Tex Slim 66

Melesg and hope4momof4, wow, I have never been so touched as reading your most recent posts about motivations other than weight or clothes size to get our lives in a much healthier state. Very deep and so important to many of us, maybe we're a bit hesitant to be so clear. You were both so eloquent and strong in how you want to experience life to the fullest with your children, it really meant a lot to me.
There's something about us as parents wanting to show our children how they can grow up to be people we admire and respect. We have to model in our behavior and I believe for many of us who struggle (and feel like we're losing the battle with our weight) that this same issue is present. So cool that you both are so open to help us all share in this motivation and realize it applies to many of us, even if we haven't openly acknowledged it.
Thanks for this blessing during the holidays! It makes me even more determined to be successful this time in changing my life to a much healthier and active one and becoming the parent I have aspired to be for a long time.
PS. I stopped coffee three days before my ESG (Nov 21) and haven't had any since. After the first week I was over the headaches and really haven't missed it!

Melesg and hope4momof4, wow, I have never been so touched as reading your most recent posts about motivations other than weight or clothes size to get our lives in a much healthier state. Very deep and so important to many of us, maybe we're a bit hesitant to be so clear. You were both so eloquent and strong in how you want to experience life to the fullest with your children, it really meant a lot to me.
There's something about us as parents wanting to show our children how they can grow up to be people we admire and respect. We have to model in our behavior and I believe for many of us who struggle (and feel like we're losing the battle with our weight) that this same issue is present. So cool that you both are so open to help us all share in this motivation and realize it applies to many of us, even if we haven't openly acknowledged it.
Thanks for this blessing during the holidays! It makes me even more determined to be successful this time in changing my life to a much healthier and active one and becoming the parent I have aspired to be for a long time.
PS. I stopped coffee three days before my ESG (Nov 21) and haven't had any since. After the first week I was over the headaches and really haven't missed it!

To Mel— I’m glad that you are measuring your success in other ways which in all honesty is the most important thing you can do. Your children will absolutely cherish those memories of you participating with them in their fun activities. I have the same issues as you did before—I’ve taken them to Water parks and never gone on with them. They used to beg me to go on and now they don’t bother even asking. Maybe this summer I’ll surprise them. I used to love to swim and we belong to a swim club in our neighborhood now for over five years. Can you believe that I’ve never gone into the pool with them! That will be another one of my goals. Thanks for reminding me. My children are growing up so fast. Soon they won’t want me to swim or get on rides with them so I have to make the most of the time I have with them. I’m so happy Mel that you did this for yourself and your children. Their memories you’ll have with them will be priceless!!😍😍
To Bubbles— My sincerest condolences for your friend’s loss. That is certainly heartbreaking. You are doing what a true friend should and standing by her and just being there for her. Situations in life will put our plans on hold but you have to help her through this. Besides as you said you need to work out your thyroid condition before you can proceed anyway. This is only a minor setback and once you’ve worked through your personal and physiological issues you can get back up and move forward. Please post on this forum whenever you can to let us know how you’re doing . We don’t want to lose touch with you Bubbles. Even a small post simply telling us that your life is still “heavy” at the moment is enough. I know you’ll be back as soon as life eases up.
I wish you both a happier and healthier new year. I hope 2018 brings everyone here and around the world more peace, love, health, and happiness!!

Hi there. I Just wanted to touch base with all my friends here. Reading your successes brings me joy. Congratulations. I"m eating well and trying to stay the course to the best of my ability! I've discovered Premier Protein shakes which I love, so using those to help decrease calories and increase Protein per day. Unfortunately my lab from my Dr. S came back indicating possible hyperparathyroid. Why can't I get a skinny disease? Ugh..I need to follow up with an endocrinologist. In addition, a dear friend of mine son died two days ago. Life is heavy at the moment so just trying to get through one moment at a time. I'm not sure how frequent I will be checking in, but I will when I get some downtime. I have 11 guest coming from out of town to stay with me, so I'm busy, busy. busy... Wishing you all a happy holiday and praying for your continued success.

