely cares, asks questions and makes sure he is as invested in this as I am! So so so encouraging!
Life After Surgery
Life now—that’s the million dollar question! It’s amazing! I won’t lie—there are days that mentally you question every piece of food that goes in your mouth. You question that one pound gain and freak out.
But…
I feel so good about myself (don’t get me wrong I felt great about myself before too!) I had no complications from surgery; I’m healthier; I can move quicker and further than before; I’m in clothes that I haven’t seen in decades and actually have to buy frequently because I’m still shrinking. I go to amusement parks; I wore a two piece to Vegas; no more seat belt extender on planes and just enjoy life. My disposition (probably because I’m not as tired) is much happier and noticeable by friends and family.
Hands down this was the best decision ever. Ultimately I’d like to lose a few more pounds but my body is happy right around 198-200.
Gastric Sleeve Procedure
This procedure eliminates about seventy to eighty percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach – now reduced to about 25% of its original size – is shaped like a banana and resembles a tube or sleeve. This sleeve will now be your stomach. Because Gastric Sleeve involves resection of the portion of the stomach that produces Grehlin – the hormone that makes you feel hungry, patients who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy report a reduced appetite, helping them to lose weight. These hormonal changes will be effective in reducing food cravings and helps you feel fuller easily. The healing process can take weeks. However, patients start seeing initial results after a few weeks, drastic results after 3-6 months, then complete weight loss somewhere between nine months to a year.
Consulting The Best Team For Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The experts at the Nicholson Clinic understand you may have concerns about gastric sleeve surgery. Their top surgeons in Texas will address all your concerns and ensure you have all that’s needed to kick start your weight loss journey during an initial consultation. They will discuss your health history with you, ask about any medications you might be taking, and cover the mental and physical aspects of the procedure. Many insurance plans also require you to meet with a psychologist for a pre-surgical evaluation to prepare patients for surgery and identify any factors that may inhibit successful weight loss. Additionally, an appointment with a dietitian may be required to discuss the pre-op diet and post-op plan.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery
It takes two to three weeks for the stomach to heal from gastric sleeve surgery. However, it can take from six to eight weeks for the staple line to heal, making the post-op diet so important. Generally, you should be able to get back to moderate activity and a desk job after about 3-5 days.
Typically, a month after the surgery and once approved by your doctor, you can start your exercise routine and be on your path to a complete recovery. After the surgery, it is essential you stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Before you have gastric sleeve surgery, keep in mind that it’s important to have the support of your family and/or a loved one, plus a patient advocate. That’s the best way to make the process easier and successful. Every patient at The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery is assigned a Patient Care Advocate to help you navigate through the entire process leading up to surgery and set you up for success.
Ever wondered which states have the highest obesity rates in the United States? We have listed sixteen states that currently have the highest obesity rates. Moreover, if you or a loved one is fighting obesity or want to prevent it, we have highlighted what you can anticipate from the best Texas weight loss surgery center and how best you can prepare ahead!
States With The Highest Obesity Rate
According to the CDC, here are the states with the highest obesity rates:
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Michigan
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Visiting A Weight Loss Surgery Center
Have you been struggling to lose weight? Visiting a weight loss surgery center might be the end to all your struggles! By consulting the doctors at one of the best weight loss surgery centers in the country, you can attain the weight you have always wanted. The goal of a weight loss surgery center is to help you overcome any hindrances in your path to losing weight and achieving a healthier and happier life. There are many choices for weight loss surgery which include:
If you need weight loss surgery in Texas, you can get professional advice from the Nicholson Clinic experts. After your consultation to determine the best weight loss procedure for you, the team at the Nicholson Clinic will continue to work with you to help you attain and keep your goals. They provide resources to help you:
- Plan and stick to a nutritional plan that works best for you
- Establish and follow an exercise plan
- Participate in support groups to help you with the psychological aspect of weight loss
Maintain a weight loss regimen for long-term success
When choosing a weight loss plan, pick one that’s effective and safe for you. That’s the beauty of consulting with weight loss experts at the Nicholson Clinic. In addition to regular follow up appointments, they are always on standby to supervise your weight loss program from pre-op, to post-op and long-term maintenance and support.
