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Tex Slim 66

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from Victory1119 in ESG surgery Looking for answers.   
    Sheila, hi I had the ESG procedure November of last year, just before Thanksgiving. I'm early 50's and yo-yo dieted for the last 15 years, gradually gaining 10-20 pounds per year since my mid 40's. I chose ESG because I wanted a permanent change (not the balloons) and felt more comfortable with the endoscope procedure (no incisions) than a vertical gastric sleeve. ESG procedure went very smoothly, I was not in pain, did not get nausea and was up and about within a day or two following procedure. After the long weekend I went back to work on Monday and there were no complications.
    I'm looking to lose about 80 pounds. As of late January I'm down 34 pounds and since the ESG it has totally changed my appetite and desire for food. I eat much less, don't have cravings and have eliminated most sugar from my diet (no processed foods, sweets, alcohol, etc.). Check some of my earlier posts for more details on diet, etc.
    Let me know if you have more questions, on this forum we're always glad to help and share our experiences!
    Tex
  2. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in Anyone know someone who had the ESG procedure more than 2 years ago?   
    Hope4momof4, that's a really good catch on the snack calories! When I stalled the first time I was eating too many nuts in the evening before dinner. Back to drinking more Water and/or Crystal light when I did this I wasn't "hungry" before dinner. Don't get frustrated, we're all still learning how to live a new healthy life. It's totally normal to have a couple of potholes on the road. Finding them and fixing them is the key.
    Maybe also check some other metrics like blood pressure, clothing size and blood work if you get some done. I saw major benefits in blood pressure (down ±20), down 4" inches in waist size and much lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. There are many other signs than weight that you are living so much more healthy. As you keep exercising you will grow muscle mass which add pounds (and adds metabolic activity !) so weight is not the whole story. Stay positive you are off to a great start! Have a great weekend!
    Tex
  3. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in Anyone know someone who had the ESG procedure more than 2 years ago?   
    Hey Hope4momof4 great post, thanks for adding the calories. You are getting more than enough Protein, couple minor suggestions. Here's how your diet compares to mine, I'm eating about 800-1000 calories per day:
    2 eggs in morning, have less protein ( only 12G) but also less calories (125) than smoothy.
    Morning snack non-fat yogurt. 17 gram protein, 90 calories
    For lunch and dinner think about using a scale for protein and veggie portions.
    For lunch I eat 3 ounces protein (usually chicken) 23 g protein, 200 calories.
    Afternoon snack- sugar free pudding 60 calories
    For dinner I'm using 3-4 ounces of protein and 1/4 cup of brown rice or Pasta and 1/4 cup of green veggies. Salmon 2x per week, chicken 2x per week, steak once. Usually about 300 calories, 20 grams protein.
    One more thought if I look at weight loss by month, don't get too depressed with only first month, there's more weight loss to come. Stick to your plan, you can
    Here's my weight loss by month:
    First month 16 lbs
    2nd month 13 lbs
    3rd month 10 lbs
    Let me know what you think, Tex
  4. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    Yikes two kids and snow days, how do you spell C-A-B-I-N F-E-V-E-R!! Hang in there winter is the worst, at least the days are getting longer, hopefully you get some nicer weather and can get outside to walk around a bit.
    Take care! Tex
  5. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    Hope4momof4, thanks for the compliment!! Really like the ticker!!
    Your diet looks pretty good to me, very similar to mine. Your exercise routine is also really good. How long is the stall this time and what was the rate of weight loss before it? It's frustrating I know, I'm in another one now, I've been at 265 lbs for a week and hoping to drop some this weekend or next week. I would keep going with water and/or crystal light for fluids intake.
    Only thing I can suggest is to think about stopping the Protein Drinks. As I was at my 6 week appointment I was still doing the liquid diet and my Dr. really challenged me to get off Liquid Protein and go to all solid food. His thought process was that these liquid calories (140 - 200 per drink box) are very easily ingested and the stomach pocket doesn't fill when you eat, this doesn't help the feeling of satiety (being full). He was really adamant that liquid calories were to be avoided as much as possible, even if lean Protein.
    One other observation about the protein drinks (this may be TMI for some) when I was drinking 2 or more them in a day my lower GI wasn't really processing them that well (kind of being constipated on a long term basis). As I stopped drinking protein drink about week 8 I noticed that I became more regular and the volume of waste increased.
    If you stopped the protein drinks you could consider going to 2 whole eggs to get more protein instead of the egg whites. "Food for thought" Haha!
    Let me know how it goes and what works, Tex
  6. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to Zaa in I just had the ESG procedure   
    Hi, I really appreciate all of your updates, Tex. I always wanted to weigh in (no pun intended) with my experience which thus far has not been as easy as yours. I’m 4-days post procedure and feel only slightly normal for the first time. The first 48-hrs were pretty horrible for me. Couldn’t keep anything down. Kelt spitting back up like a baby! I keep everything down now but am struggling to meet my Protein goals. I’m going back to work tomorrow and each day is a little easier but I think people should be prepared that th first Few days can be very very challenging. I wish everyone the best of luck. We can do this. At least that’s what I keep telling myself!



