Bigsuzy1969

9 hours ago, KikiSue🙋🏼 said:

Well, I'm kind of disappointed, but I guess everything happens for a reason. My doctors office called and moved my procedure date from 9/8 to 9/25. I was getting so excited for next Friday and now have to wait a few more weeks . Oh well, I guess I have a few more weeks to prepare. It just sucks because I'm having my food funeral and probably packed on 5 lbs this week from eating everything that I need to say goodbye to!


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

I am sorry to read this! I am sure the mental preparation was in full gear. That is frustrating! Are you having it at Hopkins? Did they why? Hang in there! I know it must be frustrating!

24 minutes ago, Speedmommy said:

Hi SydSyd, I'm glad to hear from someone who has "blazed the trail" for me. My procedure is scheduled for 9/29 at Hopkins. I start my pre-procedure meetings with the doctors and therapists in 2 weeks. I almost always have issues with anesthesia, so after hearing your story, I will make sure to tell them that I will need something to prevent nausea.

I really want this procedure to" jump start" my weight loss. I've tried so many different weight loss plans, lost and then gained again. My husband is not supportive of the procedure and basically thinks I just threw away $16,500.00 (gold plan). I'm hoping that the support from the pros at Hopkins will help me learn how to eat. That is my greatest fear, that after all of this, in a couple of years I will have put all the weight back on. Does Hopkins have any kind of support group for the ESG patients to share their concerns and successes?

I hope your weight loss journey is successful. Keep posting.

26 minutes ago, Speedmommy said:

Hi SydSyd, I'm glad to hear from someone who has "blazed the trail" for me. My procedure is scheduled for 9/29 at Hopkins. I start my pre-procedure meetings with the doctors and therapists in 2 weeks. I almost always have issues with anesthesia, so after hearing your story, I will make sure to tell them that I will need something to prevent nausea.

I really want this procedure to" jump start" my weight loss. I've tried so many different weight loss plans, lost and then gained again. My husband is not supportive of the procedure and basically thinks I just threw away $16,500.00 (gold plan). I'm hoping that the support from the pros at Hopkins will help me learn how to eat. That is my greatest fear, that after all of this, in a couple of years I will have put all the weight back on. Does Hopkins have any kind of support group for the ESG patients to share their concerns and successes?

I hope your weight loss journey is successful. Keep posting.

All the best to you! My husband is against it because it is a new procedure. I am in the process of deciding. Is there anything Hopkins said to put your mind at ease that it is a new procedure? What is the gold plan? I was given $15,000 and then I would pay $1,000 for the nutritional help afterwards which would be done remotely since I do not live nearby. What is the gold plan?

This is something I found in my research about the procedure:

The durability of the Endoscopic Sleeve gastroplasty at 1-year, along with the weight loss results, suggest that this endolumenal technique remains effective and helpful. It should be noted that no irreversible anatomical alteration occurs in the gastric cavity and the technique is reproducible and repeatable. Therefore, reintervention in the future has the potential to achieve lasting results.

Sounds good and bad at the same time? Since I am self pay, it is what concerns me slightly

1 hour ago, SydSyd said:

I emailed them to set up a consult, and was able to schedule one within a week of initially contacting them. The consult consisted of visiting with the doctor performing the surgery and a nurse, and filling out their intake forms about prior history. Within a couple days of the consult visit I was able to schedule a date for the procedure, also through email, and had to put an initial payment down to hold the date. The cost is $16,000 total- if you need to split it into payments it is one payment of $6,000 and another of $10,000 due no later than a week before the procedure (I think, I don't remember specific instructions). Hopefully after submitting the claim to insurance I will be reimbursed, but I know that I cannot be guaranteed this. So initial consult was in June or July, date of procedure was scheduled for about 5-6 weeks after.

The cost includes 12 visits with the weight loss clinic, which consists of nutritionist, therapist and doctors you can visit (each person you see counts as one "visit").

