SassySenior

Thanks Dee Dee. I've been trying to get the surgery for 10 years. When I got Medicare coverage 2 years ago, I began a long search for the right doctor and started jumping through all the many hoops Medicare requires. Then I had to wait until now before the sleeve was approved. I've ony got a couple of hoops left. My next big one is cardiac clearance in April.

I've always liked Sundays. I can't imagine how I'll feel when I get the sleeve, but boy do I relate to the IHOP booth and fitting in my car. I've been paying the insurance and other fees for my car, and it's probably been a year since I've been able to drive it. For me, I look forward to the opportunity of going out to a movie on Sunday. Taking my sweet doggie, Shiki, for a walk. And other "normal" things.

I'm new to this site and I'm pre-op, I weigh close to 400 lbs. I can relate to someone who's 300+, but below that is not in my wheelhouse. A group like this is a good idea. I may start one for people closer to my weight and possibly my age.

Thanks, all. Dee Dee - great idea to start a brand spanking new topic. What shall we call it? Mark - Thanks for your offer to help. I really appreciate it.

Thanks, Dee Dee. I'll stay ... if you will. I'd really like to stay. I'm pre-op so I have a lot of questions. If everyone will stop posting about this issue, stop explaining, re-explaining, clarifying & reiterating their position, stating & restating their opinion, being cerebral ... I'm in. If it STOPS NOW, I'd love to chat. I'll start. I'm a senior who's been trying to get Medicare to pay for the Sleeve. I live in Dallas. Does anyone know anything?

Whew! I was gonna join to get and receive support. However, after reading all the drama, I'm gonna pass. Maybe I'll start a "No Drama" thread. Aussie Lady was right 'cept she said "ladies." Children is more like it.

It's true that Medicare approved the sleeve, but left the decision as to whether to do it in the hands of regional contractors. I don't know if Dallas is in the same region as Houston. Do you know specifically that Houston is covering the sleeve? I've seen info that something like 27 states are doing it, some are not, and others have put in more restrictions (re: age, etc.)

I have osteoarthritis in most of my joints. The ones that bother me the most are my hips and right knee. I now take Vicodin and 800 mg. Ibuprofen every 4-6 hrs. My Dr, took me off Celebrex when it was discovered it could cause heart attacks and strokes. I've already had one heart attack 15 years ago, but with statin drugs and a stent, I've been doing great. Sometimes each step is horribly painful, even with the drugs, but I currently weigh nearly 400 lbs. I can't imagine what it will be like after surgery, but my guess is that I'll have to take something until the pain lessens with weight loss. I've tried Voltaren cream, but it doesn't seems to do anything. Does it come in a pill? I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks for starting this thread. I have been waiting forever to get wls surgery in Dallas, TX. I'm thrilled you got a notice where you live in Houston. Do you know if the same applies to Dallas? If not, I'll be going to Houston for sure!

Hi to all my nice new friends, It seems that one of the best ways to keep up with everyone is posting all messages and replies in this group. C'mon folks, we 60+ers are super special. Who cares where you're from or how much you have to lose ... living thru the 60s is really what sets up apart!! Ok, I wanna hear from Karen, Bromo, Sassy, Sandra, and all the other new BFF's I've made in this group. Don't you agree that this is the group where we can easily chat back and forth? Lemme hear from you!! Oh, by the way, I really appreciated all the info and explanations you guys have shared with me. Many thanks. If you write back, I'll tell you who I share my bed with. Kate p.s. How do you get that ticker thingee to work?

Hi all, I just joined this group last week. My plan is to get the band in the next 3-6 months. My goal is to lose 200 lbs. I was feeling pretty good about my decision until I went for my first visit with the dietician in my surgeon's office and spent some time with the Physician's Assistant who was overbearing, bullying and very negative. Plus she is the one who does the fills. While my doctor assured me the band was a good choice, his P.A. was trying to talk me out of it, saying things like "we had a patient who lost 200 lbs. but it took her 6 years to do it." I told her one of the compelling reasons I chose the band is because the bypass is 5x more dangerous and maybe even more so at my age (65), weight (403) and co-morbidities (diabetes, heart attack 12 years ago, and coronary artery disease -- well controlled with no problems since). I'd like to get your input on losing 200 lbs. with the band. I might add that on my own self-imposed diet I've lost 12 lbs. in the past 30 days (nothing drastic, just more vigilant about what and how much I eat). I chose this doctor because he has the best credentials, experience and success rate in the area. I feel like I need him to be my surgeon even though none of his office staff seems supportive or very caring. Your thoughts?

