hope4momof4

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

Thanks again for the encouragement Mel! It means so much that we can share our experience with one another. I’m at a bit of a stall now although I am certainly not cheating, it is too soon. However I’m excited that I have a lot of energy, my clothes fit better, and my cravings are almost gone. It’s a learning experience and I’ll ride it out. I hope to be out of this stall soon. I can’t let it get to me mentally. I hope to post better weight loss results soon. Until then I’m still following the plan of course with plenty of Protein Drinks and exercising now 5-6 times a week. Hope my scale moves soon!! 💝💝💝

You go girl! That's a really big loss so early, really proud of you. I had tons of Soup and I also found a high Protein normal milk which was nice when I was over the taste of the Protein Shakes. It does feel a little bit Groundhog Day but it will pass before you know it.You have hit your stride with energy much earlier then I did - you are really doing great. Keep up the updates x

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!!!!

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!!!!

Awesome news hope4!!! Sounds like you are doing amazing!!! Well done, 7lbs is a big drop and you will see more lbs quickly disappear in the coming weeks. Sounds like you are already mentally in the zone too, not fighting the process and finding strategies to keep yourself in check. Cannot wait to hear your continued progress. Mel x

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

Hello all! It’s been exactly one week since my Esg procedure. I saw my doc yesterday and it looks like since my procedure day 2/6 I’ve lost 7 pounds. I’m extremely excited because I’m starting to notice it in how my clothes fit. My doc has cleared me for cardio exercise but still no heavy lifting or over exertion for fear of stretching or breaking the sutures.
I’m on full liquids now and not finding it extremely difficult as long as I get in enough Protein which on average is 85-100g per day. I also feel like I have more energy and not much fatigue at all. This part amazes me considering I’m not taking in more than 700-800 calories a day max. Pre-esg this wasn’t possible except when I crashed Diet and even then of course that was definitely not sustainable.
Incredible how Tex and Mel were right that this was how I’d feel post esg. No cravings for sweets—gone, so far. And I feel like I have energy to complete everything I need to during my day with time to spare. (You were right Mel, my home has never been cleaner!!)
On a funny but happy side note, my teenage kids even noticed I lost some weight. That is an accomplishment because my boys hardly notice anything.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the weight will continue to come off. Hopefully now I’m that I’m exercising it will. Till next time guys. Please keep posting. 💝💝💝

Hello all! It’s been exactly one week since my Esg procedure. I saw my doc yesterday and it looks like since my procedure day 2/6 I’ve lost 7 pounds. I’m extremely excited because I’m starting to notice it in how my clothes fit. My doc has cleared me for cardio exercise but still no heavy lifting or over exertion for fear of stretching or breaking the sutures.
I’m on full liquids now and not finding it extremely difficult as long as I get in enough Protein which on average is 85-100g per day. I also feel like I have more energy and not much fatigue at all. This part amazes me considering I’m not taking in more than 700-800 calories a day max. Pre-esg this wasn’t possible except when I crashed Diet and even then of course that was definitely not sustainable.
Incredible how Tex and Mel were right that this was how I’d feel post esg. No cravings for sweets—gone, so far. And I feel like I have energy to complete everything I need to during my day with time to spare. (You were right Mel, my home has never been cleaner!!)
On a funny but happy side note, my teenage kids even noticed I lost some weight. That is an accomplishment because my boys hardly notice anything.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the weight will continue to come off. Hopefully now I’m that I’m exercising it will. Till next time guys. Please keep posting. 💝💝💝

Great idea. I’ve seen them advertised but wasn’t sure if they were worth buying. Thanks I will go ahead and try that.

(note - I posted this in the wrong area, and have no idea how to delete that)
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

hai mel what youre totall loss in kilo's so far now youre so close to youre weight its so nice to hear so happy for you greets from holland

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As far as soda for your boys (I also have 4 boys), try soda stream...my kids have really loved it!

