Belle3endosleeve

Losing slowly is ideal for our bodies...maybe not so much for our minds but research shows slow weight loss can be permanent!! I am pretty strict with what I eat. It does make me feel so much better. I however do have some food sensitivities or allergy which helps keep me focused. I suffered on multiple fronts if I veer!

Thanks so much bell3endosleeve. So kind of you to answer me in such detail. I am so happy that your procedure went well and it was a success! I was wondering how it is now dealing with caring for your children and getting back into a normal routine. How long did it take for you to feel well enough to go back to your routine? What was your pre procedure requirements like diet and blood tests, etc. ? I can see that you had some pretty bad nausea for the first few days but were you completely debilitated or was it sporadic fits of nausea until day 3 when it got much better? Did others around you notice that you had a procedure done or was it not something strikingly obvious unless you told them? How much did you pay to get it done on the west coast? I was quoted between 10-11 thousand. Thanks so much for all this information and please don’t hesitate to tell me that I’m asking too many questions if I’m overwhelming you. Your responses are truly so valuable to me right now as I am still indecisive. All my best.

10/1/2017
Hi everyone! I had my ESG three days ago. In all honesty it was a very very rough first and second day. My procedure was delayed due to the surgery scheduled before me going way over. I was scheduled for Thursday 2pm ...I didn't end up going in until 7pm. I woke at 2am Friday feeling absolutely horrendous. And continued to feel extremely bad until Saturday morning. I am feeling much much better now and am working hard to get food/protein smoothie down. I feel no hunger whatsoever but am weak so I know I need nutrition. There wasn't ever a huge amount of pain just extremely nauseous and a very strange tight uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. Both have subsided significantly - however a lot of very loud strange rumbles and grumbles are going on in my abdomen. Upside, I have already lost. Feeling hopeful and positive!!!

10/22/2017
I am feeling amazing, I've lost 20 pounds since I started weighing I think 5 pounds the week prior to procedure - 13 since surgery day. First few days were record books bad. I felt really really bad but then it just got better right away. I love how easily I get full!!! After those initial few days in which I had some pain and perhaps a small amount of reflux...There really has been no reflux, no Constipation ever, & no pain ...no side effects. I cant believe how easy this was really. I have more energy then ever and feel extremely clear headed. I'm following a low carb, high Protein, vegan as often as possible...but I'm definitely not vegan. I do very little dairy and no breads or wheat...I'm gluten intolerant- perhaps even may have celiacs (several people in my immediate family have been diagnosed). I'm excited to see what the future holds with this. Everyone is starting notice, a lot of my old clothes are starting to fit again and it's really exciting. What a gift this procedure has been.

10/23/2017
I have lost rapidly I'm expecting a plateau soon ( I don’t want one of course but will be okay with it)
I'm eating 1-2 meals per day and 2-3 Protein Shakes and just as much liquid as I can consume in a day. 48-64 oz which I feel has a HUGE effect on knowing whether I'm feeling hungry or thirsty. I also use PURE by crystal lite, it's super tasty and has none of the bad stuff. They have one with caffeine so I drink 24-32 oz first thing in the am before any meal. So an average day will be:


8:00am: 32oz water/Pure with caffeine
9:30am: 10oz high protein low carb ( using Garden of Life Yum) with unsweetened vanilla almond milk
10:30 24/32 oz water/Pure no caffeine
11:00 snack : 17 almonds or cashews- yummm
12:30: salmon salad, chicken salad, or tuna salad
130pm: 24 oz Water with Pure
2:30 pm: nut snack/edamame snack
4:00pm: 24 oz water Pure
500pm: Garden of Life protein with unsweetened almond milk
7:00 sugar free hard candy or sugar free Jello with a spray of sweet whip cream.

I walk some but am waiting to exercise much as my doctor said to wait to do heavy exercise as it may seriously increase my appetite. I've been eating 800-1200 calories per day and do not feel tired at all throughout the day. I did for the first week but then made sure to get enough protein in a day 75-85 minimum grams with oftentimes more.

Overall so far I couldn’t be more ecstatic about my choice. In the scheme of things the suffering was so very very short for the major payout so far. Of course I’m still only 26 days out. So I need to check back in 6 months or year plus. But I feel so motivated by how easily I get full it’s wonderful- I love it. I make great choices every single meal because I don’t have much room in there. I’ve make a mistake once and ate something not on plan and I suffered for hours with a horrible feeling in my stomach. That’s all it took.

