Meryline

I'm not sure if looking for the cheapest is the best way to go. I would look for the ones with the best results, other people's experience with the doctor and the after care should there be complications right after surgery.

You are a rock star. And you now have the end in sight. You can do this. If you can't go down in kcal, see if you can do something about burning a little more. It might help. Or maybe even upping your kcal for a few days before going back down might help.
I know, so close. And 9.6 from goal and normal bmi. I'm hoping I can do it before Christmas, but it might be too much to ask. That's okay though. It would be the best Christmas gift to myself though.

You have already done an amazing job, just keep up the good work and you'll be at your goal in no time.

Hahaha! TY! I know the club is filled with great peeps! I just can't quit thinking about it and about all the weightloss! ((hugs))

Yay for a surgery typ. And welcome to the bypass club. I'm sure you'll enjoy your membership!

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

Great job, you look amazing! Keep up the great attitude and focus!

Great job congrats

For the win!

You look amazing!! Were you exercising to stay so toned and not have tons of loose skin???

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

You go girl !

Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

@Berry78 yeah, we transitioned through the stages in 4 days. Of course everything had to be chewed to puree, and we had several restrictions, I was eating cheese, yogurt, and a few other things. Just because I was allowed, didn't mean I did. I eat mostly cheese, yogurt and Protein Shakes. But also some fish and chicken.
I have heard that sleeve feel a lot more restriction than bypass

Good Evening,
After several months of research on this and other forums, I just had the ESG procedure on Thursday morning at the mayo Clinic in Rochester. I thought this might be a good opportunity to provide some information for others who may be considering this option - as these forums were invaluable to me when deciding how to proceed.
To begin with, I am a 42 year old male with approximately 39 BMI. Like most of the rest of you, I have been back and forth on the scale for most of my life. I have no other medical issues and consider myself in generally good overall health, otherwise (good range of motion, no real restrictions in life). In the end, I decided that I really wanted it to stay that way - and found that I have really been having difficulty getting into any sort of exercise or healthy eating routine.
I emailed a request to the Mayo clinic in early June for more information. They had me come in (about a 3 hour drive for me) for a day long set of procedures and consultations to discuss a range of weight loss options (from medication to balloon - as well as others). I was aware that they were one of the only facilities to offer the ESG (at least at the time) and felt very lucky to be so close to the facility.
The called me about 1 week after the consult and offered to setup a time for the procedure. I picked the first open date, September 21st. In addition, the Mayo Clinic is now requiring all ESG patients to attend a healthy living class that consists of baseline testing, nutrition coaching, healthy food prep, and exercise guidance. I promptly scheduled this for the two days prior to the procedure. At that point, I was required to pay the $15,000 for the entire program prior to final booking (you can pay in any form you wish).
Fast forward to last Tuesday - and I showed up at 7:00 am to being the Healthy Living Class. It consisted of complete body scanning, VO2 Max baselines, complete bloodwork as well as a lot of one on one coaching with doctors, Physical Therapists and Nutritional coaches. Over the course of two days, I had about 10-15 sessions that I can describe as extremely motivational, very informative and unbelievably professional and refreshing. Because the entire program is relatively new (myself and one other person were attending this week - and we are only the 14th and 15th to go through it) I felt like I received a ton of personal care and guidance - from some extremely compassionate and highly qualified individuals. Almost everyone I spoke to had contributed to books, medical papers, and professional publications. They were amazing.
My procedure was performed on Thursday (Sep 21) after I arrived at 6:45. I was out of the hospital by noon. I choose to stay at a local hotel with my wife until I felt good enough to drive (because of work, we decided to drive separately - meaning I had to drive myself home, eventually).
No real issues with the procedure, however, I was quite nauseous for two days afterwards - which I didn't really expect. The nurses and doctors all told me that everyone they have seen go through there (about 100 people thus far) all had nausea - every single one. Beyond that, a little stomach pain (no throat pain for me) but it's all manageable. They did provide me with an ample supply of medications (nausea, oxy for pain, antibiotics and sleeping meds) all included with the procedure.
Next week I begin my weekly phone in coaching (1/2hr a week for one year) and I will return in 6 months for a complete scan and more blood work - and again in one year to compare everything against my baselines.
I don't want to bog anyone down with too many details, but if you'd like to know more or have specific questions I would be happy to answer. I can't say enough great things about Mayo. I think I received incredible value for my money. If you are considering it - give Mayo a call. I can't imagine it going any better than it did and, because the program is relatively new (and you have to pay out of pocket for now) they don't have a long list of people waiting to go through it - and you have a whole team of people working with you to help achieve your goals. The focus is really on long term quality of life - and using the ESG as a tool to help retrain you for success.
Thanks to everyone on this forum who contributes. I wouldn't have even considered this if it wasn't for you.

