Huggles1951

So glad I found this site. I was worried I was the only person my age planning to do this. I'll be 60 on Jan 31st and I'll be banded on Jan. 10th. I'm not having too much trouble on the 2 week liquid diet. I am at the point though where I'm getting really nervous about the surgery and my decision etc. I've only had one other surgery under general anesthetic and that was an outpatient fix of my deviated septum. Part of the problem I think is because my surgeon thought I'd be better off with the RNY bypass. He listed my age, weight, BMI, and the amount I need to lose as reasons for his recommendation. I have known several people who have had the bypass. One died from complications, three had serious complications and the rest eventually gained all the weight back. I realize I will lose slower than the bypass people but I didn't gain it overnight either. I told him I chose this because there are less complications, quicker recovery, less time under anesthetic, no malabsorption issues, it's adjustable, and it's removable if something happens. He didn't seem impressed with my reasoning but agreed to do the band. I can lose weight if I eat less but I have trouble not letting myself creep up to eating too much because I don't feel full when I should. I think the band will give me the help I need. I know success is up to me and the band is just a tool to help so I guess maybe I just need some positive reinforcement. I'm kind of scared now.

I'm on day 8 of the pre-op liquid diet and it really isn't too bad. I feel hungriest at night and after I exercise. I've been doing water aerobics and aqua jogging at the Y 5 days a week since Sept. Anyone who has problems with joint pain etc. would probably do great in the water as it doesn't stress the joints like land based exercise. I can do lots of stuff in the water I can't do on land . I'm trying to keep busy so I don't worry too much so wish me luck.

I'm on my pre op liquid diet and I'm using Natures Best Zero Carb Isopure protein powder. I have only tried the vanilla so far but I throw half a frozen banana in it and it isn't too bad. It is after all a protein powder so don't expect it to taste fantastic. They do have other flavors I plan to try. I picked the Isopure because 2 scoops give you 50g of protein. That is the biggest amount of protein of any of the powders I looked at and since we supposedly need 60g to 80g of protein per day I figured that was the biggest bang for the buck. A 3lb tub is around $37.00 and you can check online for the cheapest place. Good luck.

On day 5 of liquid diet and going to be banded on January 10th. First couple of days not so bad as I was in a cleaning frenzy. Yesterday went swimming at the Y. Felt like chewing my arm off after that...lol. I'm allowed cream of wheat...ick so instead I pureed oatmeal in the blender. Surprisingly filling but I was still hungry so I cheated with a big spoon of peanut butter...aaahhhhhhh. My theory ( and I'm sticking to it ) was that peanut butter is kind of liquid when its warm and there are no chunks in the creamy kind. Masterful rationalization don't you think...lmao

I'm a 59 year old woman. I have a few medical issues sleep apnea, mild high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Otherwise I'm pretty healthy. I'm 175 over my ideal weight. I have gone through all of the pre-surgery testing and was determined to be a low risk for surgery. Originally I was leaning toward the bypass because the Dr said that was my best option for success etc. That was back in May and I have talked to a lot of people online since then and there are some people I know who have had major complications with the bypass. After a lot of talking, research and weighing the info I decided to do the band. My surgery is scheduled for Jan 10th and I just went for my pre surgery appointment yesterday. There was apparently a mix up and they didn't put down that I had decided to do the band instead of the bypass. The Doctor who will be doing the surgery was upset that I had changed my mind. He said that with my age and the amount of weight I need to lose he didn't think the band would give me good results and he felt the bypass would be a better option for me. He made me agree to think about it for a couple of days and said he would do the band if I insisted on that but he felt I'd be disappointed in the results. My insurance will cover both procedures. I chose the band because I felt there would be less complications, quicker recovery, it's adjustable and can be reversed if there is a problem. I know I can loose weight if I eat less, the problem has been my ability to keep eating less for an extended period of time and not feeling full with smaller quantities. I think the band will give me that help. Also I have been doing water aerobics for the past 3 months and plan to continue after surgery. I know I will lose slower than the bypass people but I didn't gain it all overnight. PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPINION. I am pretty sure if I let the doctor change my mind and there are problems I will end up resenting him and hating myself for allowing myself to be swayed. Am I too old for the band? Tell me what you think.

Thanks for responding. I looked at all the issues you mentioned and I already have a recurring B12 deficiency. That was one of the reasons I decided on the band. Also I feel if you don't work at it you can be just as likely to regain all your weight even with the bypass and I know people who did. I can't be the only 59 year old considering this. Thanks again for replying.