Hi Bell3endosleeve and all other endosleevers. I was particularly interested in knowing how bell3endosleeve's procedure went. I hope that the procedure went smoothly and that you didn't experience pain or discomfort. I am interested in knowing why you decided on the endoscopic sleeve. Your numbers are so close to mine that I would love to know how you are doing postop. You should be about one month out now. Do you believe it was worth it? How much weight did you lose being that your BMI is on the low side? My BMI is 32 and I'm also a 43 year old mother of 4 boys however. Unlike your little ones my boys are all older. They are 19, 18, 15, and 11 so I'm finding it difficult to make this decision because they are at the age where they are aware of things and this will be hard to hide. I'm confused and looking for a little guidance and advice from someone who has had this procedure done and if they were able to continue with life as usual or was it really a long downtime. Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Hi SammyKay,
I would have got out about 5 hrs after procedure too and think I was fairly slow to get nausea and pain under control. If you are feeling well I'm sure they would discharge you sooner. The nausea is pretty extreme first up, I imagine it is caused by a number of factors. It really does settle quickly though so just prepare for a few off days and you will be back up and going in no time.

Yea, Belle, you did it! Glad to hear that your procedure was successful. You seem to have been out for a long time following your procedure. I wonder if others were out for 5-6 hours post-procedure. Do you think that the difficulty you experienced the first couple of days was related to the anesthesia? Was your throat sore afterwards?

That's fantastic Belle, sounds like you are killing it post procedure. You have lost heaps very fast, it's a credit to you. I am doing well. Have had a 2 week stall since starting full diet so spoke with the dietician to revamp my eating. I have started a small amount of running with my walking and now eating less carbs so hope to break the stall soon. What does a days diet look like for you?

Hi Belle, how have the last couple of weeks been for you?

Hi everyone! I had my ESG three days ago. In all honesty it was a very very rough first and second day. My procedure was delayed due to the surgery scheduled before me going way over. I was scheduled for Thursday 2pm ...I didn't end up going in until 7pm. I woke at 2am Friday feeling absolutely horrendous. And continued to feel extremely bad until Saturday morning. I am feeling much much better now and am working hard to get food/protein smoothie down. I feel no hunger whatsoever but am weak so I know I need nutrition. There wasn't ever a huge amount of pain just extremely nauseous and a very strange tight uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. Both have subsided significantly - however a lot of very loud strange rumbles and grumbles are going on in my abdomen. Upside, I have already lost. Feeling hopeful and positive!!!

Just sat down on the gurney bed! Wish me all the luck!! About to have my ESG!!![emoji51][emoji15][emoji4]

Started Clear liquid diet today! Procedure is tomorrow at 2:00 PST! So far warm chicken broth with collagen Protein tastes great!! I've got this - feeling totally excited and motivated!!!

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.

I'm getting really excited AND really nervous...any recommendations for me as I fast approach my procedure? I've been very careful about my diet this last week and have lost 3 lbs. I'm feeling very motivated and determined but still nervous. The day prior to my procedure I have to be in a clear liquid diet, was this what everyone else had to do as well? Then day of no food or Water whatsoever. Wish me luck and any wise words would be welcome.

Incredible!!!! Congratulations [emoji323]

Thank you so much for the update! Wow an IV Clinic sounds like a godsend- I'm sure I won't have that option - surgeon is 6 hours away. I know so many medical professionals- I'm just going to have to really be incredibly diligent about Water intake. How much have you lost so far and are you feeling any fatigue? Thanks for advise of 2-3 days support - doing procedure on Thursday have to be back at it by Monday. Fingers crossed it's enough time.

12 hours post ESG!! Tough day and hoping tomorrow is much better. But it's done, which is awesome.

Had endo sleeve 10 days ago.
After talking to the doc he told me that the stomach can become big if the stitches got worn with time (which should take years for it to happen)
Otherwise it should be good.
I'm currently in my purée phase. The diet that I go through is exactly like VSG patients.
Happy to answer questions.

