SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

Good Afternoon Friends,

You may remember back in spring asking for feedback on anyone that had possibly had endoscopic sleeve procedure and that I had to make some serious life lasting changes.

I thought it was time for an update.

I got serious in April, and had my procedure in early June. I lost about 26lb before and another 32 since.
I'm down nearly 60 lbs. 40 to go to meet my goal. I have had a few false starts with getting on the workout train, but have had some other health issues (figures) preventing me from going to the gym regularly.
I am definitely more active, feel better, and have tons more energy. I also quit snoring, which my H was complaining about pretty regularly.

I am pretty happy with my progress, and am still measuring food, and eating low carb type diet. I am thrilled I did this for myself.

The only other time I have made the choice to do something medical for myself paid off 10 fold too.

So folks if you are struggling with weight, and getting on track, and considering bariatric care in one way or another.... DO IT!!!!

It feels good to be healthy. Even with my autoimmune issues, I feel good.

Wow tn, what a great update!! Hang in there, I know you will progress to your goals.

I need to drop some weight too- thank you for the inspiration. And congratulations! The sleeve helps but you do the heavy lifting, and it’s not easy.

That's fantastic!!! So happy for you.

Congratulations, that’s a great amount of weight loss. It feels so good in the knees and back.

Great job!!!

I’m so proud that you took the step and you are doing it super well!

I have so many questions about the whole thing. And to be honest, the thought of it scares me.

Since reading your original post, I have been googling a bit about ESG.

Sources say that it is not permanent. Does that mean that at some point the stitches dissolve? Or does it mean that they can go back in and undo what they did originally?

Stupid question I guess… If you were able to lose so much weight prior to, and if there is so much measuring and reduction in certain foods, why not do it without the procedure? It almost sounds like the work you were putting into it yourself with exercise and diet would have a similar effect without the actual procedure.

Obviously, I have no idea what I’m talking about. I did my BMI and it is just over the 30 mark, which they feel is the point where it would really do some good. So I would qualify.

One place said that insurance does not cover the procedure, but another place said that it does.

Just sounds so scary to me. Again, probably out of ignorance.

Did you have any concerns or hesitations?

Congrats Tushnurse! I am sure you are feeling a lot better!

WR. No its typically not covered by insurance.
One of the benefits of doing g this is that it's not permanent. I have seen people develop all kinds of malabsorption issues with traditional sleeve and other complications.
This is minimally invasive. I only missed 2 days of work and threw a baby shower 4 days after. So basically no down time.
It looks is a bit different from traditional sleeve surgery in that it can be tightened up if things get stretched out.
For me it was necessary to have this as I have never been successful in maintaining the loss and with the smaller stomach I feel full and don't eat nearly as much.
When we eat out I take home most of the food or just share with spouse's order.

I need to stick to it and keep the weight off forever.
I am confident in my progress and how I feel.

Well, you sure are getting it done.

I envy your determination.

I can’t imagine how much better you feel!!!

I know that having gone this far, you will really stick to it.

You rock!

Wonderful update TN.

I couldn't do it. The surgery thing. As much as I do want to lose weight I'm not going to willingly get cut open again. It's been 8 years since the last c section and things still don't feel right down there. And before that,the uterine suspension really messed me up. Whatever they did has affected my bladder so that when I have to go I'm bent over in serious pain.

No more elective surgeries.

Funny as much as I want to lose weight the motivation really isn't there yet and I think it has alot to do with mentally being in the right head space. I go up and down like a damn yoyo. This coming weekend I'll probably burn off 20lbs hauling hay bales to the back and building a shed for the tractor lol.

I'm glad it's all working out for you.

Drgn - The reason I chose this route was it isn't a being cut open procedure, it's done with an upper endoscope. They put you night night, and go through your mouth to stomach, and sew the stomach down to the size of a banana.
It was an easy procedure. I was uncomfortable on day one, day two I slept most the day (anesthesia hang over) Day 3, I went back to work.
So yah it's invasive and has some low risks of complications as does any procedure.

Honestly I had reached a point where something had to happen, and knew from previous history w/o some serious intervention I was not going to be successful. If I didn't get the weight off I would probably be immobile by the time I reach 60 due to my back issues, and autoimmune diseases.

Its better knowing it's not a cut open thing. Weight loss isn't a priority right now. Overall health is good minus the pain from the accident.

Was there criteria you had to meet for you to be approved for that? I'm not sure my doctor would even consider it without first trying otjer things.

There are criteria, but this is not a procedure that insurance pays for here yet. So it was a bit more lenient than when going through insurance. I paid out of pocket for it.

For anyone that is a type 2 diabetic, ask your doctor to put you on ozempic. Not sure on the weight as I was scared to weigh myself at the heaviest, but I've lost five clothing sizes since March. I really got serious about my exercise and eating healthy again, but the ozempic really just makes you not crave food that much. I'm wearing clothes that I haven't worn since 1990

Congrats Tush on going for a new healthy you!

[This message edited by nomudnolotus at 2:37 AM, Wednesday, October 19th]

Well done, Tush! So happy for you!

So great that you are feeling good and achieving your goal!

Nomudnolotus - THAT IS AN AMAZING LOSS!!!!
Most of the GLP-1's can be used as weight loss tools as well, but the average loss is about 20lbs, and then tapers off. I had considered this route as well, but was concerned that when I stopped it, it would come back just as quickly.

The program that goes w/ my procedure does offer meds, including GLP-1 drugs. We are reserving them for when I plateau. My sister did a medication route the first of the year, and was successful as well, but did different meds, she was put on what are considered psych drugs - they help with obsessive thinking, and since she had prior history of abusing alcohol they worked really well for her.

Anyone that is struggling in this battle know that there are a lot of new approaches to help you lose weight, and there is a no one size fits all approach now. They are working to get the cause of it, not just getting the weight off fast like in the old days of speed, and starvation diets. Talk to your dr's and ask for direction. There are lots of options.

You are so good to others so I am happy you are taking good care of yourself!!

Hope this continues to go extremely well for you!!