Three Vital Factors About Weight Loss
Before you start any weight loss program, you have to consider a few things. First, you have to understand the numerous factors that can influence your effort to lose weight. These include changes in diet, lifestyle, and exercise. So, speak with your doctor before you start a new plan! They help customize the program and monitor your progress.
Bottom line
At the start of every weight loss program, you will face some obstacles that will make it challenging. The experts at The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery have been helping people achieve their weight loss goals for over 20 years. They take a team approach to weight loss and have a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, experienced clinicians and support staff to help patients reverse obesity.
At Nicholson Clinic we know that surgery is only part of the weight loss equation. That’s why we’ve created a team of experts to help our patients from their initial inquiry, to surgery, and beyond for life. We have the largest bariatric staff in DFW and really are with you all the way! We believe wholeheartedly that you should not be alone on your journey to lose weight and get healthy.
When a patient first calls in, we have helpful office staff to direct your call, answer any questions you have about the process, schedule your initial consultation and/or direct you to our insurance advocates to check your insurance for free!
Insurance Specialists / Insurance Coordinators — A lot of people want to know if their insurance covers weight loss surgery. While most major insurance carriers have bariatric coverage and will cover weight loss surgery, if it is considered medically necessary and the patient meets the set criteria, we need to find out whether your specific policy covers it. That’s where our insurance team comes in! Given that insurance coverage can be tricky business, we have insurance specialists who will collect patient’s insurance information and verify coverage on their behalf. Patients can call in or go online and fill out the check my insurance form on our website. Once our insurance team finds out your specific information, they will contact you to discuss coverage. Since there are several steps in this process if a patient qualifies, we have Insurance Coordinators who help you obtain all the verification requirements needed so you receive the maximum benefits and pay the minimum amount. Some insurance plans often require dietitian and psychologist appointments, sleep studies, lab work, clearances, etc. Our Insurance Coordinators will guide you through this process and submit the letter of recommendation to your insurance company to get approval for the procedure.
Patient Care Advocates — (PCAs) are your 1:1 concierges to help you through the entire process leading up to surgery. Your PCA will be assigned after your consultation with the surgeon. They help make sure your pre-op needs are met, and will serve as your primary point of contact with the Nicholson Clinic. Since there can be several steps leading up to surgery, especially if using bariatric insurance coverage, your PCA team is here to help you navigate the journey to surgery. We also require our patients to complete a 2-week pre-op diet to help prepare you for a safe, effective surgery. Our Patient Care Advocates strive to help you through each and every step – their primary goal is to ensure you have the best possible pre-surgical experience. All of our PCAs are also Certified Medical Assistants.
Patient Educators — Nicholson Clinic also has patient educators on staff. They are Certified Medical Assistants who offer pre-op and post-op nutrition advice, medical support and guidance. They are available via email or phone during business hours, Monday to Friday, and also participate in the Nicholson Clinic Patient Support Group on Facebook to offer encouragement and support and answer patient questions. Each month they host Facebook Live events on various topics helpful to weight loss surgery patients. Whether you are just going through the process now or are years out, our Patient Educators are a wonderful resource to our patients for life!
The office support staff, billing team, and practice management are here to help you understand and navigate the process, and of course we have one of the most experienced medical teams in the country, which is what we are most known for!
Left to Right: Samantha Lumbereraz, MA, Patient Care Advocate; Amber Delgado, MA, Spanish Speaking Patient Care Advocate; Jordan Mitchell, MA, Patient Care Advocate; Renader Myles, MA, Patient Educator, Prescriptions, FMLA; Mariam Guyed, MA, Patient Educator, Prescriptions, FMLA
Medical Team — We take a team approach to weight loss and have a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants and experienced clinicians to help patients reverse obesity. Dr. Nicholson opened the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery in North Texas more than 20 years ago. Today, the Nicholson Clinic is the country’s premier destination for weight loss and has helped more than 25,000 patients, coming from all 50 states and 11 countries.