Hi all,
This is one of the best decision I made in a while, Iam 48 years old, 5" 1" was 190 one week ago.
I came across Dr. Sharaiha's clip loved the idea.
I had an appointment on June 13, then a follow up with a nutritionist the next day. They had available July 7 so I booked it.
My Insurance doesn't cover this procedure, therefore I didn't have to go through the waiting period and psych consultation. The doctor and the hospital offer a payment plan, that was helpful. I wouldn't take a chance and do it in Mexico or somewhere else.
One week before the procedure I went back for all the blood work. The day before the procedure I had to be on the clear liquid diet, Nexxium and an anti-nausea patch.
My surgery was scheduled for 9 am, I was in the hospital at 8, back home at 2 Pm. No nausea no vomiting, the only issue was gas pain that got better by walking . I also had some pain in my throat from the tubes, gone by Sunday. Monday went back to work (desk job).
The post op diet is Clear liquid for 2 days, then full Liquid for the end of the 2 weeks than gradually adding soft solids,solids up to week 6 you have to follow the program.
I don't feel hungry and get full very fast. I lost as of this morning 11 lbs!! I sip Vitamin Water between the shakes and Soups in order not to get dehydrated. Took antibiotics for 3 days for prevention, Nexxium for 2 weeks and if needed Miralax for stool softener. Also take chewable and liquid vitamins. I do feel a little weak due to rapid weigh loss , so I take a nap when I come back from work.
Besides my son that had the lap band a while ago, I know a few other people that did gastric sleeve as well as the lap band. A friend had the Gastric sleeve he was very sick for weeks, missed a month of work. I believe this procedure may not be as efficient as the sleeve for people that are morbid-obese but for the low BMI'ers it is the best option with the least risks. It is also reversible if needed.
I did speak to a person that did it over 3 years ago, she lost 60 lbs but gained back 10. Still good numbers for me. She started at 220 , 5' 5". You can still eat chocolate and ice cream comfortably, so you always have to do the right choices, but right know I have no cravings and no hunger whatsoever!

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.

" userid="321485"]Belle3endosleeve & Melesg ~
What kind of food plan will your doctors have you on? My procedure is next Friday (9/8), and I'm having it done at U of Chicago, which is about 2 hours away from my house. So I'm planning on scheduling appts with my endocrinologist & nutritionist here for follow-up.


Kiki
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Procedure day: 9/8/17

Yeah, honestly I knew I'd feel a little down, it I was not expecting just how much.
We were never ones to go out all the time, or have elaborate dinner parties, or go crazy at social functions with food or anything- but suddenly not having food be part of your life at all, is a hard transition. No cooking on your own, or with your significant other, no trips to the grocery store and saying "this looks good" (healthy or otherwise), no sitting at the table for meals together (how long can you make 2 table spoons last...).... i didn't think it'd be that hard to just eat cottage cheese, yogurt and smoothies all the time lol ( just very very small amounts of those things)...kind of thinking "it's not forever" doesn't really seem to help....I'm thinking that as I transition to different foods and get more used to a schedule things should improve. When I feel a little stronger I can get out and do more stuff too, hopefully start being more active.

Woooow!!!! You look amazing!!! Congratulations on a fantastic decision!!

[mention=324249]Belle3endosleeve[/mention] Ah, now that is smart. And it's true, we will be going hard at losing weight. It's not untrue to say we are eating much less and moving much more. It is interesting the idea that surgery is the "easy option". Seems far from easy to me. I have an amazing husband who tells me that it's a really brave choice, to give up something that you love (too much food) forever. And that gives me great perspective. It's true, we will need new coping strategies when food is no longer the reward or consolation prize.
Does your program require ongoing appointments with a psychologist and nutritionist?

Had endo sleeve 10 days ago.
After talking to the doc he told me that the stomach can become big if the stitches got worn with time (which should take years for it to happen)
Otherwise it should be good.
I'm currently in my purée phase. The diet that I go through is exactly like VSG patients.
Happy to answer questions.

I'm only telling my husband (of course) and my mom & mother-in-law. But I'm prepping my community of friends that I'm going to go hard to loose this weight in October-so that everyone with think back and know I said I was going to loose. I have lost upwards of 25lbs several times before and -shoot me- gained it back after 10 month/year. This time I'm
Keeping it off!!! It's not going to be easy because obviously food is a comfort and there is no longer going to be the ability to mindlessly eat. Emotions will arise and we will need to find a healthy outlet to settle them. We recently learned Transendental Meditation ™ so I'm planning to use that and running & yoga to deal with what ever comes up that used to be handled with food!!