Thanks for the encouragement hope4momof4.
If it helps, my dr was happy if I had 1 coffee a day from early on. I am a massive coffee addict but really didn't feel like I could stomach it for over a week after my esg. I also couldn't drink more than about 150mls at a time so it was a little cup. My advice was to ensure I had 1.5litres of Water a day and that my coffee was to be in addition to that to ensure I was hydrated.
I double checked with the dietician about having occasional carbonated drinks and was given the ok. In small volumes, stretching doesn't seem to be a concern. I used to love Diet Coke but now have maybe 200mls every few weeks as a treat rather than food. I.e at the movies. They sell the mini cans and I get very excited to sit back and enjoy my mini Diet Coke. I also have had a mini can of mineral water When I was feeling quite head hungry twice as this again feels like a no calorie treat. I completely understand if others have been advised to avoid them all together as I know it can be a slippery slope but just giving my experience 😊
Also just need to share - I can run for 10 minutes without stopping now plus do another 40 minutes of cardio and weights. Honestly feeling so energised from the running - my house has never been cleaner!
Mel x

Hey, hope4momof4, great idea with this thread, really cool way to keep us all getting positive messages each week. I'm now just over 2 weeks after procedure and down 14 pounds. I'm still primarily doing a liquid diet with Protein Drinks and Soups. Have added yogurt and tried some small portions of chicken and fish (both ±2 ounces). Lots of chewing, so far so good, no reactions from my new stomach. Average 600-800 calories a day. Lots of Water.
I'm down one size in pants and that feels so much better, moved all my "larger" pants out to the garage and will be donating them to charity. I'm not going back.
I just don't get hungry like I used to, sounds difficult to believe, but I have zero urge to munch at the end of the day before/after "dinner". This used to be the worst hours of the day for me, mentally I look back and think it was more like grazing (emotional not physical eating).
I'm going to try going back to the gym next week and building up my cardio and strength, will let you know how that goes. Have a great weekend!

Thanks, melesg and hope4momof4, I'm no hero, same person I was before my ESG. My body and mind are reacting very differently (in a positive) way to the new diet. I was not capable of doing this either pre ESG.
Before my ESG, I tried a 2 week vegan cleanse twice, but it was not like this. I felt hunger and the desire to graze in the evening. As soon as I finished the cleanse within a couple of more weeks I reverted back to my old unhealthy eating and drinking habits. It was strange, but the reverting back did not make me feel any better, yet it still happened to me each time in my yo-yo dieting cycles. It was like the irresistible pull of a strong magnet!
I feel so much better physically now that I do not want to lose this and really believe I can make my goal, about 65 lbs more to go. I'm enjoying the holidays and not missing the drinks or Snacks and not "feeling" any physical need to eat more. I hope both of you are able to do this as well.
This forum has been so helpful to me in making my choice for an ESG and learning thru others how to adapt. Just trying to give some back and help others. Merry Christmas!

Thanks, melesg and hope4momof4, I'm no hero, same person I was before my ESG. My body and mind are reacting very differently (in a positive) way to the new diet. I was not capable of doing this either pre ESG.
Before my ESG, I tried a 2 week vegan cleanse twice, but it was not like this. I felt hunger and the desire to graze in the evening. As soon as I finished the cleanse within a couple of more weeks I reverted back to my old unhealthy eating and drinking habits. It was strange, but the reverting back did not make me feel any better, yet it still happened to me each time in my yo-yo dieting cycles. It was like the irresistible pull of a strong magnet!
I feel so much better physically now that I do not want to lose this and really believe I can make my goal, about 65 lbs more to go. I'm enjoying the holidays and not missing the drinks or Snacks and not "feeling" any physical need to eat more. I hope both of you are able to do this as well.
This forum has been so helpful to me in making my choice for an ESG and learning thru others how to adapt. Just trying to give some back and help others. Merry Christmas!

Tex - you are doing amazing. The amount of Protein you are taking in is incredible and your self discipline at such a challenging time of the year is beyond fantastic. I think you may be the most perfect esg patient - your esg team must be so happy with your progress. You are clearly very determined - to stay on shakes and such a low carb/strict plan is admirable.
You are really inspiring the whole esg community, including me. I hope you know how powerful your updates are to so many people.
Merry Christmas and keep up the great work,
Mel x

Thank you all. Tex that is extremely reassuring! I am very excited to hear that to be successful I don’t need to be stellar preop. I’ll keep trying though. I think when I get closer to the procedure day it will really start to feel real and that nervousness/ anxiety may be a driving force to clean up my eating habits. You sound like you are doing fantastic. 20 pounds is a big accomplishment. (Can’t wait till I’m posting the same) Your daily meal plan sounds challenging for me now but post esg I hope I will be able to follow a similar meal plan. I know that I would not be able to follow your meal plan now, certainly not for any extended amount of time. I am hoping this procedure will give me that drive and will power. It sounds like you have those things. Keep up the good work!! You have all given me hope that this procedure will work. I look forward to your weekly posts. I’m preparing!🤞🏻🤞🏻

Great job Luv life keep going! you're off to an awesome start! So good that you're exercising so much, key to sustaining your weight long term!!