There was no prep work before hand, I did not need any tests done or to visit my primary care or anything. I had to visit with the weight-loss "team" for the initial visits prior to the procedure - they conducted metabolic testing and a body composition estimate, the doctor did blood work but that was after I asked if they could to check my blood sugar (which I wasn't sure about), I don't think it was standard. So the intake visit with 4 people counted as 4 of my 12 included visits. I have a follow up in 2 weeks with the therapist, it's up to you to choose who to visit for the best results for you. They really stress that this is about reprogramming how you eat and your attitude about food - yes the medical part of forcing your stomach smaller is going to have an effect on how much you eat, and therefore your initial loss, but it's really about you continuing to apply these smaller portions on your own afterwards.

The procedure itself is so very minimally invasive, there was never any concern about dangers during the procedure other than the anesthesia. Pain was never really bad, and has gone by now. They prescribed me pain meds (a liquid Tylenol-codeine), but honestly the pain level was never really high. Very sore throat the first 2/3 days, some discomfort with stomach cramps/spasms (but they give you something for that too). My stomach hurt initially- but nothing like I had expected. I took the pain meds the first day and second to help me just sleep through the discomfort. Honestly I didn't feel any pain at all after 2 days and haven't needed the pain meds since the second or third day. (I had my gall bladder removed last year, and even that hurt worse than this, and that was a very easy procedure to get over after a couple days)

So within 4/5 days afterwards, no pain, hardly any nausea (depends on what you eat- you have to pay very close attention to how your body reacts to everything now, before during and after eating anything). My biggest issue is trying to get enough fluids and to eat anything at all- even several small sips makes me feel full, and food just doesn't seem to sit well. At one of my visits the nutritionist gave me a 3oz cup (the paper kind that you would have in the bathroom or at the dentist to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth)- this is the approximate size of what you can eat. A sample menu from he nutritionist includes drinking fluids, then na hour later eating 2 tablespoons of something like yogurt or a smoothie - 2 tablespoons is considered a "meal" at this point. You are to alternate liquids and puréed food over the course of the day, waiting an hour in between each.

The doctor said I should expect to lose 40-50% of the excess weight over the course of a year. There are no staples - The sutures are expected to dissolve around 9-12 months, after which your stomach can return to normal size over time- again they stress this is about relearning how and what to eat, so that you do not fall back into the same patterns as before.

I did not tell anyone other than my SO and parents (although I believe my mother may have taken it upon herself to tell other extended family, which I am not thrilled about - under the guise of "how happy they are bc they were so worried about my(my) size" which I do not believe, it's just gossip for them), but there is no way I could've hidden that I was in the hospital or had something done if anyone had seen me that day or the next. The procedure was on a Friday - on Sunday I skipped my friends wedding shower, even though I probably could've gone and just hung out for a hour or 2 just sitting around, I would not have felt up to participating or socializing much so I skipped it. I was back to work Monday and so far this week, but in short periods so I can go back and be around home in case I have a bathroom emergency.....

All in all, super easy physical recovery as far as pain/nausea - but very very difficult to figure out how to eat, even with their instructions and guidelines and availability to help...shopping ahead of time didn't help much, as I can't tolerate the broths that I got (the only one I could get through was the blandest ramen broth possible, without the noodles), and I'm not ready yet for the Protein drinks...right now it's a couple small bites of baby food, pudding, or yogurt ( which I just tried today) hours apart and forcing yourself to sip on Gatorade/liquids.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer in depth all the answers to my questions!! I am ready to pick up the phone for that consult but so hesitant! I have 70 lbs to loose, so the dr would probably tell me that I can expect to loose 35 in the first year and then the procedure becomes slightly less effective for the 2nd half of the weight loss? I guess that is my hangup over just having the regular sleeve since that is more permanent and would be the same out of pocket cost for me since I am self pay. You are really awesome for taking the time to help! I do have one additional question (sorry) regarding your current situation with food. You didn't mention if you have kids but I have 3 kids in the house that I would like to try and keep this from if I can. But we go out to eat often (sports and running around), I would not be home for most nights during dinner because of being right at the beginning of the cross country sport season (which ends up being a lot of walking for me) and trying to explain my non eating at Thanksgiving would be a huge give away to extended family. Are you just homebound at this point until you are done with the puree phase or would you be able to fake your way through a meal at a restaurant?

