hope4momof4

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

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

Thanks for the advice Tex. I think you’re right about the Protein Drinks. They do carry a reasonable amount of calories that I could now do without since I’m out of the liquid stage and almost done the purée stage. My stall has lasted for about a week now and I think I need to focus on my Water again. It doesn’t help that our area got slammed with snow and my younger two have had two snow days back to back. The weather and being stuck indoors has made me feel hopeless but I’m hoping as the weather improves so will my mood and determination. Winter weather always gives me the blues. I hope my next post will be more positive.
I will keep fighting, you do the same Tex—you’ve come so far!!

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

Firstly thank you so much for words of praise and encouragement. I think you have plication figured out perfectly now. Lots of pictures of the procedure on line if you want to see how they tuck the stomach up during the surgery.
I have no problem with sharing any info that will help anyone. Before surgery I was 255 having lost a little during the liver shrink diet. I am 5ft 71/2" (shrinking from 5'8" LOL). My highest weight was 275 several yrs ago. I am now between 190 and 195 not sure how accurate the scale is. I am now 66yrs old, heading for 67 so I was just past my 64th birthday at the time of surgery.
It is a daily battle for though I can't eat large meals I can certainly nibble between meals if I allow myself to do so. I sometimes think even after surgery eating and food take up far more of our energy and time than they should. That said it is so much nicer to not be carrying around that bag of "pig chow" as I imagined my fat. It got used up bit by bit as my body lost weight using it for fuel LOL.

Happy to chat any time and the best of luck on your journey. You can do this!

Plication does not involve any cutting beyond the laproscopy incisions of which I had four. The stomach is folded into itself and stitched with two rows of stitches, no staples involved. I am very happy with my plication. I weigh 60lbs less than at surgery weight and have maintained that for 2 yrs. This was a fine amount of loss for me as my BMI was not very high. I wish this surgery was more popular as I think many people who will not consider more invasive surgeries would consider it.

I haven't had surgery yet but it is within my consideration. Thank you for my welcome here, hope4 mom of 4, that's quite a nom de plume but give your kids all a hug from me.

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now 15days pre so starting on my dieet and sport its going well but like you know soooooooooooooooooo nurves. i paid 4500 euro incl but not in holland its in belgium

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Yes, Patricia I was nervous but the procedure was not bad at all. I often tell this story to others who are nervous— I came home after my procedure and did laundry!!🤣🤣 I know you will be fine and do great!! Just remember to take all the meds the doctor tells you take before the procedure and get plenty of rest when you come home that same day. You’ll also be tired the 2nd day but by day 3 you should be almost back to normal. We are all rooting for you. You can do this!! Best of luck.

question what did you all pay for ESG

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That is awesome!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻You have had a very, very busy week. Great work. You are taking care of these issues pre esg. I just know you will be a complete success after your procedure. Looking forward to next weeks post.

Well I've heard the difference is they do the plication with sutures and the ESG with some sort of rivets. I base this on Dr Tom Umbach from Blossom Bariatrics on You Tube. He said it is almost impossible to revise an ESG for this reason.

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I’ve already had the ESG surgery I just wanted to know the difference because they seemed to similar how are you doing three years out if you don’t mind me asking thanks for the response mountaingal

I was looking for ESG 3 yrs ago but could not find it anywhere. I had a plication which I don't think can be much different. In both procedures your stomach is made smaller by "folding it on itself". I am happy with my procedure and the scars I did not want don't seem to matter at all now. After all I have read about ESG I do think recovery may be a bit harder than mine was though. Neither plication or ESG are miracle cures but they are miracle tools if we use them right.

So how are you doing Speedmommy? I hope you are happy with your procedure and doing well. I had my WLS at 64. Best thing I ever did for myself. I am not super thin (which I wouldn't want) but am so happy. I feel healthier, have more energy and move with less aches and pains.

I'm 61 and today is the one-month anniversary of my surgery. Including pre-op losses, I've lost 43 pounds. My total for the first month post-op is 17 pounds, so not as fast as many others, but I'm fine with it--can't remember losing 43 pounds before in my life EVER. Very little pain from the surgery, no problem eating and drinking other than getting enough Water in. I'm never hungry and wouldn't eat at all, probably, if not for the ever-constant need to get the Protein counts up. Had no energy for the first three weeks; feeling more normal now if not perky.
I'm also on half the diabetes medication I was beforehand. My blood pressure is "perfect" according to my doctor; if it gets any lower I'll be cutting my medication (that I've been on for decades).
I have a long way to go and it hasn't been easy (the first couple of weeks after surgery kind of suck), but I have not regretted it for a single instance. I'm anticipating a better and healthier future.
You can do this! Good luck.