Happy Monday, getting in the holiday spirit (no alcohol, snacking or Cookies this year!)
Tomorrow is 4 weeks from my ESG procedure, I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 20 pounds since ESG!!
Great questions and answers by hope4momof4 and melesg here are my answers as well:
Typical daily food intake, since week 3 averaging ±1000 calories and ±100 g protein:
Breakfast 0600 - Premier Protein shake, 160 cals, 30 g Protein, Multivitamin and Calcium supplement
Mid morning 0900-1000 - Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, 80 cals, 12 g protein
lunch 1200 - Either Premier Protein Shake or 4 oz protein chicken or salmon (baked) 250 cals, 25 g protein
Mid afternoon 1500 - Premier Protein Shake
dinner 1900 - Either 4 oz chicken or salmon (baked) or Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, (if protein at lunch)
Drinking >1,5 liters of Water each day as well, between meals, no coffee/caffeine/alcohol
1) No hunger pains or feelings, no evening urges to graze that I used to have every day.
2) I didn't follow the puree stage myself as digestion has been very stable, solid foods haven't been a problem. I have stayed away from leafy items and whole fruits/veg. I'm staying with the Protein Shakes a bit longer to keep ramping down my weight. Started walking and feeling stronger this week, taking the ramp up easy, will introduce weight lifting this week as I hope to go skiing over the holiday period.
3) I'm right around 1000 calories, still a bit extreme and not long term, I have lost 20 of my ±90 pound targeted loss and want to continue this pace for another month or so. When I get below 275 (13 more pounds) I will start to transition to a more long term diet. More than 20 years since I was below 275.
4) No cravings, the head hunger thing is real for me. I don't desire sweets or salty munchies (honestly thought I would never utter these words!). My portion size is <1/5 of what I was previously eating at meal time and that's before not taking seconds.
5) Emotional eater - yes to all the above. If you would have asked me before the procedure I would have denied it and said it was based on my need to get calories due to being "a large body" with any number of related excuses, I'm big boned, I weighed this much when I was in my teens, etc. It just isn't the case. I really believe there is a positive effect from the reduction in stomach size and satiety (feeling of being full) and hormone reduction that is driving this.
Hope4momof4, don't be stressed, I would not have predicted any of 4) of 5) before I had my procedure. In fact I gained about 10 pounds in less than a month from the time of my consult to completing the blood work and dietician visit. I thought about changing my eating and lifestyle before the procedure but never could have understood beforehand how much my willpower is stronger now after the ESG.
Keep going, stay strong, there's lots of hope coming your way!!

Happy Monday, getting in the holiday spirit (no alcohol, snacking or Cookies this year!)
Tomorrow is 4 weeks from my ESG procedure, I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 20 pounds since ESG!!
Great questions and answers by hope4momof4 and melesg here are my answers as well:
Typical daily food intake, since week 3 averaging ±1000 calories and ±100 g protein:
Breakfast 0600 - Premier Protein shake, 160 cals, 30 g Protein, Multivitamin and Calcium supplement
Mid morning 0900-1000 - Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, 80 cals, 12 g protein
lunch 1200 - Either Premier Protein Shake or 4 oz protein chicken or salmon (baked) 250 cals, 25 g protein
Mid afternoon 1500 - Premier Protein Shake
dinner 1900 - Either 4 oz chicken or salmon (baked) or Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, (if protein at lunch)
Drinking >1,5 liters of Water each day as well, between meals, no coffee/caffeine/alcohol
1) No hunger pains or feelings, no evening urges to graze that I used to have every day.
2) I didn't follow the puree stage myself as digestion has been very stable, solid foods haven't been a problem. I have stayed away from leafy items and whole fruits/veg. I'm staying with the Protein Shakes a bit longer to keep ramping down my weight. Started walking and feeling stronger this week, taking the ramp up easy, will introduce weight lifting this week as I hope to go skiing over the holiday period.
3) I'm right around 1000 calories, still a bit extreme and not long term, I have lost 20 of my ±90 pound targeted loss and want to continue this pace for another month or so. When I get below 275 (13 more pounds) I will start to transition to a more long term diet. More than 20 years since I was below 275.
4) No cravings, the head hunger thing is real for me. I don't desire sweets or salty munchies (honestly thought I would never utter these words!). My portion size is <1/5 of what I was previously eating at meal time and that's before not taking seconds.
5) Emotional eater - yes to all the above. If you would have asked me before the procedure I would have denied it and said it was based on my need to get calories due to being "a large body" with any number of related excuses, I'm big boned, I weighed this much when I was in my teens, etc. It just isn't the case. I really believe there is a positive effect from the reduction in stomach size and satiety (feeling of being full) and hormone reduction that is driving this.
Hope4momof4, don't be stressed, I would not have predicted any of 4) of 5) before I had my procedure. In fact I gained about 10 pounds in less than a month from the time of my consult to completing the blood work and dietician visit. I thought about changing my eating and lifestyle before the procedure but never could have understood beforehand how much my willpower is stronger now after the ESG.
Keep going, stay strong, there's lots of hope coming your way!!