On 8/25/2017 at 11:46 PM, Belle3endosleeve said:

@melesg. Ahhh I just got so excited reading this...it's all so intense but is going to be THE turning point in our lives...where we got healthy for our kids, ours selves and our husbands!!! I have no pre-procedure diet but post is intense: day 1 nothing, day 2 clear liquid only, day 3-30 puréed liquid diet only. So I'm thinking Soups, Protein Shakes etc. I'm somewhat lactose intolerant so God help me ...as so many liquids have dairy. WeGOT this girl! So exciting...I weigh 192 & am 5'6. How about you?

Are you doing the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? I am just reading how different the pre and post op instructions are from Australia? I am thinking about the surgery but not planning on telling anyone. I am just not sure I can get through 30 days of a liquid diet without anyone knowing. Please keep us posted!

11 minutes ago, SydSyd said:

Yes, it was at Hopkins. I feel well taken care of enough, concerning the surgery at least - I have not yet started the recovery/follow up portion which will include the nutritionist/therapist.

I believe there were students present, but not performing the surgery.

I don't feel so great about the anesthesia honestly- I've had a couple other medical procedures done with anesthesia in the last couple years, and have never woken up feeling so nauseuas and with such a Headache, both being incredibly persistent. I was in the recovery area for well over 2 hours. The headache persisted even after getting home. Waiting for the anesthesia to knock me out felt longer than usual, and it seemed that they had to fumble a bit to get it right (seeming to wait around, chatter with the nurses about adding more of stuff to the mixture etc.). I've never before felt like I was suffocating, but this time it definitely felt hard to breath with the mask and I couldn't communicate to the tech that it did not feel right. There was no counting down or anything, just waiting around until I was out.

Because the procedure involved my stomach, I can't say definitively that the nausea and vomiting (well retching and spit up - no solid food for 36 hours prior to my procedure, and no liquids for 12 hours prior) for the 2 hours in recovery was due to the anesthesia, but I did get the impression from the nurses and doctors that my reaction was not typical (at least lasting so long).

hmmm..interesting. I am playing phone tag with them to set up a consult but I am honestly apprehensive because the surgery is similar in cost to a regular sleeve which include an overnight stay and they have not done very many before. Can I ask what they did preparation wise as far as blood tests, did they want you to go to your primary doctor, pulmonary or heart test? How long from your consult did you have surgery? I live about 1 1/2 hour away and thy did say I could pay separately for the nutritionist (required of course) and do it online. How did the dr explain the procedure to you regarding the long term results? is weight loss expected to be less than the regular sleeve, will the stomach stretch in a few years because of the staples? I just was interested in it because it is outpatient (I don't want my extended family or even my kids to know) and I could be home the same day. But your anesthesia experience has me concerned.. Other than the nausea, how was your pain? Even now, how is your pain? Did they prescribe pain meds? .Thanks so much for sharing!

7 hours ago, SydSyd said:

(Same reply posted to another thread under this topic)

Hello.

I had this procedure last Friday 8/25. I am 34 years old, BMI of 42. The procedure was self pay ($16,000) with possibility of insurance covering a portion, but I will not know if I get reimbursed for anything until after the hospital submits the claim.

The first day was hard, mostly nausea (so, so much nausea), and being tired. I slept most of the first 2 days. After 2 days there wasn't much pain, nausea went away after the third or fourth day. The biggest challenge is getting enough fluids - I'm not doing so great with that, as even the though of swallowing anything is unappealing. I'm not hungry, the smell and sight of most food is off putting.

Today (day 5) is the most I've eaten (1 package of baby food peas).