Thank you so much Meryline! I really appreciate the encouragement. I know we are told not to parallel our journey with anyone else's, but it so hard not to compare myself. With the help of all of y'all, I am re-focused on ME and MY unique journey!

2 years 7 months after gastric bypass. From 258 down to 125 and size 24 down to size 3.

So I had my 6 months check up at the hospital on Thursday, 1 day before 7 months.
I saw my surgeon who could not be more thrilled with me. I have lost 82% of my excess weight. (which is a little strange as I have lost 91% of what will give me a normal BMI) They don't want me to loose too much more weight as I'll start to look sickly. They don't think I'll need any plastics, as I don't have an over hang and my blood results are great (the doctor at my support group will probably disagree. All my values are within range, but some are in the lower end, and since she is a specialist on supplements for bariatrics, she prefers us in the upper range). They also have a score that they calculate, that I don't remember, but it was very high, and she called me a success case. I don't go back until my 1 year check up. (I'll just have blood drawn in 3 months and show my support group doctor)
They were actually fully booked for the BIA test, but the surgeon wanted med to have one, so she called and asked if they could fit me in, and they could. They are done by the nutritionist.
She was also very impressed when she saw me, and after the test she could not be happier. I have the values for all 3 tests (1 month pre op, 6 weeks post op and 7 months post op) I managed to gain another 4 lbs before starting my pre op diet, so it wasn't at my very highest.
The only negative thing was my phase angle. It has dropped. It's a measurement that shows how well your muscles are getting nutrition. That along with my total Protein (from the blood test) she wants me to eat more, and get more protein. Other than that, everything was great and she was so impressed, especially how much muscles I still have. All the working out and walking has helped tremendously.
I have included pictures from about 6 months and 7 months post up. It's only like 5 lbs between the pictures, but I see several changes.

My suggestion is to take a step back, and kind of start from scratch. You don't have to jog, go for a walk. You don't have to do 40min, start with 15. If you do 15min 3 times a day, you are doing 45. And then slowly increase as your get stronger.
You say you eat healthy. For a whole week, write down everything, and I mean everything, you eat, even if it's just gum. Eat as you have, don't make any changes. Then look at it and see what you can eliminate, one thing at the time.
You don't have to do everything at once.
Also, before you get approved for the surgery, you'll have to go through a whole lot of test which will determine if your body can handle the surgery. Also, you can withdraw up until they put you under.
If you are considering this, maybe start the process and see how it goes. If your insurance requires 6 months supervised diet, then the only way around it is self pay really.

My suggestion is to take a step back, and kind of start from scratch. You don't have to jog, go for a walk. You don't have to do 40min, start with 15. If you do 15min 3 times a day, you are doing 45. And then slowly increase as your get stronger.
You say you eat healthy. For a whole week, write down everything, and I mean everything, you eat, even if it's just gum. Eat as you have, don't make any changes. Then look at it and see what you can eliminate, one thing at the time.
You don't have to do everything at once.
Also, before you get approved for the surgery, you'll have to go through a whole lot of test which will determine if your body can handle the surgery. Also, you can withdraw up until they put you under.
If you are considering this, maybe start the process and see how it goes. If your insurance requires 6 months supervised diet, then the only way around it is self pay really.

A second surgery will never lose at the rate as a virgin surgery will, at the same time, you don't have that much to lose to begin with. Hang in there.

My suggestion is to take a step back, and kind of start from scratch. You don't have to jog, go for a walk. You don't have to do 40min, start with 15. If you do 15min 3 times a day, you are doing 45. And then slowly increase as your get stronger.
You say you eat healthy. For a whole week, write down everything, and I mean everything, you eat, even if it's just gum. Eat as you have, don't make any changes. Then look at it and see what you can eliminate, one thing at the time.
You don't have to do everything at once.
Also, before you get approved for the surgery, you'll have to go through a whole lot of test which will determine if your body can handle the surgery. Also, you can withdraw up until they put you under.
If you are considering this, maybe start the process and see how it goes. If your insurance requires 6 months supervised diet, then the only way around it is self pay really.