Happy Monday, getting in the holiday spirit (no alcohol, snacking or Cookies this year!)
Tomorrow is 4 weeks from my ESG procedure, I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 20 pounds since ESG!!
Great questions and answers by hope4momof4 and melesg here are my answers as well:
Typical daily food intake, since week 3 averaging ±1000 calories and ±100 g protein:
Breakfast 0600 - Premier Protein shake, 160 cals, 30 g Protein, Multivitamin and Calcium supplement
Mid morning 0900-1000 - Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, 80 cals, 12 g protein
lunch 1200 - Either Premier Protein Shake or 4 oz protein chicken or salmon (baked) 250 cals, 25 g protein
Mid afternoon 1500 - Premier Protein Shake
dinner 1900 - Either 4 oz chicken or salmon (baked) or Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, (if protein at lunch)
Drinking >1,5 liters of Water each day as well, between meals, no coffee/caffeine/alcohol
1) No hunger pains or feelings, no evening urges to graze that I used to have every day.
2) I didn't follow the puree stage myself as digestion has been very stable, solid foods haven't been a problem. I have stayed away from leafy items and whole fruits/veg. I'm staying with the Protein Shakes a bit longer to keep ramping down my weight. Started walking and feeling stronger this week, taking the ramp up easy, will introduce weight lifting this week as I hope to go skiing over the holiday period.
3) I'm right around 1000 calories, still a bit extreme and not long term, I have lost 20 of my ±90 pound targeted loss and want to continue this pace for another month or so. When I get below 275 (13 more pounds) I will start to transition to a more long term diet. More than 20 years since I was below 275.
4) No cravings, the head hunger thing is real for me. I don't desire sweets or salty munchies (honestly thought I would never utter these words!). My portion size is <1/5 of what I was previously eating at meal time and that's before not taking seconds.
5) Emotional eater - yes to all the above. If you would have asked me before the procedure I would have denied it and said it was based on my need to get calories due to being "a large body" with any number of related excuses, I'm big boned, I weighed this much when I was in my teens, etc. It just isn't the case. I really believe there is a positive effect from the reduction in stomach size and satiety (feeling of being full) and hormone reduction that is driving this.
Hope4momof4, don't be stressed, I would not have predicted any of 4) of 5) before I had my procedure. In fact I gained about 10 pounds in less than a month from the time of my consult to completing the blood work and dietician visit. I thought about changing my eating and lifestyle before the procedure but never could have understood beforehand how much my willpower is stronger now after the ESG.
Keep going, stay strong, there's lots of hope coming your way!!

I absolutely agree with Melesg. It is very smart that you are looking into all of your options. Choose the one that you feel will give you the optimal results you desire. In the end I have learned that any procedure or surgery is just a tool and it is how much work you are willing to do that will make it more or less successful. The difference I think is the strength or magnitude of the tool. The laparoscopic sleeve has proven to yield more weight loss than the endoscopic one but it does mean more down time, an overnight stay, etc. Only you my dear can decide which is best for you and absolutely look into all the possibilities out there. Of course we’ll be here for you whichever you choose. We’ll support and encourage any decision you make. Please let us know.

Thanks Bubbles. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I’m trying to use the time I have from now until my procedure to change my habits. In a few weeks I will take the bold step that you’ve taken and wean myself off of phentermine. That will be the hardest part of this journey. That blasted medication has been my crutch to lean on and I need to get rid of it completely. Thanks for the support and let us know which procedure you decide on.

That's the best news!! I'm so glad that the consult went so well, you sound very at peace with your decision. You are going into this with your eyes wide open and will do amazingly well. You know exactly what to expect and that preparation will enable you to reach your goals. I'm so proud of you and so, so excited to be joining you on this journey.

Thank you AmyA! It’s very helpful to see what those who have had esg are eating post op. It is especially helpful to see what people who have lost 18 pounds in two weeks are eating!!😜😜 Wishing you continued success!!