Hello my ESG family. First of all I would like to sincerely thank Tex, Mel, and Amy for the sweetest condolences on my mother’s death. Your words, prayers, and thoughts truly meant the world to me.
It has been two weeks now since my mom passed and I’m trying to cope with this devastating loss. So as you may have guessed— healthy eating was not a priority. However, I’ve managed to keep my weight under reasonable control considering the circumstances. It is something that I must know put as a priority in my life. My mother was very ill and unfortunately her weight ,bad eating habits, and lack of exercise contributed to the worsening of her condition as the years went by. I don’t want to go through what she did. Her quality of life in the last few years was horrible. She had no energy to go out and enjoy life. She needed constant help and care. I do miss her tremendously but I know that she in now in a better place. She didn’t want to live the way that she did. Her last hospitalization was painful to watch. She was basically kept alive by the machines attached to her. If she had survived that last hospital stay I am positive she would have needed a 24 hour nurse or something to get by. I know she didn’t want to live that way.
I’m still grieving her loss but it has in a strange way made me more determined to get my weight issue taken care of. I am going forward with my scheduled esg on February 6. I think now more than ever I have to take care of my health. I’m sure my mother would have wanted it that way.

I’m going to begin by posting my stats so hopefully once I have my procedure I can look back and see how much weight I’ve lost.
Current weight: 198 lbs. (ouch🤭)
height: 5’5”, Age: 43, female
Biggest thing I accomplished this past week: I finally made an appointment for a consultation on 12/7 (which I will definitely update about on a different thread, lol)
My biggest challenge: having the courage to tell my husband I want to do this (he’s the only one who will know besides my mom) and trying to wean myself off of phentermine which at this point is really not helping me with my appetite at all. I am too afraid to stop taking it because I will probably gain a lot of weight if I do.
My biggest victory (even if it’s a very small one): realizing that I don’t need a sweet snack at night and reached for a piece of fruit instead.
I hope at least some of you join me in this thread. Once I have my procedure, God willing, this will keep me accountable.
Thanks for allowing me to share. 🤗🤗

Melesg, great job, that a big step particularly after what you have already lost. Interesting to see you went back to Protein Shake for Breakfast, I have been thinking about doing the same thing. I need to pick up my gym work and make fitness a larger part of my goals going forward. I'm down between 1-2 pounds per week the last month or so. I'm at a weight that I haven't seen since my early 40's, which is a really nice feeling, Getting ready to go down another waist size (will be 4" down so far) which is even better.
Also great to hear you are thinking about what is the best target for you and judging by how you fell, not just a number, very positive thought process. Take care and keep in touch!
Tex

Hope4momof4, I knew you could do it. So great to hear of your progress in day 4, nice that you were able to stop the pain pills on day 3, good move. Thanks for sharing your details so that other's can know the experience is not so traumatic and can make a huge improvement in their health and quality of life. Keep going you are in for a great next 3 months with your body finally feeling like it has come back under your control and not that of cravings. Have a great weekend!
Tex

Good morning all! It certainly is a good morning for me. I’m feeling almost 100% today which is Day 4 post op. In fact, yesterday I was almost completely back to my old self except for the part that I could only drink Clear Liquids and I was still feeling a little sluggish.
Tex Slim 66, I can honestly say that almost everything you described to me about postop happened with me to a tee. I kept thinking that I doubt I’ll have the same experience as Tex. I also thought maybe he’s trying to sugarcoat it a bit. I figured well he’s a tough Texas man and his threshold for pain is way higher than mine so I was preparing for the worst. But my friend you were right. I rarely felt any real pain except just after I woke up in the recovery room. (One Percocet took care of that). After that I really didn’t feel much pain at all. As of yesterday I am off all meds except for the one for acid reflux which I only need to take for another week or so just as a precaution. No nausea at all. Thankfully no vomiting or dry heaving either. I don’t feel any hunger so full liquids for me are fine. All of your advice was extremely helpful—from getting up to walk to alleviate gas to sleeping at an incline to prevent the gas. So glad I’m over this first hurdle!!
Melesg— your beautiful words of encouragement carried me through the procedure. I kept remembering that my guardian angel (my late mother) was watching over me and when I started to feel a bit of panic, I’d take three long breaths and it would calm and relax me. You were also right about my children not even noticing— like you said, gotta love teenagers.
Thanks again to all of the well wishers—- Patriciaholland, AmyAlexis, (who I’d love to hear from, it’s been a while my dear), and kakatlady612 (btw, please be as bossy as you’d like. Your advice and wisdom got me through the first few days.)
Looking forward to posting more success and still of course would love to hear how each of you are doing. Love my ESG family!💝💝💝