I haven't told anyone about the procedure (except my SO and my parents) - for years my mother has pushed weight loss surgery and I've resisted, my friends know this and I feel like they'd be disappointed that I caved (or took the "way way" out). My fiancé is very supportive, but there's not much he can do at the moment, other than drive me around when I didn't feel up to it.

I'm sure it's to do with the lack of hydration, lack of viatamins, fatigue and stress - but the last two days have been very low emotionally, I feel sad and just want to sleep. I have been going to work everyday for a bit, then finishing the day "working from home." As ever tried drinking different things (broth, green tea, pudding) I've had diarrhea after almost everything.

I was on Clear Liquids for day 1, full liquids day 2-3 and puréed diet for weeks 1-4 before reintroducing foods. Soups and smoothies are okay, as long as there are no bits of veggies or fruits (they have to be completely puréed).

I haven't weighed myself so I don't know that I've lost anything, but I feel that my shirts feel a bit looser, so I'm guessing I've lost some Water weight.

Can I ask if you got this done at Hopkins? If so, did you feel that were well taken care of? Where there any medical students performing the surgery, because they only have done 50 or so.

20 hours ago, sararae3685 said:

I am currently going through the program at Penn State Surgical Weight Loss in Middletown, Pa. I travel an hour and a half one way to see them monthly. I couldn't recommend them more. The staff is wonderful.

Could you tell me if you are self pay? I contacted them and they told me that it is $50,000 because of the relationship with the university and hospital and that basically it is too expensive if I am self pay. They were my first choice because of where I live.

On 8/26/2017 at 5:28 PM, Belle3endosleeve said:

Hi anything interesting or noteworthy to mention? Unexpected issues that occurred? Most challenging aspect? Most unexpected positive impact? Are you sharing with everyone in your life? How much have you lost now? My ESG I scheduled for September 28th! I'm 5'61/2 & 192 BMI 30/31. Married 43 with 3 kiddos. Love to hear from you!! Thanks!!!

I would have the same questions as well! It seems that since I am self pay that the procedures of Endoscopic Sleeve and the regular sleeve is about the same. My concerns are that it is a new procedure with limited conclusions after 2 years while the regular sleeve has a slightly higher proven track record. If a portion of the stomach is removed, it cant stretch and break the stitches. And the weight loss seems lower than regular. Please share !

Hi, I am meeting with Hopkins regarding the endoscopic sleeve procedure in Baltimore but also wanted to look into a regular gastric sleeve. I am self pay and looking for recommendations for surgeons in my area. York, Harrisburg, Lancaster. I could go as far as Philly but it there are a lot of trips for nutritionists, having the meetings on line would be preferred. Thanks!

2 minutes ago, Sandee29 said:

Okay, so I have a friend that had this surgery approx 3 yrs ago. In my mind I thought, why can't she just stick to a diet? If she worked out regularly and ate healthy then she'd lose weight.

Fast forward 3 yrs....this is the best thing I ever did! I have done WW, slimfast, starvation diets, prescription meds, cleanses, Atkins, gluten free, paleo and I was able to lose and gain a zillion times. I was also diabetic and had high cholesterol. (off all Meds now) I had the surgery in Dec and I realize it's a tool to help me. I can still eat everything - I eat bread, Pasta, pizza - everything! I just have a signal in me to stop now. I'm down 60 lbs since December, I work out 4-6 days a week. I do get a bit disappointed now and again when I sit down to eat something I've been looking forward to and have to stop after 3-4 bites b/c I'm full (but that's a good thing!)
I still go out to eat and I usually bring a little cooler in my car b/c I know I'll have leftovers. Another good thing is that my husband and daughter are now eating healthier.
Good luck with your decision!!!

