hope4momof4

Hi bubbles!
saw your other post so I am all filled in.
Sorry to hear about having to wait. Dec 15 isn’t too far away and the holidays are always going to slow things down with vacations etc.
At least you got the ball rolling. Hang in there!
I had to wait as well but it was Because of their calling and trying to get my insurance to approve the visit which it did.

🤣🤣🤣I’m glad you figured it out if we are to become esg buddies!!

Hey Belle,
How are you doing? It’s been more than six weeks since your procedure and was wondering if you’re still losing or have you stalled? Please give us an update on how you’re doing and what you are eating now? Do you still feel restriction? Are you feeling hungry? Do you think this procedure has not only helped you lose those initial pounds but has also given you the will power to make better food choices? Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

OMG..I just figured how to respond with the quote bc above. Thanks and I will.

Wow, Bubbles talk about being thorough! Thank you for all that information. You did great. I hope you get approved. Please keep us updated.

So just an update on my consultation for the ESG procedure. My day started by ordering a Starbucks latte for my hour commute, after paying the cashier, I drove away WITHOUT my latte. What a dope. My appointment was scheduled for 11am in NYC which takes me a little over an hour without traffic. I checked in at 10:45, and waited patiently for two bleepin hours. At this point my caffeine withdrawal is setting in and my tummy is A rumbling. The doctor was pleasant and I didn't feel rushed. She informed me that they had me scheduled for a 5 minute follow up appointment today. Fortunately, the doctor honored my consultation, and spent plenty of time with me. After my consultation, she gave me a Pre-Op Evaluation form. I will attach a picture of it below. I was able to complete my bloodwork at the office today, I figured what's another hour.
They weighed me, which I have been dreading. I have gained 20 pounds over the last 8 weeks. So my official start weight is ..... 194lbs.
Dr. Sharaiha asked that besides the bloodwork and H-Pylori test, that I meet with a nutritionist. While I was waiting to get my blood drawn, I scheduled an appointment with the Nutritionist (December 15th) . I attempted to schedule a surgery date but was denied. She said I could not schedule an appointment for surgery until the meeting with nutritionist was complete. I wonder if it's because when she asked me what I had for Breakfast, I frankly replied, "a cupcake" and when she laughed, I said, "well since I'm being honest, I had two". Maybe it was a red flag that I have an eating disorder...yikes. I just assumed the majority of overweight people eat disorderly....
Dr. Sharaiha reported that they have 4 years worth of data in the US to measure results. She stated that the US has been doing the procedure the longest. I assume she does not equate the ESG to the similar procedure performed in other countries. She reported that most people do not need revisions. She compared the ESG revision to that of the lap-band. She said that some individuals needed a little tightening to increase their restriction. She warned against relying on possibility of future tightening as a crutch to possible slack.. She reported that in over 200 ESG procedures she has performed, she has revised(tightened) very few.

She reported that the average amount of ESG's lost 19% of their total body weight compared to 30% of VSG's
She stated that the part of the stomach that is "stitched off" from the rest is not susceptible to disease or ulcers.
Comparison of complications to a VSG is, that leaks and ruptures can, and do occur with ESG, however it is rare.
She was not concerned about my history of scar tissue and inflammatory disease associated with an autoimmune disorder. For me the food I eat negatively impacts my health to the degree in which surgery is worth the risk.
My goal is to cut out sugar/flour/wheat/grains and eat 3 meals a day until my surgery. I want to get my weight down as much as possible to maximize the surgery assisted total weight loss.
I'm sure I have missed some stuff but my brain is starting to putter out. I"ll be back....
I welcome any and all questions. If you are out there browsing this site and afraid to speak up in the forum...private message me. You are not alone, it takes a village.

Bubbles how did it go? Fill us in when you can.

Definately ask what your Dr's patients average weight loss is and follow up support with a dietician. I have similar Dr follow up to you buts it's the rest of his team that you will deal with more frequently after the procedure.

Also, don't be shy in discussing all your fears about the procedure, such as revision rates and post op care. The only way to move forward is to feel very reassured that you will get where you need to be. Even if his bedside manner isn't fantastic, it's so important to know that as a clinician - his work is impeccable. There are no silly questions and nothing you should be concerned about asking.

You have fantastic insight and have done your homework so the time will come to make your decision and then it's time to research less and get your head in the "this is happening" game. I also double read every study I could get my hands on but then knew I had to stop and trust my team and my decision. Otherwise I would have found some information that made me question my decision and escalated my anxiety about having the procedure.

You've got this

The original poster is not considering a sleeve gastrectomy...(s)he is deciding between the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and the gastric bypass.
Since the ESG doesn't yet have a proven track record with regards to durable, persistent weight loss that is kept off over the years, I'd be leery.
Remember the following tenet: obesity is not curable, ever. Obesity can be put into remission by attaining a normal weight, but the body typically fights to get back to where it once was.
The bypass is noted for its ability to address the neurohormonal influences that drive the body to regain, whereas the ESG is still unproven.

Oh thanks for the clarification. I always thought that the RNY was the most invasive of the WLS but it was also considered the gold standard because of its success rate and effectiveness long term. Well that is also something for craven.jennah09 to think about then.