I haven't been to any, but I hear they're pretty good. I'm in favor of support groups in general. It helps to meet with people who are going thru exactly what you're going thru because no one else really understands. I'm still wrestling with what doctor to use. The one I have is the best,but he's located about 35 miles from me. I'd like to see someone closer. So you're a newbie. How's it going so far? Kate

Cindy, I was 16 when the Beatles came to Chicago. Didn't get to the concert ... one of my life-long regrets. Heck, I remember Frankie Avalon, Dion, Roy Orbison, Simon and Garfunkel, The Supremes, Fleeetwood Mac, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Bee Gees, David Bowie and the list goes on. I saw Diana Ross in Las Vegas when I was 18. I was entranced. You, however, were a bit young for WOODSTOCK!!! LOL And ... even more important ... GO RANGERS, INDEED! They're my home team, and we are all so happy and proud of them. It will be the first for us. Kate

Hi Karen, Thanks for writing. It's people like you I need to hear from. Congratulations on your teriffic weight loss. What kind of band did you get? What caused the slippage? Did you have GERD before the band? Poor you -- clear liquids! Yuck! I dread having to do that myself. Are you just starving all the time? Kate

BRENDA, I put your name in all quotes to get your attention. So HOW DID YOU DO IT? KATE

Hi Karen, Thanks for jumping on this band wagon & congrats on your weight loss. So ... you were 62 then ... that makes you in your early 40s ,.,, according to my personal age calculator. LOL Kate

Brenda, Congratulations. That is phenomenal!!! What exactly have you been doing? I appreciate your support. Weighing everything, I'm definitely going to stick with the band. Every now and then someone posts who thinks I'm crazy to do it -- that it doesn't work, causes problems, etc. I don't want to hear from anyone trying to talk me out of the band. I have chosen the band as the best surgery for me. Medicare covers it or the bypass. What a transformation you have gone thru! How long has it been since you were near your current weight? Kate

Thanks, Melinda, for your supportive comments. I'm thrilled for you that you've already lost 60 pounds, Wow! You must feel fantastic. Weighing everything, I'm definitely going to stick with the band. Every now and then someone posts who thinks I'm crazy to do it -- that it doesn't work, causes problems, etc. I don't want to hear from anyone trying to talk me out of the band. As you said, it is my decision, and I have chosen the band as the best surgery for me. Medicare covers it or the bypass. I'm familiar with pcilation and glad to hear that it's working for you. Guess you're not short and chunky anymore! Kate

Thanks, LaNell I really appreciate your feedback. I love the doc, it's the PA and distance that's the problem. With a lap band I will be making frequent visits in the beginning. I could probably live with the distancel, but I dislike the PA and she does all the fills. The reason I picked this doc is because he is the best in the Southwest and certainly a top doc nationwide.I feel like I need the best surgeon because I am very high risk. The "diet" I am on is my own. I decided to become more vigilant about what and how much I eat. Make a huge difference. Lost 12 pound the 1st month and 9 the second. And I'm still eating sweets, but in great moderation. Congrats on your weight loss. That's quite an accomplishment. What diet are you on? Kate

I am 65, and at high risk with a high BMI & co-morbidities. I have been studying wls for 10 years. I have Medicare now and can get the surgery. I'm going with the Lap Band. I'm on the pre-op diet, and have lost 25 pounds in 3 months. I live in Dallas and have chosen the best surgeon in the Southwest, but I am thinking of changing because his office is quite far away. So now I'm looking for the 2nd best surgeon. I'm a member of at least 5 groups to get a balanced view. They range from gastric bypass to lap-band to hard core fanatics who hate the surgeries and have had horrible experiences. I have a lot of links and information for anyone who wants it. I would love to hear from anyone who can relate to me.

Hi, It looks like you responded to my post, but nothing shows up. ?? Kate

Hi, Thanks for writing. You are doing fabulous! To lose 28 pounds in 1 month is incredible. The average loss with the band is 1-2 lbs. a week, so you are way above-average. What's your secret? Kate

Thanks for responding. Looks like you are doing great! Congratulations! I am developing another short list of doctors. True Results is definitely on the list. My #1 priority is to find an exceptional surgeon. Being 65, having had a heart attack in '98, and a very high BMI, I am concerned. All the tests show my heart to be stable, but you never know. My 2nd priority is a PA I like and good support staff. I dislike the PA my current doctor has. I love your user name. I think we may be soul sisters. What other groups do you belong to? Kate

Thanks for the info. Good luck in getting your date moved up. I'm sure you'll do great.