hope4momof4

Thank you ladies!! ((hugs)) Thank you for your encouragement and compliments. I hope this stuff helps someone other than myself!!

So happy for you Fluffy! You have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to many on this forum. I hope we can provide you with some of what you’ve given all of us. You got through it and now comes the hard part. If I were you I’d go back and read your own posts for motivation because you are the best at that my dear. Congrats on a smooth surgery. I wish you the best!!

I was just looking at your stats and I just want to say that I am super pumped! I am 40 5’4” and around the same start weight...I have my first appointment on Monday. So glad you are doing so well! So glad I found this site. I have learned so much and it’s given me more tools to explain to skeptic family and friends about the surgery. Thanks all! [emoji1373]

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

Thanks Tex and congratulations on the weight loss! , I just had my ESG in January and was looking for others in a similar situation. Again thanks for the clarification I truly appreciate it

You know what I tried today I thought was the perfect soft food correct me if I’m wrong but star bucks has the new sous vide egg wrapped in bacon once you throw out the bacon it’s just a fluffy scrambled egg with a touch of cheese it’s amazing it come with two and they were my Breakfast lunch and dinner lol

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

When did you stop being scared that a stitch was gonna burst or is it just me? My surgeon keeps reminding me not to push it as they can pop (not that I would ever do something like that I’m still on the soft food stage one month out of ESG, but would love to hear if any of you felt the same !

Hi everyone!
I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting -
Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing?
I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal.
Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great!
Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future.
My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2.
Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying.
So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes
Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last.
AmyA

Just wanted to share an update. Today makes 14 weeks since my procedure at John Hopkins and I'm down 45 pounds. I'm eating 2 - 3 small meals a day and exercising 3-4 times a week. I'm 35 pounds away from goal.

Anyone have dinner suggestions? I need something that can be easily fixed.
I am struggling to find a new Protein. Tired of turkey burgers and rotisserie chicken
On another note: anyone else try these? Enlightened Bean Crisps? 7gm protein/100 cal per 1oz pack.
They are my fave snack!

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!!!

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!

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!!

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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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? 😳😬

Thank you Hope4mom! I'm feeling good - getting a lot of comments when people see me - and am fitting into my "skinny jeans" if ya know what I mean?
I have not done any clothing shopping but I may give it a shot tomorrow.
I've been eating regular food for over two months now - I think in the 7th week is when I started eating pretty normally. I just eat less of it, and I keep it really simple. I weigh everything. No white carbs, rice, bread, potatoes etc. I did start adding brown rice and some brown rice cakes to the mix a few weeks ago and all seems good. The only thing I haven't added back in is alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker and don't miss it, so why add the extra calories I say.

Fantastic news Hope4mom!
Yes I will post my numbers:
57yrs old (oy)
5'1" (shorty)
SW- 159
CW 132.5
GW 127

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? 😳😬

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!!

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!!