hope4momof4

That is around my current weight now, mountaingal. I’m about at 190 but a bit shorter than you 5’5”. I’m stuck at this weight. I have been stuck here for almost two weeks. I’m very depressed because my ESG was only a month ago and I know the majority of your weight loss occurs in the beginning. I’m concerned that I spent all this $ (out of pocket) for a procedure that only gave me a 12 pound weight loss so far. I’m trying to keep positive and sticking to the plan but I’m not seeing results. I exercise 4-5 times a week at the gym doing 40-45 minutes of cardio. My meals are as follows: green smoothie for breakfast— 275 calories and 25g of protein lunch— unjury chicken broth— 90 calories and 21g of protein dinner— baked salmon with soft veggies or chicken breast strips cooked stir fry with soft veggies or eggs with broccoli and onions— each one has at least another 20 g of protein and no more than 400 Calories snacks— bone broth only 50 calories and 10g of protein, protein water— 90 calories and 20 g protein, a sugar free fudgesicle or popsicle, a serving of sugar free jell-o, or nonfat Greek yogurt. I’ve even upped my water intake to 8-10 cups a day. Where am I going wrong?

Hello everyone. I’m scheduled for my ESG on February 6 which is only 6 short days away. I’m scared and I need some pep talks from our veteran ESGers. So many of you have been an inspiration to me, in particular Melesg, TexSlim, and AmyAlexis but I now find myself so terrified of this procedure. I’m afraid of the actual procedure, what if I don’t wake up? I have 4 children who are older 19, 18, 15, and 11 but they still need me. What if I have a horrible reaction and I have to hospitalized? What if I need several days to recover instead of just 3? My biggest fear is what if I go through with it after months of wanting this procedure done and it doesn’t work? Please help me get over this. Keep posting your experiences to reassure me that I’m doing the right thing. Don’t sugarcoat it either. Be honest and let me know what the heck I got myself into. I’m not backing out. I’ve waiting too long and saved up my own $ for this. I’m just scared of the unknown. Please help guys!😩😟

First of all, congrats on those phenomenal results! That is amazing! What is most amazing is how you’ve maintained for 2 years. You really should be very proud because it does take a lot of work on your part to make the most of your tool. When I said cutting I meant incisions in the stomach to access the actual stomach inside. Our procedures should be the same except they accessed your stomach through those 4 small incisions while mine was accessed through the mouth. I know you still have your stomach and it is just folded up with stitches or sutures just like mine should be. I also know that b/c our stomachs are still intact, we did not get any of it removed like in the traditional gastric sleeve, we have to struggle with our hunger issues because that gherlin hormone is still present. If you don’t might me asking, what we’re your stats preop? Height? Weight? Age? I’m very curious to see how similar in stats we may be. It will motivate me to try to reach the amazing results you achieved!!

Thank you dear. Hugging my kids is rare now since they are all boys and range from 20 years old to 11!🤣🤣(I do however hug my baby, the eleven year old often, he’ll always be my baby!) Anyway, I would love to answer any questions you have about the ESG. It is mostly recommended for those with a lower BMI like under 40. It does give you restriction but there is more work involved on your part than the other more invasive WLS. It doesn’t remove the gherlin hormone that causes hunger like the gastric sleeve does so you will have to work on that on your own. I guess my dear it’s a trade off—ESG is noninvasive with much less recovery time but results are not as drastic as the invasive sleeve. Ask away. I was in the same boat a mere six months ago. I completely understand. 💝💝

Yes, Patricia I was nervous but the procedure was not bad at all. I often tell this story to others who are nervous— I came home after my procedure and did laundry!!🤣🤣 I know you will be fine and do great!! Just remember to take all the meds the doctor tells you take before the procedure and get plenty of rest when you come home that same day. You’ll also be tired the 2nd day but by day 3 you should be almost back to normal. We are all rooting for you. You can do this!! Best of luck.

Hi there Patriciaholland. So nice to hear from you. I paid $10,000 US dollars for everything. That included the meds, the consultation, and visits to the nutritionist. I hope your on your way to getting the procedure done. Let us know how you make out. 💝

Hi there frust8. I just had the ESG on February 6. They used sutures or stitches to sew up the stomach. No foreign device is let in your stomach. I’m not sure what rivets even are in all honesty but they may have been used during the procedure but NOT left in there. Just wanted to clarify. Are you thinking of having the ESG done? This forum is a wonderful place to get info and experiences from those who have had it done. Some have had phenomenal results. I have done just ok. I’ve lost 12 pounds in one month. I’m at a stall at the moment but working through it hopefully. Feel free to ask whatever you’d like.

