SamanthaC12

I had ESG on 9/25/2020. I'm just over 6 weeks. I lost 10 pounds the first two weeks (I was very ill the first two weeks), but only 10 in the next four weeks. So, 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I expected to lose the weight faster than I am. Were my expectations unrealistic. My starting weight was 205, BMI 31 or 33. I'm 5'5".

So for me, my BMI was a bit lower than what most doctors would consider for the VSG surgery. I really didn't want to go that route anyway. So, I was excited to learn about the ESG. It took me a LONG time to get my expectations in line. My friend had the gastric bi-pass and loss massive weight very quickly and I guess I had that in my head. But, she started out 100 pounds heavier than I did. While logically I knew I wouldn't drop weight that fast, somehow I kept being disappointed by slow and steady progress. Even if I'd qualified for the VSG, I'd go the ESG route again. I'm still 20 pounds from my goal weight, but I'm fine with that. I've gone from a very tight size 16 to a comfortable 10. The most important thing is I'm comfortable in my skin for the first time since my early 20's. My advice is don't wait. You can debate for another year and it will be putting your life on hold that much longer. You likely know in the back of your mind which route is the way you want to go. Pull the trigger and get things moving. Set realistic expectations. Do not expect this to be an easy fix. Instead of thinking of it as making weight loss easy, think of it as making weight loss completely possible and within reach. It will be hard and you will have set backs, even early on. This group helped me so much knowing it was just that, a small set back. This is by far the best thing I've ever done for myself. Either route you choose will change your life for the better. Good luck!

It really is mental head games. And, it's amazing how much better that I feel already with since I've been eating healthy. That's what matters. Thanks.

I am sticking to the plan and tracking my food intake through myfitnesspal. Thank you for the encouragement. And congrats on how far you've come in your journey!

I decided on ESG. My BMI was 31 since I'm 5'5". I started at 205 6 weeks ago. I went with ESG because I couldn't be off work for the extended amount of time VSG took to recover, and frankly, didn't want the invasive procedure and side effects that can come with VSG. For me, it was ESG or nothing. My advise is be realistic. I think you will lose weight a bit slower. I say this as I'm frustrated to have only lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks. I'm now at 185. I keep reminding my self that in 20 years, I wasn't able to get my weight under 190. The second piece of advise is pick your doctor carefully. I almost went with someone in Atlanta. Due to screw ups on their part I ended up having to cancel the night before I was to fly out. I was devastated. It worked how for the best. I ended up going to NC to Dr. McGowan, who has done well over 300 ESG procedures. He's at True You Weight Loss and the offer extensive packages that are on the lower end of the cost spectrum - I checked with LOTS of clinics. What I liked the most was the follow up care and an in house nutritionist.

I’m at 5 weeks post procedure and have been stalled for almost 2 weeks. It’s one thing to hear my nutritionist say “stop weighing yourself everyday and stick to the plan.” But hearing it from others who are or have gone through it is so helpful. It’s really been getting to me. The whole, I spent so much money and went through all this for 15 pounds?! But, I’m going to put my scale away and keep with the program. Now that I’m in the soft food stage, I feel so much better and have more energy already, than I’ve had in years. Going to try to look at the positives.

I lost 10 pounds my first two weeks after my ESG procedure. I haven't lost any more weight this week, which is very frustrating. My nutritionist's advise was that I should not be weighing daily. I'm finding that impossible. Are my expectations unrealistic for 16 days post op?

Thank you. Good to know I’m not alone with this.

I'm from Central Florida and did a ton of research before selecting a doctor. The only place I felt comfortable with in Florida was Mayo Clinic, but the price was insanely high. I ended up going to Dr. McGowan in Raleigh, NC. I flew in with my sister the day before the procedure. Had the procedure on a Friday, a nurse came to my hotel on Saturday to give me IV fluids, and I flew out on Sunday. McGowan and his staff are top notch. Their costs are 10 - 12k, depending on which package you pick. For example, the highest priced one includes 1 year of complication insurance, unlimited visits with the nutritionist, etc. I knew I'd have a ton of questions for the nutritionist, so I went that route.