Left to Right: Emma Cummins, PA-C, Physician Assistant; Adam Brown, PA-C, Physician Assistant; Rick Fisher, PA, Physician Assistant; Thomas Roshek, MD, Bariatric Surgeon; Brian Long, MD, Bariatric Surgeon; Nick Nicholson, MD, Bariatric Surgeon.
Dedicated to helping patients transform their lives, the Nicholson Clinic offers the latest in weight loss using emerging technology, including robotic bariatric surgery. Procedures include gastric balloon, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, Lap-Band, and revisional surgeries. Patients see a reversal not only of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, but also high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and other weight-related illnesses.
The Nicholson Clinic also specializes in gallbladder removal, abdominal / umbilical / inguinal hernia repairs as well as hiatal hernia repair to treat acid reflux. In addition to being one of the most experienced surgical teams in the country, all three surgeons are also known for their down to earth personalities and compassionate care. With credentials at some of the top facilities in DFW, Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Long and Dr. Roshek are proud to offer the assurance of safe, effective outcomes and help eradicate obesity.
We partner with and work closely with additional providers as needed; i.e. Clinical Psychologists, Registered Dietitians, Cardiologists, Gastroenterologists, Plastic Surgeons and Primary Care Providers — all to help patients achieve their weight loss goals and live a happier, healthier life.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, the first step is to make an appointment with one of our doctors for a new consultation. When we schedule your appointment, we also collect your insurance information at that time, then our team gets to work on verifying coverage. We will then make an attempt to reach you prior to your appointment so you know what to expect. From clinic check in to check out, our medical team and support staff will help you feel safe, comfortable and well taken care of. We look forward to helping you on your journey to health.
We are thrilled to announce Nicholson Clinic has been voted “Best Bariatric Surgeon” in Living Magazine for the Frisco-Plano area.
Dr. Nick Nicholson and our clinic have previously received the distinction of “Best of” for six years and we are honored to again have been voted best by the magazine’s readers.
Living Magazine delivers health, fitness and lifestyle content to its readers, who voted for Nicholson Clinic because of our exceptional service that is patient-based and delivers life-changing results. Nicholson Clinic provides patient support services that are second to none. These services are designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of all our patients.
Not only do Dr. Nicholson and our team of surgeons focus on bariatric surgery but we also emphasize the importance of education and dedicate a space on our website to answer any question that a patient might have. We provide comprehensive videos explaining medical procedures including bariatric and abdominal surgeries. The voters of Living Magazine chose Nicholson Clinic for our comprehensive approach to treating patients.
Our team of dedicated, board-certified doctors work closely with patients and stress the importance of one-on-one consultations to discuss the procedures we offer in depth with each patient and find a solution best suited to their individual needs. Along with Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Brian Long and Dr. Thomas Roshek, Nicholson Clinic has a dedicated staff of physician assistants, experienced clinicians and support staff, and partners with registered dietitians and clinical psychologists to provide the optimum continuum of care.
After being diagnosed with PCOS and learning she would be unable to have a child of her own, Sarah underwent gastric sleeve surgery. A decision that changed her life in more ways than one. This is her story.
Life Before Surgery
“I was constantly sick, I would throw up every night and I was constantly hungry. I was diagnosed with PCOS and was informed that I was unable to have children. I was in constant pain and discomfort, it triggered self doubt within me.”
Sarah made the decision to contact Nicholson Clinic. After her consultation and tests, it was also determined that Sarah had a hiatal hernia that could be repaired at the same time as her gastric sleeve procedure. She had underwent surgery in 2016 with Dr. Roshek
The Nicholson Clinic Experience
“Everyone was very friendly and proactive with me telling me they will take care of everything I just need to do my part. Within six months of having surgery, I was down 100 pounds and back to feeling myself.”
Life After Surgery
Following her procedure and weight loss, Sarah’s leg pain is gone. Her cycles were back to normal, and she finally started to live her life, even doing a little modeling! The biggest change for Sarah, however, is that she was able to have her own baby and is now the mother of a beautiful baby girl. “I’m very thankful that I had the surgery. My healing process went by very quickly and it’s just been amazing,” she says. “I have a baby girl, a loving husband and I’m on top of the world!”