  7. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from patriciaholland in Newbie waiting for ESG consultation-looking for advice   
    Hey MominCanada, welcome and thanks for sharing. I had an ESG in November last year in Houston. I checked out Dr. Marvin and was confident in him, you should have a good experience.
    Stalls, great question, we all have them and there is usually more than one in my experience. It's a large change that our bodies are going though and each body reacts differently, it's not a linear process. I had a stall for 10 days where I didn't lose any weight, gained 1 pound and then afterwards in 2-3 days lost 3 pounds. Difficult for me as an engineer to explain. Water consumption and keeping it high seems to have something to do with it, see several recent posts in ESG forum. A number of us have had stalls, gone back and increased our water intake back >60-80 ounces per day and continued to lose weight.
    I have a goal >> than 20% weight loss and am about half way there. I would encourage you to discuss your goals clearly with Dr. Marvin and ask his opinion with your specific body size/shape and goal is ESG the best way to go. I had this same discussion with my Dr. and concluded VSG or ESG would work (I did not want something temporary like balloons) and eventually chose ESG due to the simpler procedure and quicker recovery time.
    My diet is very similar to a ketosis diet (only smaller portions) and when I have my blood checked I am deep into ketosis. Typically eating 2 eggs in AM, 3 ounces of Protein at lunch and dinner with 1/4 cup green vegetables and 1/4 cup brown rice or Pasta. I will do a yogurt for snack in AM and Sugar Free Chocolate pudding for snack in PM. Total 800-1000 calories/day. When I spoke with the dietician we agreed this was very similar to a Keto diet.
    I have the same approach with sharing, other than my wife not talking about procedure with others. I have told them I'm working with a doctor on a very strict diet, with blood monitoring, etc. Diet is focused on on lean Proteins and similar to keto approach. So far so good on that front.
    Keep the questions coming, we're here to help! Please keep sharing it can help so many others!
    Tex

  8. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    Hope4momof4, no worries, it took me a while to figure it out too!
    1) Near the top band of the screen you will see your name with a click down arrow to the right of it, click on the drop down arrow
    2) select "My tickers" (under settings)
    3) you can select "Edit Tickers" lower left to choose the style of ticker you want, when done with this select "Add to my signature" on lower right
    4) for the ticker to be up to date in your signature you need to add your weight info to your profile. You can do this be going back up to your name on the top of the page and clicking the drop down arrow to the right
    5) select "My surgery"
    6) Select "Progress" with the graph icon
    7) on the Progress page update your current weight, goal weight, starting weight etc. You can choose to keep your weight private and just show excess weight loss if this is more appealing. I just did the full weight, it's mine, I own it and this has been part of my accountability process to share this information on the ESG forum.

    Hope this is helpful, really appreciate the continued sharing it is helping me to stay the course and keep moving towards my goal. Thanks to all, GREAT support from ESG forum!!
  9. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in Is ESG and Gastric plication the same thing?   
    PinkMints, good question, not a stupid one. I have had ESG last November and am enjoying the results, down >35 lbs since my procedure. ESG uses an endoscope, which goes down your throat, and cross stitches your stomach, with about 12 stitches to reduce it's volume and form a sleeve in the shape of a banana. Read thru some of my older posts if you're interested to understand what ESG is like.
    ESG is a less invasive form or procedure than a Vertical Sleeve Gastronomy which uses a laparoscope incision in your stomach and removes part of your stomach before forming the sleeve shape. My procedure took about 90 minutes and I was up and about later that day, feeling normal again within 3-4 days. This is a shorter recovery period than VSG.
    From what I read online Gastric plication sounds like a folding of your stomach and suturing with a laparoscope, so there is an incision similar to VSG.
    Here's some further info on ESG:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719914/
    https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/endoscopic-sleeve-gastroplasty.html

    Take care, Tex
  10. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from sharzdorf in Hey everyone just wondering...   
    PinkMints, great question. I was very worried about stitches loosening or breaking, this lasted until my 6 week appointment following ESG. Had a good discussion with my Dr and he helped me to know that at that point "everything was solid" and the only occasion to worry about something breaking was in the case of vomiting. His simple rule was if you eat a food once and have a difficult time digesting it then just remember that and don't go back to eat that food again. I've only had one real issue with some sautéed mushrooms that I tried one evening when eating out. Too much oil/butter/garlic for me to take, so strike those from the menu.
    Great to hear the experiences of others on this one.
    Tex
  11. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    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!
  12. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For 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!!
  13. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    hope4momof4, hey you're not exposed, great idea to share this info, we're all in this together! Awesome start 12 lbs is a big deal!
    Male 52 years old, 6'2" tall
    HW - 330 lbs
    SW - 308 lbs
    CW - 268 lbs
    GW - 225 lbs - Call me crazy this is a goal to get back to my college weight
    --> You inspired me to add a ticker to my signature and share this info with each post. Thanks for that, I think our transparency and honesty about the process of changing our lives is one of the greatest gifts that we can give those people on the forum who haven't decided to do a procedure. Reading posts on this forum is what got me "over the hump" to have an ESG and I am so grateful for the information that enabled me to take that decision. I feel so much better physically and mentally about my body and my life going forward only 3 months after having the ESG!
    Keep in touch, Tex