Hi again,
Next update for me 😀.
Ive lost 1.4kg (3.3 lbs) this week which was a nice surprise. Have been a bit under the weather so have not been to the gym as much. I have been logging my food and working on healthy Snacks and smaller meals. Also swapped breakfast for a Protein Shake. Excited to be 4.6 kg away from my initial goal weight. Thinking I may want to lose another 4 kg after that still but I will wait and see once I get there.
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the esg journey. I would love to see your progress updates for anyone willing to share ☺️.
Mel x

Patricia it is our honor to,be your friends. We all wish you only good thiIngs now and in the future. Life comes with no guarantee; all any of us can do is to live it to the best of Our own capabilities. You will have sorrows; learn from them and move on. We all on this earth are a work in progress, none of us is born with a instruction booklet. You need to be your own best YOU, if the world didn't have need of you You wouldn't be here. We all learn from each other on this journey through life. Thank you all for being there for me and I pray,I'll always be there for you. Smiles and sunshine in each of your lives today.

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every time you post im smilling when im reading!!! im in the position now of being scared 6weeks post[emoji52] so like melesg was for you thats what you are for me soooo glad that i found you all on the other side of the World my new and dear dear friends[emoji8]

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Good morning all! It certainly is a good morning for me. I’m feeling almost 100% today which is Day 4 post op. In fact, yesterday I was almost completely back to my old self except for the part that I could only drink Clear Liquids and I was still feeling a little sluggish.
Tex Slim 66, I can honestly say that almost everything you described to me about postop happened with me to a tee. I kept thinking that I doubt I’ll have the same experience as Tex. I also thought maybe he’s trying to sugarcoat it a bit. I figured well he’s a tough Texas man and his threshold for pain is way higher than mine so I was preparing for the worst. But my friend you were right. I rarely felt any real pain except just after I woke up in the recovery room. (One Percocet took care of that). After that I really didn’t feel much pain at all. As of yesterday I am off all meds except for the one for acid reflux which I only need to take for another week or so just as a precaution. No nausea at all. Thankfully no vomiting or dry heaving either. I don’t feel any hunger so full liquids for me are fine. All of your advice was extremely helpful—from getting up to walk to alleviate gas to sleeping at an incline to prevent the gas. So glad I’m over this first hurdle!!
Melesg— your beautiful words of encouragement carried me through the procedure. I kept remembering that my guardian angel (my late mother) was watching over me and when I started to feel a bit of panic, I’d take three long breaths and it would calm and relax me. You were also right about my children not even noticing— like you said, gotta love teenagers.
Thanks again to all of the well wishers—- Patriciaholland, AmyAlexis, (who I’d love to hear from, it’s been a while my dear), and kakatlady612 (btw, please be as bossy as you’d like. Your advice and wisdom got me through the first few days.)
Looking forward to posting more success and still of course would love to hear how each of you are doing. Love my ESG family!💝💝💝

great progress hope4momof4! keep drinking the liquids. So happy for you that you are feeling better!

Thank you for the great tips by the way. I did sleep last night in a reclined position and I only needed to get up a few times for gas which, as you told me, went away as soon as I walked around a bit. The pain was manageable. I was told to take Librax for pain a very four hours but I have only taken one last night and one this morning. I’m doing okay considering. I hope tomorrow my energy will come back. Thanks again Tex.

Thats awesome hope4momof4!
very excited to hear that you are done and dusted and recovering well. Can you believe it's done? Hugely proud of you of your determination to find the right procedure for you.
Take your time recovering, the fatigue hits you sometimes when you don't expect it. I remember going from I feel great to, wow I'm exhausted often in the first two weeks. Hope the fluids are going down easily.
looking forward to hearing about your progress
mel x