In July 2020, Amanda made the decision to take control of her health. She had gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Long. Since surgery, Amanda is down 70 pounds! This is her story.
Life Before Surgery
“Before surgery I tried many ‘diets’ and workout plans. These would work temporarily but never a long term solution. I would lose a little weight and then it would come back. I was very unhappy with my size. I really hated shopping! I reached out to an old high school friend that had the surgery to get more information. Her results were amazing and she referred me to the Nicholson Clinic.
The Nicholson Clinic Experience
Everything from the time I scheduled my initial appointment has been smooth. I feel like they just talked me through the process from the beginning and I never felt pressured. The staff has been helpful when needed. Dr. Long always made me feel comfortable and listened to me and some doctors just don’t do that. I feel like the staff really wanted to help me and I wasn’t just another patient for them.
Life After Surgery
Since surgery my life has been way different. I have lost just over 70 pounds. I am working out six days a week and have even started running! That was something I never would do before. We even do a timed mile in my workout class and I can run a nine-minute mile. I get told all the time how amazing I look and it just really makes me feel so good to hear those words from the people in my life. I am so grateful to Dr. Long and the Nicholson Clinic.
Nicholson Clinic is on your team, but you’ve got to do your part, too. A winning strategy isn’t just about surgery. To beat obesity, patients must stick to the game plan. That means staying on track with all follow up appointments and taking advantage of Nicholson Clinic’s unique additional “training” options available, like our post-op support group and classes!
Surgery is only part of the weight loss equation. In addition to our unsurpassed multidisciplinary team of experts, we’ve developed an unmatched support program for our patients, for life. Nicholson Clinic patients have access to a variety of support options before, during and after surgery.
Post-Op Recovery
At Nicholson Clinic, our mantra is “With You All the Way.” And we really mean it! As long as you’ll have us, we’ll be by your side — for life! Follow-up appointments are a crucial part of your success as a patient. Following surgery, we suggest you schedule follow-up appointments at one-to-two weeks, six weeks, four months, eight months, one year and annually from there on. It is important that you return to our office for long-term care. Your commitment to keep up with follow-up appointments, educational sessions and support group attendance will serve to assure your optimum health and success during your weight loss journey.
The suggestions above is our minimum recommended schedule for post-op follow-up appointments, but patients are always welcome to give us a call or schedule an appointment anytime, or as often as you would like to see a provider and get help when struggling. We depend on patients to contact us if they are having any problems or would like to come in and talk to a doctor. We are here for you!
Patient Educator
Candace Peppers, MA is our Patient Educator. In her role, Candace provides patient support and education before surgery, after surgery and for life. Candace is active in our Facebook Patient Support Group, where she hosts our monthly Patient-to-Patient Virtual Support Group as well as a monthly “Lunch with Candace” live Q&A session. She has also recorded a series of nutrition videos available on our website. These, “Class with Candace” videos can be found here.
Facebook Support Group
Any patient who has had or is scheduled for surgery is invited to join our closed Facebook Support Group page where patients go for inspiration, to help each other out, ask questions, get feedback from Candace and patients, post victories and struggles. This group is a welcoming community and a great way to connect with other patients on the same journey.
To join the Facebook support group, click here. Once verified as a patient, you will be added to the group.
Complimentary Support Calendar
Our support calendar is updated and posted monthly on the website, both on the homepage and under “Weight Loss Support” (click “Download Support Class Schedule”). It’s also posted in our clinic and shared on our social media each month!
Post-Op 1:1 Nutrition Support
As time goes on, we know it can be a struggle to stick to your post-op diet. If you’ve fallen off track, or perhaps you’ve just hit a plateau in your weight loss, individual appointments with a dietitian are also available to our patients as needed.