  14. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    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!!!
  15. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    patriciaholland, don't be nervous and please feel free to ask us any questions. We have all been there and shared the same worries. The procedure itself is not complex and the recovery is not long lasting. Take the anti-nausea meds, get plenty of liquids and in the first days after your procedure get up and walk around quite a bit. You can be gassy as your stomach adjusts post ESG and I found walking around to solve any gas pain in ~30 seconds. Also I slept "sitting up" (on pillows on my couch) the first 2-3 nights so that my stomach wasn't horizontal. My Dr. recommended this to minimize gas and I found that it worked well.
    Best thing you can do is mentally be ready and commit to changing your health and life for the better. This is your chance to make that change and as you have seen from us you can do it!
    You will find the procedure provides an incredible boost to your will power and the "desire" for eating will be fundamentally different post ESG. Keep chatting with us and we will help you get there too!
    Tex

  16. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    AmyAlexis, wow thanks, awesome reminder! I was in a stall for ~7-10 days and hadn't lost a pound, even gained one back. Getting a bit frustrated and it's amazing how frustration can lead to meaningless evening grazing (confession- even if it was just nuts). After reading your post I realized I had started to ignore my water consumption being "too busy at work" and also not drinking any water in the evening. I was getting dehydrated (TMI - color of urine).
    Last couple of days I have been back to drinking 80+ ounces of water each day, including drinking 2-3 glasses of Crystal Light Red Rasberry ice tea in the evenings after dinner (don't "need" Snacks, just liquids) and getting back to a better place (clear).
    I'm down 2 pounds this week and I made it to 40 pounds lost!!! Last time I was in the 260's was >15 years ago and I was in my 30's (very old man here!)
    I will hit the half way mark towards my goal in the next week! Feeling great about this since my surgery was Nov 21! Thanks agin for the reminder, worked for me!! Take care!
    Tex
  17. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to patriciaholland in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    4 weeks for me still to go before my ESG so lovely to hear all of ya storys of how of goes. im so nerveus doe ESG but all of you keep me focus where i wanna be. thnx all

    Sent from my SM-G935F using BariatricPal mobile app


  18. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to AmyAlexis in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    Hope4 - You're doing great!
    Be sure to drink your Water (do as I say, not as I do because I hate to drink water and it was a challenge for me) - if you're not drinking enough water you will retain water and that could be affecting the scale.
    If you're taking in 700-800 cals/day You will continue to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal.com to keep me honest. I record everything I put in my mouth to keep track of the calories. I also weigh everything because I don't trust my eyes. Those two things are a big help for me.
    AmyA
  19. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    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? 😳😬
  20. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    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!!
  21. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to hope4momof4 in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    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!!!!
  22. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from sharzdorf in Hey everyone just wondering...   
    PinkMints, great question. I was very worried about stitches loosening or breaking, this lasted until my 6 week appointment following ESG. Had a good discussion with my Dr and he helped me to know that at that point "everything was solid" and the only occasion to worry about something breaking was in the case of vomiting. His simple rule was if you eat a food once and have a difficult time digesting it then just remember that and don't go back to eat that food again. I've only had one real issue with some sautéed mushrooms that I tried one evening when eating out. Too much oil/butter/garlic for me to take, so strike those from the menu.
    Great to hear the experiences of others on this one.
    Tex
  23. Like
    Tex Slim 66 reacted to justagirl77 in Question for post op   
    I have just got sleeved Monday! I’m home now and feeling pretty good, but I seem to feel hungry for everything even though My stomach could never take it! Is this normal?

  24. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from PCOSSUCKS in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    hope4momof4, wow great start, 7 pounds in 1st week! Congrats and so nice to see teenager's noticing the improvements (that is not easy recognition to get!). Awesome that your energy level is up and you hare having a similar experience of no cravings. Don't forget to enjoy that extra energy being active with your teens, that will surprise them even more. Ease back into the exercise and keep the faith on what you are eating. Keep sharing, again great job!
    Tex
  25. Like
    Tex Slim 66 got a reaction from PCOSSUCKS in ESG Progress Updates For Accountability   
    hope4momof4, wow great start, 7 pounds in 1st week! Congrats and so nice to see teenager's noticing the improvements (that is not easy recognition to get!). Awesome that your energy level is up and you hare having a similar experience of no cravings. Don't forget to enjoy that extra energy being active with your teens, that will surprise them even more. Ease back into the exercise and keep the faith on what you are eating. Keep sharing, again great job!
    Tex

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