Thanks for writing! I would have to say that when I read your part about "When I go out usually bring a cooler" my heart sank, because I thought you were going to write, "so I could bring my Protein shake". LOL but then it was for leftovers! Yay! We go out to eat probably 3 times a week as a family so it is a big consideration. I am actually looking into the endoscopic sleeve and I must say that when I read weight loss stories like yours, I wonder if the regular sleeve is not a better choice. Thank for writing!

2 hours ago, dreamingsmall said:

1. No. I tried following post op diet before, could not as did not have restriction.

2. I still eat out 6 weeks post, eat a starter and take rest home, no issue.

3. No one knows other than my mum , no issue. I don't tell random people info they do not need to know not hiding it , but I dont care what anyone thinks. I wanted my mums opinion , so I told her.

4. I am allowed Pasta if I want it. and bread. But I do not want it, you can not imagine it now as you have not had the surgery, but bread makes me so full, I just do not see the point now. I used to eat alot of those stuff. You could probably have a few pieces and be done with it. I know some peoples plans are low carb. I am not low carb but it happens without trying. Say I have a plate with potatoes, veg and meat, I eat the meat first, then have a bite of spinach, and I am full, so do not eat the potatoes.

5. At the end of the day you know why you want to do this surgery, for me it was for my health, to be alive and well with less health issues for my children, so I do what I can to make it work. Many people find 'Reasons' why this may not be for them. For alot it is just the fear of the unknown. I have NO regrets.

I am only 6 weeks post. No longer on blood pressure meds, and overall healthier.

P.s I would never Expect anyone to change their habits for me or because of me, responsibility for ourselves, and the decisions we choose to make is something we learn along the way. My friends order pizza,I was on liquids so I CHOSE to stick to my plan, its hard at first, but when you start seeing improvements in your self whatever your goals are, its exciting and worth it

Goodluck with your journey.

thank you for this!

4 minutes ago, EW11211 said:

There is no proven method. I personally know people that were very successful with the lap band and others that regained. The same with the sleeve. A neighbor across the street lost 100+ lbs and regained 30. She herself told me. I can eat very small quantities of chocolate" Ultimately WLS is only a tool, I chose the tool that is right to me. For me the sleeve is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

I have a neighbor who had the sleeve and she is underweight in my opinion. She did not tell many people and I think they are wondering if she is sick

1 hour ago, RSM said:

Why not just go with a proven method such as the Sleeve where they do it and remove 75% of the stomach? I would do a ton of research and info gathering before you have a procedure without good results, just my opinion

My reason is the money issue since I am self pay

9 hours ago, EW11211 said:

Hi,

I did the procedure on a Friday 9AM by afternoon I was home. My husband drove me back. That afternoon I took a nap. Saturday I went for a walk around the block. Monday I was back at work, I have a desk job. Some days I took a nap when I came home, I did feel a little tired maybe due to the low calorie consumption.

The day after the procedure I had a little pain in my neck muscles from the endoscopy, Gas pain for another 2 days that faded with walking.

The diet is similar to the sleeve but the stages are much shorter. One day liquid diet before the procedure. 2 days clear liquid after the procedure, then full liquids (shakes) for 2 weeks. Week 3 is pureed Protein, Week 4-5 add soft vegetables and some fruit and week 6 add some carbs (optional)

I do follow up with a nutritionist, by appointment or phone call.

This procedure is not as restrictive as the sleeve that is why the expectation is less weight loss than the sleeve. But it depends on your starting BMI . I believe age can be a factor too. I hardly exercise so maybe that is why they predicted this low percentage. The surgeon should give you a better prediction.

There is a 1% risk of complication in this procedure comparing to over 10% with the sleeve. There is no cutting so I don't think leakage comes into play.

I am over 6 week post procedure and I feel great. I lost 18lbs and I feel very energetic. I don't have issues with any food. Just chicken I have to eat slower. No nausea no vomiting no gerd, no stitches. I log my food and my weight on a daily basis, I am on around 1000 calories per day (the goal for me is 1150) . I try to take Vitamins on a daily basis. I am constipated, but I was before the procedure,(I take Iron pills) Besides feeling uncomfortable if I overeat, I don't feel anything.

