Hello,

Starting my ESG journey and wondering a few things. First, are there any ESG providers in Arizona? Second question is if you could choose any ESG doc in the United States, which one would you choose? Third question is from the start of your journey to the actual procedure, how many months did it take (I understand there might be differences between self-pay and insurance pay). Thanks in advance!

Hello Arizona_Guy!

Saw your post and have been meaning to reply. I’m in Phoenix and after going back and forth on options available to me to assist in managing my weight, I decided on the ESG (I used Plication here because ESG isn’t offered in the surgery drop down!) procedure. I learned that Dr Rahul Pannala / Mayo Clinic is a leading Gastroenterologist with many subspecialities who has also been working in the bariatric field. I met with him and his team and felt very comfortable and at ease with them. From my first consultation thru my procedure I heard from someone on the team: the dr, nutritionist, nurse for my procedure prep etc. weekly. They answered all my questions and Dr Pannala patiently talked thru some last minute anxiety issues I was experiencing 2 days before my date!

I was extremely fortunate in that when I first had my consultation on June 21, I was advised that my procedure date would likely be in August, possibly even September. I lucked out because Dr Pannala had a surgical cancelation so I was able to get my July 29 date! I know, suhweet!

The pre-procedure protocol isn’t too bad, apply anti-nausea patch night before, clear liquids 1 day before (I did 2) and that was it. I weighed in at 195.4 the morning of the procedure, 202.8 when I returned home some 6 hours later, lol. Since home I was on clear liquids for the first two days and have been on protein shakes and taking Liquid IV thru last Sunday. Sunday afternoon I made my tasty chicken veggie soup and have been having that puréed for one of my meals each day this week, the rest protein shakes. I typically have one premade and one homemade, gotta switch it up!

So, that’s where I am now. I am feeling very good about it all and believe I made the right decision for myself. If you have any questions, Arizona_Guy, ask away!

Hi

I am 10 weeks out of ESG. I used and highly recommend Dr McGowan out of Raleigh NC. I met virtually with him and his team plus reviewed all his YouTube videos.

My starting weight 336, surgery weight 331, current weight 298. I’m also 6’6 The majority came off the first 7 weeks. It’s been slow since I introduced solid foods.

You have to be very conscious, or at least I do, as I can eat anything I did before but less.

My pre op diet was clear liquids the day before. From the time I left my hotel to procedure, I was back in 3 hours. I never had any issues with getting liquids.