Video Q&A about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): What it is and What it does

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@jensfcv I think you joined an hour early. The event is happening now and the video will be archived to view at any time.

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Perhaps a heads up for Florida east coast Mayo Patients might help next time....

I understand the frustration, Jen. The time beside the Q&A announcement states 10:30 to 11:00 CT, but that can be easily overlooked. When you signup for the event, the reminder includes a timezone converter. We have many time zones within the country, and of course, people from around the world tune in to these events. The timezone converter helps everyone no matter where they are find the right time. Hope this helps for the next event. Were you able to watch the video afterwards?

The video was pretty depressing. Sad to know that if you have 20 -40 lbs to lose this is the way to go. If you have more no you must have the surgery where they cut into you take out part of a organ leaving you scars and on medications for the rest of your life. So basically if you don't really need it you can get it done, but if you really need help to prevent other medical issues you can only get surgery that will cause you other issues.

I viewed the video yesterday evening on Chrome. And I really enjoyed the format. The conversation between Drs. Barham Abu Dayyeh and Andres Acostathe was very informative and clearly presented.
Once again, I am amazed at the skill and the knowledge of the Mayo Clinic for their continuing effort to provide individualized medical care to meet the needs of their patients.
I learned the answer to my posted question. Thank you!
Rosemary

Hi Dawn,
First, I have to say that I did not have an opportunity to see the video or participate in any of the Q & A. So, if I am speaking out of line because I did not see the video, I apologize up front.

I am one of those people who got cut into and had part of an organ cut out. I really feel the need to rephrase this and discuss the reality of Sleeve Gastronomy (sleeve or sleeved for short).

First, let me say that the decision to have any weight loss surgery (WLS) is NOT an easy one. Like all surgeries, it is something that needs to be researched as well as finding a good surgeon and program. WLS is not the first thought one should have to weight loss, nor should it be thought of as an easy solution to a weight problem.

WLS, no matter what kind you have, IS major surgery and comes with risks just like all other operations. Maybe this even has more since ALL people who have this kind of surgery are obese with one or more morbidity markers. For me, I was over 100 pounds over weight. I was pre-diabetic. If I did lose weight I would have become diabetic very shortly. I had high blood pressure and I was tachy all the time. Stroke or heart attack would have been inevitable. I needed two new knees. My body could no longer carry my weight. Other issues included, but not limited to: high cholesterol, high triglycerides (both which appeared to be med resistant), extreme fatigue, difficulty walking, bending to reach my feet (no pedicures for me), just about unable to sit in a plane seat (we like to travel) and so on. I think you get the picture.

At the age of 61, I opted to have the sleeve. Actually, I decided 4 years earlier. I went through the entire process and 1 week before surgery I backed out. I did very well on the pre-op diet and thought I would be able to do it on my own. I really don't know why I thought that since I hadn't been successful on any attempts before. So, as I said, at 61 I decided to go for it.

First, let me say that the surgery is done laproscopicly (spelling?). I had 5 small incisions. Four about 1/2 inch and 1 about an inch. Yes, I am left with scars but after being obese for so long, my belly is full of stretch marks and hangs from all the extra weight I carried. I also had a C-section (vertical cut) so I was not worried that I wouldn't look good in a bikini. With the sleeve, your stomach is reduced about 70-80% by cutting that portion away. Your insides are not rearranged in any way. Yes, with a by-pass, your insides are re-routed but it is also done laproscopicly (spelling?).

Secondly, I will NOT be on medications for the rest of my life. I WILL be on vitamins for the rest of my life as will all those who opt for WLS because our absorption has changed. As a matter of fact, most people are either off all previous meds or off some and reduced amounts on other. For me, I no longer need blood pressure meds or cholesterol meds. However, because we cannot take NSAIDs, my doc has opted to keep me on cholesterol medicine in order to protect my heart (baby asprin not allowed). My thyroid meds have been reduced and diabetes is no longer a concern. I no longer need new knees (at least at this time). Regardless of WLS, I would have been on meds the rest of my like anyway and I would probably been on additional meds as new ailments popped up as a result of my obesity.

So, regardless of WLS, an obese belly usually looks awful, not that anyone really wants to see it. Obese people have many ailments that require meds, special equipment (walking aids and C-PAP machine for sleep apnea) and for those who become bed ridden, their list becomes longer We who opt for WLS have many life threatening ailments. We are NOT losing opting for the surgery to get into a bikini, we are doing it to have a quality of like and life in general.. You don't just walk into a surgeons office and request surgery. Depending on the insurance, it could take upwards of 6 months just to complete all the requirement they have as well as the requirements the surgeon has.

For me, other than having the pre-requisite ailments for insurance, I did not have to do anything special for MY insurance company. However, for the program, I had a number of things to complete: nutrition classes, full pre-op physical by my PCP, so much blood work that when I went to the lab and had gave my slip to the tech, she was amazed, complete cardiac work-up including a nuclear stress test, sleep study, psychological work-up, pre-op liquid diet for 2 weeks to shrink the liver, attend group support classes and an endoscopy. Hundreds of dollars and many hours of tests.

I hope this gives you a better of idea about WLS other than being cut into, having scars and taking 'meds' the rest of your life.

If you every have any questions about WLS, please feel free to ask.
ronnie

@kanaazpereira Thanks for thinking of me, and at one point I would have loved to have known more about this, but at this point my BMI is just over 25. My goal now is to get it just under 25. I realize that it can be inaccurate if you have a lot of muscle but although I exercise I would not say I have a lot of muscle. As I have mentioned in these forums, I owe my success at losing weight to myfitnesspal, and wearing a fitness tracker to push myself to exercise. I had not worn my fitness tracker since having my knee replacement in February but I resumed wearing it yesterday because I want to get back to lose those remaining few pounds. These two aids make you accountable which for me is a huge help.
JK

Sorry I could not join. I actually had the sleeve ga stronomy Oct. 21, 2016.