I just wanted to add that RNY is much more invasive but has a proven track record. It has the best success rate of any WLS out there. It is also permanent so there’s no going back. An esg can be revised or eventually converted or revised to an RNY. I hope I didn’t confuse you more. I’m just trying to help. 😬😬

Hi there. I can only give you some advice about the esg part. I’m not sure about an RNY, don’t know much about that. I’m going on for a consult to have the esg procedure. First of all, it all depends on how much weight you want to lose. An esg is noninvasive meaning no incisions. It is performed endoscopicly, through the mouth, where the stomach is stitched together. It is a same day or outpatient procedure. It has much less downtime but it has reported less weight loss than a laparoscopic sleeve but more than a lap band. It is also a newer procedure with not much long term data. The studies done on this show promise though so I’m going this route. Also you can qualify for this with a lower BMI (as low as 30). I hope that helps. It all depends on the amount of weight you need to lose and how much recovery time you can spare I guess. Good luck with whatever you decide.

" It is also permanent so there’s no going back"
technically, the RNY *is* reversible. They just won't do it unless you have some serious medical issues that can't be resolved otherwise.

That's so exciting hope4momof4 . What a big step you have taken . Onwards and upwards!!

I just wanted to add that RNY is much more invasive but has a proven track record. It has the best success rate of any WLS out there. It is also permanent so there’s no going back. An esg can be revised or eventually converted or revised to an RNY. I hope I didn’t confuse you more. I’m just trying to help. 😬😬

Hi there. I can only give you some advice about the esg part. I’m not sure about an RNY, don’t know much about that. I’m going on for a consult to have the esg procedure. First of all, it all depends on how much weight you want to lose. An esg is noninvasive meaning no incisions. It is performed endoscopicly, through the mouth, where the stomach is stitched together. It is a same day or outpatient procedure. It has much less downtime but it has reported less weight loss than a laparoscopic sleeve but more than a lap band. It is also a newer procedure with not much long term data. The studies done on this show promise though so I’m going this route. Also you can qualify for this with a lower BMI (as low as 30). I hope that helps. It all depends on the amount of weight you need to lose and how much recovery time you can spare I guess. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hey guys, I am on the fence about something.... I don't know whether to get the RNY or ESG.... Ya'll give me your opinions.... Help me please!!!
Sent from my A466BG using BariatricPal mobile app

So cool hope4momof4!! Good luck on Dec 7, for ESG that is a large number of procedures for one Dr at this point in this relatively new technique. Don't get too stressed by the office workers, be prepped with your personal history and questions for Dr. and I found a much better response from the head nurse and Doctor in my consult. I will check back on my notes and share some of the key questions for me, you already have a good start. Keep asking if there are questions, we're here to help!

Hello out there to the endosleevers or future endosleevers. I’ve finally taken my first step to getting this procedure done. I am scheduled for a consult on Dec. 7 with the only NJ doctor who performs this procedure, Dr. Sadek. I’ve read reviews about him and most have given him a good review. His office has told me he has done over 200 endosleeves. (However, the girls who scheduled me did not sound like they were 100% sure) I actually messaged a woman who had the esg done with him and she was very pleased with the procedure but lukewarm about him as a surgeon. Nevertheless, he is the closest surgeon to me and even he is one hour and a half drive. It’s finally starting to feel real to me. I hope I remember to ask all the important questions I’ve told you all to ask during your own consultations, lol. I’m nervous but ready I think. My procedure probably won’t be for another two months which will give me enough time to prepare. Please remind me of the important questions to ask. Thanks all. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Bubbles good luck on the consult as well!!

Thank you Amy Alexis for your support and encouragement. I will keep you updated. I'm equally nervous and excited! I fear that for some reason I will not be a candidate. This procedure is a glimpse of hope from my current state of being held hostage in a overweight, unhealthy body, that lacks control over eating. I will post an update tomorrow. Thank you Tex Slim for sharing your experience, knowledge and insight. Hope4momof4, you ask great questions, I have gained invaluable information from you asking others about their experiences. So grateful for this forum and all if you guys!!

Thank you so much Bubbles. Your help and support will most definitely be needed. We should be getting our procedure around the same time. We can be esg buddies. 😊😊

Thank you!!

Congratulations hope4momof4 on your consult date. I'm here to support you and share my experience.

Hello out there to the endosleevers or future endosleevers. I’ve finally taken my first step to getting this procedure done. I am scheduled for a consult on Dec. 7 with the only NJ doctor who performs this procedure, Dr. Sadek. I’ve read reviews about him and most have given him a good review. His office has told me he has done over 200 endosleeves. (However, the girls who scheduled me did not sound like they were 100% sure) I actually messaged a woman who had the esg done with him and she was very pleased with the procedure but lukewarm about him as a surgeon. Nevertheless, he is the closest surgeon to me and even he is one hour and a half drive. It’s finally starting to feel real to me. I hope I remember to ask all the important questions I’ve told you all to ask during your own consultations, lol. I’m nervous but ready I think. My procedure probably won’t be for another two months which will give me enough time to prepare. Please remind me of the important questions to ask. Thanks all. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