I totally agree with Bubbles. This forum has been a great inspiration for us all who are pre esg or whatever procedure. I also agree with Bubbles about how reading all your posts puts me in higher spirits. That is interesting how Tex after having esg is now able to take a step back and think about his food choices and not just automatically put things in his mouth. Yes, Bubbles I do exactly the same thing as you, it is really an automatic action that we never stop to think why? My kids are eating so I eat. My kids are snacking so I snack. Great that this procedure gives you the power to break that habit. Tex I’m sure you will get over your stall. Many have reported a stall after only two weeks. But all who have stalled have pushed through to lose weight again. You will get through this as well I’m sure. Make sure to get enough Protein (all who have reported a stall got through it, it seems after increasing their protein) and I’m not sure if you mentioned if you started exercising again. I hope others who have experienced stalls can chime in here and give you better advice than me. The main thing is that you’ll get over this small bump in your journey.

Wow that is so interesting how when you are not "In the Food" you have clarity as to the connection between self and food. That is really cool. It sounds like you have a breathe, a pause between you and the food, to make a better choice. Currently being "in the food" I do not have that separation between my emotions and behavior. The impulse and compulsion is so automatic.
It sounds like many people stall after a few weeks and then have a big drop. It must be the body holding on. Gosh the human body is so impressive. Hang in there, your body will let go of that weight, and BAM.. you will drop yet another size!
Thanks for the encouragement, I feel like you all are my second family. We all really get one another which is so helpful.
Sending you good vibes!

Bubbles, great post, don't get stressed too much. We have all yo-yo dieted for decades and it is extremely frustrating and demotivating. There is a path out of this to a healthier and happier life. Keep looking at different alternatives and stay positive that you can change your future. Regardless of Vertical sleeve or ESG the procedure's impact of reducing your stomach size is going to help you get to a more disciplined and healthy eating/lifestyle. We will still support you regardless of which procedure and path forward you choose, in the end you need to select one that you believe in the most. AmyAlexis, great advice as always, your such a great influence on this forum.
For me, after a great first two weeks post ESG, I'm in a bit of a stall this week only lost one pound. I'm not changing my eating discipline and still don't "feel hungry" like I used to. I'm recognizing that my snacking and grazing was focused on different issues and the feeling that I can manage this now is much stronger following my procedure. Gonna keep on the right path and I will lose more in the weeks to come!

Bubbles, great post, don't get stressed too much. We have all yo-yo dieted for decades and it is extremely frustrating and demotivating. There is a path out of this to a healthier and happier life. Keep looking at different alternatives and stay positive that you can change your future. Regardless of Vertical sleeve or ESG the procedure's impact of reducing your stomach size is going to help you get to a more disciplined and healthy eating/lifestyle. We will still support you regardless of which procedure and path forward you choose, in the end you need to select one that you believe in the most. AmyAlexis, great advice as always, your such a great influence on this forum.
For me, after a great first two weeks post ESG, I'm in a bit of a stall this week only lost one pound. I'm not changing my eating discipline and still don't "feel hungry" like I used to. I'm recognizing that my snacking and grazing was focused on different issues and the feeling that I can manage this now is much stronger following my procedure. Gonna keep on the right path and I will lose more in the weeks to come!

Hi Bubbles--
I so understand what you're feeling right now. Been there so many times, and of course it's a viscous circle - we overeat, and gain weight and feel like crap about ourselves and guilty and all the rest, so we eat more and on and on and on.
It took me a long time to decide whether I was going to do ESG. It's a big move! This isn't just another diet, or drug that you can just stop. It's a physical change that is going to force you to eat less.
I can only speak for myself - but I was at a point where I was so sick of being out of control and not being able to eat normally, that I took the plunge. I just made the leap. I could have overthought it and probably would have stopped myself. Especially if I started to lose weight again on my own- but I knew that it would be temporary.
Take your time. Talk to the nutritionist. Tell her about the phen issue.
It's an important decision. You'll do it - or not - in a time that's right for you.
AmyA

Most definitely Bubbles. We can do this together regardless of what procedure you choose. Support for me would be critical as I’m a very private person and no one will know about this besides my husband, not even my 4 boys! I’ll need you more than you know. I’m sure you’ve read how invaluable the support has been from the other members— in particular Melesg, Tex Slim, and AmyAlexis. I wouldn’t have ventured forward without them.

Progress: Still no carbs/sugar. I scheduled an appointment with gastric sleeve doctor for January 10th and I meet with his nutritionist on December 18th. I'm still going through the process for ESG procedure, I meet with their nutritionist this Friday.
Challenges: I'm struggling with the amount of food I'm eating. I'm always hungry, coming off the phen has increased my appetite.
Setbacks: I'm up 5 pounds since stopping the Phen and I feel defeated and depressed. I'm not sure if the ESG will be most beneficial for me long term. Feeling stuck.