Great point, Mountaingal. I agree with you on that. The idea is basically the same. I believe though plication involves cutting and staples to fold in the stomach while in ESG there is no cutting, done endoscopicly, and they use sutures or stitches to hold the stomach together. How you done gastric plication? What are your results if I may ask? Thanks for the insight.

Hi there. I can’t really give you advice about having a bypass, I really wish I could. However, in all my endless hours of research about all types of WLS I do know that the bypass is considered the “gold standard” in weight loss. This means that you will see excellent results almost guaranteed. In addition if your surgeon advised it as your best choice you can get it covered by insurance and he/ she being a professional knows what’s best for you. There are so many I’ve read about who have had the lap band or even the gastric sleeve and have written that they wish they had done the bypass instead because of the steady and considerable weight loss. You will be fine my dear as you should trust what your doctor recommends for you. Keep in mind that we who have had the ESG still struggle with hunger. Our stomachs were not removed like the gastric sleeve and the gherlin hormone is still there nagging at us all day. We also struggle with stalls that can last for weeks and can really impact you on a mental level. I am happy with my ESG but it does take a lot of work on my part. I am not saying you will have it easy but a bypass is what most bariatric surgeons know is a proven and effective procedure for long term weight loss. It has been done for many, many years and there is a ton of data on it. I wish you the absolute best of luck on whatever you choose. Please know that we are always here to listen to you regardless of the procedure you choose. Please keep us posted. With love and support.

Hi there MomInCanada! Welcome to the ESG forum or I should say family because we consider each other family in many ways in terms of the support, guidance you'll receive from the best people. To answer your first concern, I honestly believe that the surgeon who does the ESG procedure does matter a lot. I had mine in NJ and one of the reasons I choose my surgeon (Dr. Sadek) was because of his experience with this procedure and the number of ESGs he had performed. I can tell you that Dr. Marvin has had excellent reviews from many on this forum as well as the Facebook group that I am on which you should check out. Once you're in the Facebook group (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty USA) type in his name in the search and many results will come up. I know that he has performed many and was trained by Dr. Sharairah herself who pioneered this procedure. I read a study about how a surgeon who performs ESG will get better and perfect his technique the more he has performed. My surgeon explained to me that his first few ESGs were done a certain way in terms of stitching and when he figured out a better way to improve the stitching pattern he got better results. He also told me that of the approximately 50-60 ESGs he's performed he has only had to revise two which were two of his first ESGs. Your second concern, privacy about the procedure, I have only told my husband as well. I have 4 boys who range from 19-11 years old and they did not even bat an eye or suspect I had any procedure done at all. This is why: Your recovery is very minimal, of course each person is different but a smooth and painless recovery is usually the norm. Just make sure to take all the meds the doctor prescribes for you and by the third day post op you will feel almost 100%. I often tell this story on this forum and to the facebook group--- After I came home from the procedure, same day of course, (went in at 7AM and was done and awake and ready to go home by 11AM) I did a load of laundry!!! If you are concerned about others wondering why you are eating so little, I'll tell you this--- most people don't pay attention as much as you think. Those that may venture to ask you, the answer should be simple-- I'm watching what I eat because I'm trying to get healthy. If you were anything like I was pre op then most of your close friends and family would be used to you on another diet. Good luck and please keep us posted!!!!

Hey there TexSlim! You may think it's weird but I felt like you were my big brother when I asked how to add the ticker. That's the kind of thing I'd ask my older brothers about when I can't figure out how to work something. Anyway, I digress, I have figured it out and it is actually really cool how you can choose the icon and marker!! I wanted to ask you another question or more like I'm asking you for some wisdom, big brother, lol, I need help getting through a stall again and I'm not sure how to work through it. The last time Amy Alexis reminded me to up more water intake which I did and I got through it. Now, however I'm stalled again and it's getting frustrating!!! What am I doing wrong? Here's what my day looks like now, more or less, remember I'm still on puree or soft foods. Breakfast--- green smoothie (protein shake with green veggies and berries added in with water and some almond milk) Lunch-- 3-4 egg whites with broccoli Dinner-- one of the following--- lentil soup, 4 oz, baked salmon, chicken strips with veggies stir fried, chili, or a small portion of the dinner my family had--- has to be soft because I'm still in the puree stage Snacks throughout the day--- nonfat greek yogurt, sugar free jell-o, sugar free popsicle, bone broth, sugar free fudgesicle, occasionally sugar free pudding but not often because it sets off my sweet tooth I only drink Protein premier clear protein drink, water, sometimes crystal light. I do cardio exercise 3-4 times a week for about 35-40 minutes each time. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks for all the help and support you've provided me so far!