.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share! Can I ask if any pain medications were prescribed and if you needed them. I am self pay otherwise I would opt for sleeve option and I think (am assuming) it is more expensive because of an overnight or two. My concerns are the fact that it is new but will discuss with the dr. The liquid/puree phase is longer than I thought, I may have problems explaining to those I don't want to know about it why I am not eating during that phase while at a restaurant ect. (like my kids) Keeping it a secret may not be easy. I don't see where you mentioned you were very hungry on the liquid phase as some have mentioned. Was that not an issue for you? Again, thanks for taking the time!

22 hours ago, EW11211 said:

I had the ESG, taking in consideration my low BMI, and safety of the procedure, no loss of work. It is not even called a surgery. The weight loss is not as radical as the traditional sleeve. It is geared for patients who would like to lose 40-60 lbs. My surgeon estimated I will lose between 20 and 25 % of my body weight. I will be very happy with a size 8, and most importantly, keep the weight down. I lost 8% of my body weight the first month. I feel great no side effects, I can eat everything in small quantities and slowly, specially meat and Protein. As with any Bariatric surgery, you still have to control what you eat.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

EW, could you please share how things went during and after surgery. I was wondering a few things about ESG and wanted to get the stupid questions out of the way before I meet the surgeon. When you say 20 to 25 percent of your body weight, for me that wouldn't get me to within 20 lbs of my goal. Does the surgeon think that you can just lose more if you stick with the plan or is it just not possible? Do you know how they can know this is safe long term ? Does this procedure preserve pylorus? What did they say about stomach stretching, what happens with a leak? is that less or more common with the staples? Could you tell me about your pre and post diet and is it different from VSG? Are you able to eat solids more quickly or the same? and was there a pre op? I am so sorry, and please don't feel you need to write a book and answer every question but you recently had the surgery done and very interested in your journey. I also wanted to know the best time to schedule the surgery. I have a son who is star footback quarterback and cannot miss a game and will drive and walk a 1/2 mile. Were you able to get in a car and drive and walk around? How many days should I leave for being at home where I just wont feel good. And how are YOU feeling? Again I apologize for all the questions

Just now, DoodleLover203 said:

I can't believe I haven't heard of this before!! What do you think happens to the remaining stomach, verses a more traditional surgical removal? I would love to hear from anyone who has had this procedure.

I have an appointment at Hopkins in a few weeks, I think they perform these. I am "interviewing" two different centers in one week.

Hopkins does this, that is where I would go. Hershey also does it but their self pay would be too high. It is a new procedure and your stomach is sewn like an accordion from the inside. There are youtube videos and information on their website

3 hours ago, Clementine Sky said:

August 18 marked the second anniversary of having the VSG, and in all this time I've never regretted it. I actually attend far more family functions and social event now that I'm proud of myself and owning my life rather being reclusive as I did for years when I was embarrassed of my size. I do still eat bread and Pasta, though in moderation. The only ones in my family who know I had the VSG are my parents and husband, who've fully respected my desire to keep this personal matter private. I'd never ask anyone in my family to cater to me, and instead eat mindfully. If I overdo it, I won't feel well, so I just pick and choose carefully and eat sparingly. If anyone asks why I'm not eating more I truthfully explain that I'm trying to watch my weight. After having lost so much weight, that answer tends to be respected. The sleeve has been a tremendous asset in helping me to have more self-control, and it's actually something I take a degree of pride in now. Rather than feeling sorry for myself and deprived because I'm not gorging on food, I feel proud that I'm using control and eating just enough to feel satisfied but still be on track.

It felt like there was a ping pong game going on in my mind in the months before having the surgery, going back and forth repeatedly as to whether I should proceed. I would tell myself that I wasn't "that" fat (my BMI was 31, and therefore low for having WLS, but still classified as obese), and I could lose the weight myself if only I was more disciplined, then would rapidly remember all the times I'd dieted and slimmed down only to zoom back up, and how ready I was to fully live my life rather than letting my weight hold me back. I'm infinitely grateful I had the surgery.