Hello and welcome
you're a few years older than I. I'm 58 and had the Sleeve on July 26th. I started this new journey on April 28th. This is the day I decided to change my eating habits to prepare myself for the big day (surgery). Since than I've lost a total of 64lbs and feel better than I have in 20+ years. I wouldn't change a single moment. I have not gone back to the old me. I wish you the best in this new and exciting lifestyle journey.

I had read about ESG 3 yrs ago but couldn't find so much as a study where I could get it done. I got gastric plication which seems to be very similar in mechanism...the stomach is folded up to lessen its size. Plication has been very well accepted and used in Australia , NZ and some European countries for some yrs now with good results so I don't see why long term ESG results will be any different.

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!

Hi there MomInCanada! Welcome to the ESG forum or I should say family because we consider each other family in many ways in terms of the support, guidance you'll receive from the best people.
To answer your first concern, I honestly believe that the surgeon who does the ESG procedure does matter a lot. I had mine in NJ and one of the reasons I choose my surgeon (Dr. Sadek) was because of his experience with this procedure and the number of ESGs he had performed. I can tell you that Dr. Marvin has had excellent reviews from many on this forum as well as the Facebook group that I am on which you should check out. Once you're in the Facebook group (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty USA) type in his name in the search and many results will come up. I know that he has performed many and was trained by Dr. Sharairah herself who pioneered this procedure. I read a study about how a surgeon who performs ESG will get better and perfect his technique the more he has performed. My surgeon explained to me that his first few ESGs were done a certain way in terms of stitching and when he figured out a better way to improve the stitching pattern he got better results. He also told me that of the approximately 50-60 ESGs he's performed he has only had to revise two which were two of his first ESGs.
Your second concern, privacy about the procedure, I have only told my husband as well. I have 4 boys who range from 19-11 years old and they did not even bat an eye or suspect I had any procedure done at all. This is why: Your recovery is very minimal, of course each person is different but a smooth and painless recovery is usually the norm. Just make sure to take all the meds the doctor prescribes for you and by the third day post op you will feel almost 100%. I often tell this story on this forum and to the facebook group--- After I came home from the procedure, same day of course, (went in at 7AM and was done and awake and ready to go home by 11AM) I did a load of laundry!!! If you are concerned about others wondering why you are eating so little, I'll tell you this--- most people don't pay attention as much as you think. Those that may venture to ask you, the answer should be simple-- I'm watching what I eat because I'm trying to get healthy. If you were anything like I was pre op then most of your close friends and family would be used to you on another diet.
Good luck and please keep us posted!!!!

So my surgeon thinks bypass is the best choice for me since I have bad acid reflux and heartburn. I was a little taken back but I think it will be ok...any thoughts?

Hmmm I hadn't planned on a bikini at 72 anyway. Besides I'm always cold, my stomach,already looks, due to stretch marks, like the road map of Indianapolis with all the county roads marked. Beauty spots, is that what they are?, Shoot I thought I was just rusting So hand me the Hudson Bay Blanket, I feel a breeze coming on.
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Hi everyone. I have read all of the various topics on ESG and have really appreciated all of the information. I have a phone consultation on Monday and still have some questions, so if anyone is willing to send some input I would really appreciate it!
Some background: I live in Canada and ESG isn't offered here (and I don't qualify for any other surgery in Canada) so I am going to head to the US and pay out of pocket. I am speaking with Dr. Marvin of Houston Surgical - I was very impressed with their program and it seems like he has a lot of experience. I would like to lose about 50 pounds but would be content between 30-40.
Here is what I cannot wrap my head around: if ESG reduces the stomach and you continue to only take in a very limited amount of calories, why does weight loss stall/stop around 18-20% (according to the info I have read? Any thoughts?
I have reviewed the post-procedure diet, which seems eminently manageable; however, on some of the posts I have read that people follow a ketosis diet. Has this been recommended to anyone?
Finally, my plan is to tell my husband only. I think I can work around the "liquid/pureed" period of time, but I need to come up with an explanation to others on why I am eating so much less than before (AND, probably more frequently, explain why I drink less wine!). Does anyone have any great explanations other than: I'm really watching my portions and being more mindful?
Thank you to anyone who answers - I'm very grateful. If you have any other unrelated tips, I welcome those too!

Hi there PCOSSUCKS. I had my procedure on February 6 after months and months of looking for information about ESG. You are definitely right that this forum can provide so much information and support for all of those in the pre and postop stage. I’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I remember being exactly where you are right now, looking for advice and guidance.
The procedure itself, at least for me, was not very painful at all. The recovery was quick and I would say I was “back to normal” by the evening or afternoon of the day after the procedure which I found pretty amazing. ESG does help curb your appetite tremendously but you do have to do your part as with any WLS. The further out you are the more work you have to put in but as of now, I am like 3-4 weeks out, it is doing the job. I can feel the restriction and feel full with a much smaller amount than before the ESG.
We’re here for guidance, support, or advice whenever you need it. Welcome to the group!!

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!!