WOW!! That weight loss is amazing!! So inspirational Luv LIfe!! Your meals are small and healthy which our tool helps with but the rest is all YOU!!! Your exercise regimen is impressive and that is what I believe has helped you lose even more. You really did get the best out of this procedure and I hope that your success continues. Have you had any stalls? I'm stalled at the moment. Tomorrow it will be 4 weeks for me post op and I've only lost 12 pounds. I did have a stall before and upping my water intake helped me break through it. I'm going to try that again. If you have any tips for me it would be much appreciated on how to get past the stall. Here's my daily routine and food plan more or less, please help me tweak it to get better results: Breakfast--- green smoothie (protein shake with green veggies and berries added in with water and some almond milk) Lunch-- 3-4 egg whites with broccoli Dinner-- one of the following--- lentil soup, 4 oz, baked salmon, chicken strips with veggies stir fried, chili, or a small portion of the dinner my family had--- has to be soft because I'm still in the puree stage Snacks throughout the day--- nonfat greek yogurt, sugar free jell-o, sugar free popsicle, bone broth, sugar free fudgesicle, occasionally sugar free pudding but not often because it sets off my sweet tooth I only drink Protein premier clear protein drink, water, sometimes crystal light. I do cardio exercise 3-4 times a week for about 35-40 minutes each time. I cheated once with some vanilla creme filled cookies and man did I pay the price for that!! Horrible gas pains, heartburn, and then the dumping came which actually provided relief but I threw out the rest of the box in case I got crazy again. Any suggestions? With love and support always!!!

Hi there PCOSSUCKS. I had my procedure on February 6 after months and months of looking for information about ESG. You are definitely right that this forum can provide so much information and support for all of those in the pre and postop stage. I’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I remember being exactly where you are right now, looking for advice and guidance. The procedure itself, at least for me, was not very painful at all. The recovery was quick and I would say I was “back to normal” by the evening or afternoon of the day after the procedure which I found pretty amazing. ESG does help curb your appetite tremendously but you do have to do your part as with any WLS. The further out you are the more work you have to put in but as of now, I am like 3-4 weeks out, it is doing the job. I can feel the restriction and feel full with a much smaller amount than before the ESG. We’re here for guidance, support, or advice whenever you need it. Welcome to the group!!

Hey guys. This question is more directed at Tex. I’m embarrassed but I’ve spent a good 30 minutes trying to figure out how to add the ticker to my posts so I can remain accountable but I can’t figure it out. 🤦‍♀️Please explain to me how to add that to each of my posts the way you have it on yours. Thanks in advance!

So happy for you Fluffy! You have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to many on this forum. I hope we can provide you with some of what you’ve given all of us. You got through it and now comes the hard part. If I were you I’d go back and read your own posts for motivation because you are the best at that my dear. Congrats on a smooth surgery. I wish you the best!!

Hey LuvLife I’m sorry that I didn’t read this post until now. Congrats on the major success. 35 lbs. down is quite an accomplishment. I did want to know, however, what do your 2-3 small meals a day consist of? Please share as I and I’m sure many would appreciate meal advice from someone who seems like a pro. Way to go on the weight loss. You should be proud.

Great to hear from you once again, my favorite Amy (Just for argument’s sake you are not the only Amy I know lol). Cool snack Amy. Sounds delicious. When I’m off purée foods I’ll try it. As for dinner which I have started to experiment with: Stir fry chicken strips with Asian medley frozen vegetables. You can use fresh chicken breast or if you are in a rush buy the Perdue or Tyson frozen chicken strips which are already precooked and just need heating up. The frozen veggies have a very light sauce that tastes good not overpowering and only 240 calories for the entire pack. (Made by Bird’s eye) If you are into spicy add crushed red pepper. If I get anymore recipes or meal ideas further into my postop that I’ve actually tried I’ll let you know. I’m sure Tex and Mel will have a ton for you.

Tex that is awesome. Your numbers look great! My son is 6”2’ and he’s a wrestler so weight and weighing is a constant routine for him. His lowest weight was 218 lbs. and I thought he looked a bit too thin in all honesty. 225 sounds like a perfect weight for that height. It is wonderful that you’re 1/2 way to your goal. And Tex it is not crazy to want to get back to your college weight. Why not? You have the determination and the mind set and I just know you can and will do this!!! I’m going to try to add the ticket as well. I believe that you’re right. It will keep us honest and that is true accountability!

How exciting for you Tex. Bravo on pushing through the stall and bravo on not allowing that to get to you mentally. This is exactly why this forum is such an important tool for us. Sometimes it takes some common sense basic suggestion to get us back on track. I had the same issue and for me it was even more disheartening being that I hadn’t even reached the two week mark at that point. I stalled and the scale just wouldn’t budge for three days and then when I posted my frustration Amy suggested that I wasn’t getting enough water perhaps. I have upped my water intake for the past four days and the weight now is coming off. I’m hoping to continue posting my success. Thanks to all. We will get through this but we have to remain committed to posting especially when we are stalled. As always my best!!