Best wishes.

This is me! I appreciate your thoughts. I am thinking of having the ESG so my weight lose will not be as much but I feel so large that I wish I was invisible during family gatherings! I make excuses to not go because I know they are thinking "wow she has put on a few". I can relate to you feeling like it is a ping pong ball because this is how I feel!

27 minutes ago, momislosingit84 said:

I was that way for soooo many years. Just one more diet, one more try surely it will work. For me nothing ever did or if it did it wouldn't last and the weight would come back. My PCP suggested I look into having VSG surgery after extremely bad blood work and health issues at my yearly exam but I was too scared and it wasn't until I ran into the little sister of an old class mate who had lost a TON of weight and she talked to me about her VSG and how it had changed everything for her that I finally said ok let's do this and had my consult. Having this tool has changed my life and I fully beilive has saved my life. At 32 my Dr said I would be lucky to see 40 if things didn't change drastically. I was maxed out on my BP meds and they were no longer working, I was borderline diabetic (family history of it) my bad cholesterol numbers were horrible and I found out during my pre-op sonogram of my heart that I had severe scarring on it due to being obease for so many years (I've been over weight since I was 10). I now no longer need BP meds all my blood work is amazing, I'm off my anxiety/depression meds, I have more energy at 33 than I did at 23 and I will be around to see my 4 kids grow.

follow me on Instagram @sleevedsummer

Thank you for this

25 minutes ago, EW11211 said:

The question is what is your BMI and what is your goal. If I would have to/want to loose 100 lbs I would choose the VSG. My ultimate goal is to loose up to 40-50 lbs total (BMI 25-28). My BMI was 35, although I have family history of diabetes cholesterol and heart diseases, I wouldn't get insurance coverage for any surgery, because I am healthy. My goal is to avoid all health issues before they come up. My cholesterol was borderline before the procedure. At my age, 50 years old, I don't want to look like a dried out raisin.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 5.4 female who weights 220. My BMI is 37 and I would like to loose 80 lbs. Do you think I would be a good candidate for ESG?

I am with you on this forum looking for the same answers except I will be self pay.

Thank you so much for the encouragement! and thanks for sharing with me! I feel that I am the heaviest I have been and at the peak of discouragement and perhaps if I give a diet one...more....try...(I KNOW what will happen)

1 minute ago, TXShannon said:

They will always do a clotting test before surgery. And I was fine on that day. It was when they put me back on anticoagulants two days later that things went bad. But they also had to "over sew" my staple line, so I think it was a combination of things.

Do NOT let my story discourage you. Complications are rare, and the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the risks!

Oh, thank you for sharing! Because this has been a fear of mine! Thanks for your kind response and I am so glad that you are better!

5 minutes ago, EW11211 said:

I had the ESG, taking in consideration my low BMI, and safety of the procedure, no loss of work. It is not even called a surgery. The weight loss is not as radical as the traditional sleeve. It is geared for patients who would like to lose 40-60 lbs. My surgeon estimated I will lose between 20 and 25 % of my body weight. I will be very happy with a size 8, and most importantly, keep the weight down. I lost 8% of my body weight the first month. I feel great no side effects, I can eat everything in small quantities and slowly, specially meat and Protein. As with any Bariatric surgery, you still have to control what you eat.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for sharing! Is there anything looking back now on it that is making you wish you had the LSG or Verticle Sleeve? Did the dr tell you that your weight loss would be greater with the Gastric Sleeve vs the ESG. I am looking at the ESG mainly because I have to self pay it it would be less money and less recovery time. What are you giving up in weight loss by choosing this procedure? Thanks for taking the time!

8 minutes ago, EW11211 said:

The stomach stays stitched, in fact after 6 weeks it is irreversible.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

EW11211, please tell me how it is going for you? Did you have the ESG or the LSG?