Delphac

I'm doing great! No issues to speak of...only a time or 2 of stomach upset, but other than that all is good. I do have a problem finding foods that both my husband and I can eat. He is very picky and likes a lot of foods with more fat than I need (he is very thin and can handle it)...so sometimes I am fixing 2 different meals. Also, I am getting cravings, but I know it is my head and not my stomach that is wanting the food. So far I have been able to ignore the cravings...and find that drinking more water helps, I have begun exercising (treadmill and stationary bike) which makes me feel good, but I have to watch it because I have a bad right knee and it hurts when I do too much, but on January 10th I will be getting a Monovisc injection in that knee, which will help it a lot and will allow me to do more. Anyway, Congratulations again on your insurance approval and let me know when your surgery date is.

Congratulations! I haven't talked to you since November..so glad to see you've been approved!!

I do not know if It is covered by insurance. But since it is usually performed on patients with a lower BMI, there is a possibility that it might be. When I had my Gastric Sleeve surgery (11/1), the surgeons office confirmed with my insurance ahead of time to make sure it was covered....Perhaps that is what you should do once you find a doctor that performs that procedure. Let us know what you find out. Good Luck!! and Happy Holidays :)

Found out that ESG is a relatively new procedure that is non-surgical. It's official name is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty. The surgeon does not remove any part of your stomach, but will use stitches to to reduce the size of the stomach. This is done endoscopically (spelling?) and the recovery time is much shorter than the VSG.

What is an ESG?

I have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea and use my CPAP machine all the time. I do not sleep well without it. I do not plan on going off of the machine unless my "Sleep" doctor tells me to. After I lose a substantial amount of weight, I'll talk to him about it. I'm sure he would want to do another sleep study on me before taking me off of it. However, I believe I have had sleep apnea for most of my life. Before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea (and I was also thin at the time) I was told that I stop breathing during sleep...So I feel better (and safer) using my CPAP machine.

Seymour, CT

I am also a senior. I am 74 and was sleeved on November 1st. I was afraid that the doctors would say that I was too old, but that was not the case. All of my doctors wholeheartedly supported me. My husband is my biggest supporter since he has had to be my caretaker during all of my surgeries. I have had a left hip replacement, a left knee replacement and numerous foot surgeries as well as chronic back problems. My Orthopedic doctor said I should have my right knee replaced. I do not want another surgery. I wanted to be proactive and lose the weight so I can avoid more surgery and make all the pain go away (well, a lot of it). Also, I really want to walk my dog again. As it is now, I become short of breath after walking just a short distance. Once I lose the weight, I am confident that I will be able to be active again. I think you have made the right decision and the rewards will definitely outweigh the negative stuff. You are the master of your body and you should ignore those people who try to dissuade you from making a brave decision for your own health. Good Luck to you, I know you'll be fine and happy that you decided to have the surgery! By the way, today was my 18th day since surgery and doing great! I feel good and looking forward to starting phase 4 (soft foods) on Thursday. (I was afraid I would have to have pureed Turkey...Yuck!).

I was sleeved on 11/1. I can now drink all of my required water and protein shakes. I am also having Chicken Broth, Yogurt and sugar free jello. Talking about hunger, my stomach is not hungry, but I have cravings (head hungry). It gets better if I drink Broth or Tea. Glad to see that you are doing so well !!

My surgery is tomorrow, November 1st. I was on 12 days of Premier Protein shakes and 2 Greek yogurt and all the clear liquids I want. I have been on clear liquids only yesterday and today. Feeling nervous, but really glad the day is just about here.

I'm originally from California (4th generation), but have lived in Connecticut for 29 years.

I am scheduled for November 1st. Starting Day 6 of the 14 day Preop Diet.