kmann

Hi!!! This is my 1st post....I am 36 y/o 5'7 230lbs. I am currently in the pre-testing phase for a clinical trial for what is called the TOGA proceedure. It basically creates a gastric sleeve, but they go down the esophagus with a scope, and create the sleeve that way. No insicions at all. I am sooo excited. They have done alot of these overseas already...the trial is just getting started in the US...1st one was done is ST Louis about 2 months ago. If I make it through the screenings, I will be the 1st patient to be done in Columbia Mo. I am kinda scared though, not of the proceedure, I am worried that I will have this done, and not loose any weight!!! Is that a common thought to go through? I have not had my phyc counciling yet to ask them. I mean part of me KNOWS it will work, but then theres that other part of my brain that says...."nothing else you have ever done worked, why would this be any different" I just feel so lucky to hopefully be a part of this study, without it I would not be able to have weight loss surgery...because my insurance doesnt cover it, and we cant afford it. So, keep your fingers crossed for me to not have any problmes found on the screening tests they will be doing. I have never had any upper GI problems, but, still I really want this, and I'm scared they will find something that may disqualify me. If anyone else is intersted in this study there is a web site about it....it is www.togaclinicalstudy.com....u have to live within 100 miles of a trial location...there are several though..but, I bet alot of them are already full...each site is only doing like 30 proceedures,but of course alot of people wont make it throught the screening process. THanks Kim:thumbup:

What surgery are u having? I am hoping I can stay away from the scale....But, we all know thats not gonna happen...I need that satisfaction. Actually, my 1st concern is just qualifying for the trial, as my insurance doesnt cover wt loss surgery, so if I can't make the trial, I will probably never have weight loss surgery!!