To schedule a post-op nutrition appointment, contact one of these providers:
PsyMed
(214) 348-5557
Amber Odom, RD/LD
(972) 596-9511
Melanie Wilder, RD/LD
(972) 599-9600
Post-Op 1:1 Psychological Support
Your body physically goes through a lot of changes after weight loss surgery but you are also going through a lot of mental and emotional changes as well. Some patients find it helpful to check in with one of our behavioral health experts for health and lifestyle change intervention or psychological support in adjusting to their new life if needed.
Our team of behavioral health experts includes:
PsyMed, Inc.
(214) 348-5557
Jay Ashmore, PhD
(214) 477-9275
Advantage Point Behavioral Health
(877) 583-5633
Do your part to stick to the game plan and stay on track with follow-up appointments and take advantage of our additional support options. If you’re struggling, make an appointment with one of our dietitian or psychologist partners, or if you are concerned about your health, have questions or could just use some encouragement, make an appointment to come see us!
Life Before Surgery
“I’m a single mom of one son. After my divorce, I devoted all of my time to making sure my son was well taken care of, but in the process, I neglected myself. When my son graduated from high school, I decided to focus on getting my life back. My family has a history of high blood pressure and diabetes, and these are ailments I didn’t want. I had previously looked into having surgery but opted to try and do it on my own. But I found this task to be difficult, my eating habits were trash and physical activity was often a chore because the weight caused joint pain. Illness in late 2018, early 2019 had me at my heaviest of 315 pounds, mind you, I’m only 5’4. I reconsidered and decided to make a go at surgery.”
The Nicholson Clinic Experience
“My initial consultation was uneventful, as I had done the research and some of the surgery prerequisites previously before moving to Texas. Dr. Nick and the staff made the experience not only informative but eased my mind to no end. The entire process was so easy. The information provided during the process helped me to think of food differently and redirect my mind to a healthier lifestyle. I also think the process was somewhat easy, because I was READY for a change. Post-op was probably a little different for me than most because my process was in the midst of COVID. The staff kept in contact with me and was available to answer any questions or concerns. Dr. Nick and his staff are exceptional in how they cared for me.”
Life After Surgery
“Many think weight loss surgery is the easy way out, this is far from the truth. The process is more mental than anything. Not only has my journey been physical, but it has been emotional, in that I never realized how much I had neglected myself. It has also been spiritual in that I realized that I was made unique and that my journey is for me and me only. My purpose is to be a living example to show that self care is essential in being able to help others. Life now is fantabulous. I’m able to make better food choices and the highlight is being able to move and be active without pain. Seeing results is my motivation to keep pushing. So far, I’ve lost 87 pounds.”
We are proud to announce that all of our doctors have been once again recognized as Best Doctors in Collin County in 2021 by D Magazine.
To be selected for this honor, our doctors first received nominations by their peers via a poll sent to local doctors in general practice and specialty fields. Each physician is asked to nominate two others in each specialty field they would be willing to send their own patients or loved ones to for care. The final winners were chosen as a result of online voting.
For more than 20 years, Nicholson Clinic, led by founder Dr. Nick Nicholson, has worked to become a national leader in bariatric surgery. To once again have all three doctors honored is testament to the fact that Nicholson Clinic’s excellence in patient care is recognized not only by our patients, but by other physicians in the area.
“It’s an honor for our entire clinic to be acknowledged” says Dr. Nicholson, the founder and lead surgeon at the Nicholson Clinic. “It’s a team approach and knowing other esteemed medical physicians put their trust in all of us is not something we take lightly.” With this level of trust, the Nicholson Clinic has been able to help more than 25,000 patients from all 50 states and 11 countries achieve their health goals.
Our doctors are focused on helping their patients achieve long-term results and have seen countless numbers of cases entirely reverse weight related illnesses. Nicholson Clinic patients receive ongoing support through a variety of channels, including access to clinical psychologists, nutritionists, fitness coaches and online support groups. Our end goal is to help our patients adjust to a long-lasting healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Nick Nicholson, Dr. Brian Long, and Dr. Thomas Roshek each specialize in all aspects of weight loss surgery, from gastric sleeve to bypass to revisional weight-loss surgeries and all three have dedicated their lives to helping their patients see transforming results.