I know you’ll do great Patricia! Keep focused on preparing yourself for your esg by starting to change eating habits. I know it’s hard before esg to do this but once you have had your procedure it will amaze you how you can walk away from bad foods and make better choices. Don’t stress too much about your eating before, I did, but it will of course be hard to stick to a strict plan. I just think you should start to think about getting off of soda and carbonated drinks if you are addicted to them and drinking more water. The water part is still a challenge for me but I’m taking it one step at a time. I take in like 80g. of protein a day with very little food and I feel great. The weight is coming off and I have tons of energy. I’m sure you will as well. Looking forward to hearing about your success!!!

Inspirational Amy!! I love to see that success. Are you still on puréed foods or are you eating regular foods just less? So happy for you!!! Only 5 pounds left!!! I can only imagine how amazing you look. 😎😎😎

Well my beloved friends, thank God I think my stall may be over!!🎉🎊🎉🎊 I have lost an additional 3 lbs. for a total of 12 lbs. in exactly 17 days since my procedure. All of your advice was extremely useful. Thanks Tex for all of the tips on getting in the protein and I love the muscle milk as well. That has become my go to shake. Amy, it was the water. I was not drinking enough and when I starting to be more vigilant about my water intake that’s when I got over my stall. Thank you for reminding me about the most basic rule! Thanks Mel for your constant and unending words of encouragement. You told me to be patient and stick to the plan and I will break through the stall and I did. Thanks to everyone!I have come to depend on you all for this journey so stay with us and keep posting about your progress. I still have a long way to go and need you all to stay with me please. Im going to post my #s, only because I’m finally at a point where I am comfortable enough to say those huge #s are a thing of the past and I hope for good!!! Female, 43 years old, 5’5” tall HW—201lbs. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Sw— 200 lbs. CW— 188lbs. GW— 155 lbs. Can you please post your #s as well so I’m not the only one exposed? 😳😬

Amy, thank you so much. I completely forgot about getting enough water!🤦‍♀️ I’ve been so caught up on my protein intake and not eating anything but liquids that I forgot the most important one. I appreciate the encouragement and I will post as soon as I see the scales move, hopefully soon. I am on the Lose it app and I’m only taking in as you’ve estimated about 700-800 calories. Love the great advice from all. I’m hoping my stall won’t be for too long. Thanks again!!

Thanks again for the encouragement Mel! It means so much that we can share our experience with one another. I’m at a bit of a stall now although I am certainly not cheating, it is too soon. However I’m excited that I have a lot of energy, my clothes fit better, and my cravings are almost gone. It’s a learning experience and I’ll ride it out. I hope to be out of this stall soon. I can’t let it get to me mentally. I hope to post better weight loss results soon. Until then I’m still following the plan of course with plenty of protein drinks and exercising now 5-6 times a week. Hope my scale moves soon!! 💝💝💝

Hello Mel 👋🏻👋🏻. It’s so wonderful to hear from you. I am down now 9 pounds. I’m trying not to be discouraged by the number on the scale. You were absolutely right that the greatest advantage of having this procedure is the amazing energy I have now. I can complete what I need to for the day(chores, housecleaning, etc.), get in a workout at the gym, make a nice dinner for my family and not feel overwhelmed or stressed out. I love this feeling! Tex, you were right about the cravings, I am floored by the fact that a few nights ago we ordered pizza for the kids and I did not even feel the urge to have a slice. Yes I know I am only 12 days postop so pizza is a definite no-no but I just didn’t want any. 😱😱😱 You remember how concerned I was about this preop? I drink my protein shakes, my bone broth, my Greek yogurt and I’m full and happy as can be. If you guys remember an esg poster a while back named Alcerik. I believe he posted in detail about his experience with this procedure, he was very successful and advised the rest of us to stay on the full liquid phase as long as you can which I plan to do. As long as I’m not struggling I am going to stick with this stage. I have energy and I’m not cranky or irritable or hungry yet. I know this won’t last forever but I’m riding it out as long as I can. I’ve read about others losing more but you know what I’m happy with my slow and steady progress. I’m in no rush and the energy and confidence this has given me has just been priceless guys. Once again thanks for allowing me to share and for all of your love and support. One more thing for the post ESGers, can you tell me what else you can recommend for me in the full liquid stage? I want to be proactive in case I get bored of — protein shakes, bone broth, Greek yogurt, and sugar free jello and pudding. Thank you all!!!!