Speedmommy

I am a 62 year old female who has been a yo-yo dieter all of my life. As part of the preparation for tomorrow's procedure, I had to recount all of my efforts to lose weight. I told the therapists that I have lost enough weight over the years to create a whole other person. Unfortunately, every time I've lost a person, I've found a fatter one to replace her with. When I made the decision, both emotional and financial, to go ahead with the ESG procedure, I was excited and hopeful. Now less than 24 hours away from the procedure, I'm nervous and worried. I'm happy to see all the positive reports on this forum, but I worry that my age will be a factor. I'm healthy and strong, but I fear that menopause has slowed down my metabolism and put fat in places I didn't have fat before (around my middle, specifically). I plan on continuing to follow the progress of my fellow ESG'ers and if there's anyone out there who has already been through the procedure and is a around my age, I'd really appreciate their input. Thanks, Judy

It has been awfully quiet lately. Where did everyone go? It would be nice to hear how things are going. My first appointments with the pros before the procedure are this week and I'd like to be able to ask questions based on what has been posted. Thanks.

Hi SydSyd, I'm glad to hear from someone who has "blazed the trail" for me. My procedure is scheduled for 9/29 at Hopkins. I start my pre-procedure meetings with the doctors and therapists in 2 weeks. I almost always have issues with anesthesia, so after hearing your story, I will make sure to tell them that I will need something to prevent nausea. I really want this procedure to" jump start" my weight loss. I've tried so many different weight loss plans, lost and then gained again. My husband is not supportive of the procedure and basically thinks I just threw away $16,500.00 (gold plan). I'm hoping that the support from the pros at Hopkins will help me learn how to eat. That is my greatest fear, that after all of this, in a couple of years I will have put all the weight back on. Does Hopkins have any kind of support group for the ESG patients to share their concerns and successes? I hope your weight loss journey is successful. Keep posting.

I'm very hopeful. I'm glad to hear from so many people who have either gone through with the procedure or are considering the procedure and are happy with their decision. I have seen many people have the bariatric surgery, lose a significant amount of weight and then slowly put the weight back on. It is very frustrating to find what one thinks is the answer to getting a healthy weight and then see the fat return. I know it is not a panacea. I'm still going to have to watch what I eat and to get more exercise, but I'm hoping that the feeling of being full will help with my resolve.

He has seen me do Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, lose a significant amount of weight and then put it all back on, plus more. Since the procedure is not covered by my insurance, it means that I have to pay out of pocket and my husband feels it's a waste of money. I really hope this is the solution to my yo-yo weight problems. I want to lose 50 pounds and keep them off. I'm hoping the follow-up from Hopkins helps me learn how to eat, exercise and keep the weight off. I want to prove to myself and my husband that I can do this. Judy

Initially I was not going to tell anyone, but then my husband ( who is not supporting the ESG procedure) started telling people. So I decided that I'm not embarrassed by my choice to have the ESG procedure. If I'm asked what I'm doing to lose weight, I'll tell the truth, but I'm also not going to spread it around. It's my business and no one else's. Judy ESG Procedure Date 9/29

Congratulations on getting your insurance company to pay for your procedure. I was wondering if you had to do anything to get the insurance company to approve the coverage. I'm scheduled for the procedure at Johns Hopkins Bayview on Sept. 29th and my insurance company, Aetna, won't cover it. They'll cover the more expensive surgery, which I don't qualify for, but not ESG. Thank you for whatever help you can offer. Judy