Fit in my 60's

I don't recommend it. I tried it years ago and I did lose weight but at a cost. It all came back and then some, plus I didn't like the way it made me feel and literally kept me up all night. My dr. put me on Wellbutrin a few months into the 6-month supervised diet because one of its possible side effects is curbing the appetite. She's keeping me on it after banding for a while in case I go through some emotional stuff.

Jenn, I've told very few people. My immediate family and a couple of friends, but that's all. I may eventually tell some if the occasion arises like if I go out to lunch with them and I am eating very differently than before. I'm not good at lying so I think they'd see right thru me if I told a story. My first real test will be this Thursday when I go to lunch and movies with my girlfriends. We go to a deli and I've already checked out the soups to see which one I can eat b/c I'm just 1 week banded and still on liquids. There are some friends, however, that just wouldn't understand and I'm going to avoid telling them as long as I can. The few I've told so far are very supportive and that helped. My suggestion is just to play it by ear. When the time is right, you'll know it. Greekie, so glad you are doing better! And yes, you Greeks do make good yogurt! lol

Hello, I am almost one-week banded (Feb. 8th) and got a very nice surprise this morning. I got on the scale this morning and thought surely I stepped on it wrong because I was down 5 lbs!!. So I got off and on again, and then did it a third time! WooHoo!!! It might be a fluke so I'll check it again in the morning, but it sure made me feel good!! This past week hasn't been too bad. Belly is still a little sore, especially the port, and it's itching a lot too. Back hurts at night and I can't lay on my right side, but hoping all that will pass. I've taken very little pain pills and last night tried Tylenol which worked okay. I've gotten into a routine of meals. In the morning I make myself a protein packed shake using powder, skim milk, Greek yogurt, a little Splenda for a whopping 36 g of protein. Then for lunch I have a cream soup. So far tolerating blended up soups soups okay except for split pea soup! Yuck! I just couldn't hack that no matter how many protein it has! Progresso Basil Tomato is my favorite so far. I also have some sugar free jello. Then for supper I have a Low Carb Slimfast which are pretty good and the rest of my soup. For snack later on I have sugar free popsicles. In between I have sugar free drinks or tea. I have not been hungry, and was even at my daughter's the other night when she was cooking barbecued ribs in the oven!! Didn't bother me at all! So all in all it hasn't been too bad so far. I just hope I keep losing. My first visit with dr. is on the 23rd. He told me not to expect to lose anything until my first fill in 6 weeks, so I hope I can prove him wrong!! Good luck to everyone. debbie

Greekie, so sorry you are having such a rough time. I got out yesterday for the first time since the surgery on Wednesday as I was getting cabin fever. I went to my daughters house and she had barbecued ribs in the oven. Smelled delicious, but really didn't bother me. I am only taking a pain pill before bed as I find that after a while I get an achy belly and back. Today I feel kinda blah like I could sleep all day. But I really think it's the residual effect of the pain pill as I feel light-headed and woozie. I want to try Wil's advice and get out and walk a bit but it's pretty cold. If it warms up I may try it. My poor dog doesn't understand why mama isn't taking her on walks.

I was banded on the 8th and not really hungry. I sip on the protein shakes pretty slowly. In the morning I make a big one with protein powder, scoop of Greek yogurt, skim milk, banana, and fish oil (you can't taste it). It has 36 g of protein in it and I sip on it all morning. For lunch I have creamed soup, and later for dinner a low carb slimfast chocolate shake. I have sugar free drinks, jello, and popsicles for in between, so I haven't experienced any real hunger pains yet. I am sure that eventually this is going to get really, really old. Just glad my dr. is only making me do the liquids for 2 weeks, then on to mushy foods.

Hi Heather, I am 4 days banded and doing fine. There is some pain, shoulders as reported by others, and sore belly making it hard to get up and out of chairs and bed, but other than that doing fine. I went shopping a few days before my surgery so that I would have a variety of things on hand. I bought the Low Carb Slim Fast and they are fine. Also bought some EAS protein powder. Also bought some soups to blend. I checked out the protein content and discovered that pea, lentil, and bean are higher than most soups. Someone suggested Progresso Tuscany Chicken; I had that yesterday and not too bad. Some of the other things I got are sugar-free jello and popsicles, Lite V8 Splash, variety of tea flavors, black beans and tomatoes ( I heard it's good when you blend them together for a soup; haven't tried it yet though). Also bought some Greek vanilla yogurt to add to the protein smoothies to kick the protein up a notch. Yesterday I made a banana protein smoothie but you have to be careful these first two weeks of the chunks left in it. Blend it really really well. Today I made one with blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, but it had way too much pulp and seeds left in it so I had to strain it really well. Probably won't make that one again. Tasted good though. Don't forget the chapstick because you really will need it. Walk around as much as you can afterwards, and use your spirometer to keep your lungs clear. Didn't do that 2 yrs. ago and ended up in the emergency room. Good luck......you will do fine.

Surgery was Wed., the 8th and this is my first report from the other side. I am happy to say that all went well and not as bad as I thought. My last memory before the surgery was when the nurse gave me the "happy juice" or whatever meds it is that calms you down. I don't remember anything after that until I was back in my room. I understand that I said some funny things though right before going in. I've had bilateral mastectomy and implants and chose not to have nipples reconstructed so I evidently told the nurse to tell the doctors not to laugh at my funny boobs! Ha ha! I really don't remember saying that! The pain wasn't real bad but I was very nauseous all day afterwards. Nothing came up, just gagging, but when the nurse gave me meds for that it calmed down. Not sure what that was from. I've have anesthesia before several times and never had that reaction. Like I said, the pain was tolerable but then again I've lived through 2 knee replacement operations and mastectomy/reconstruction surgery so compared to those, it was milder. The gas pain did hurt in the neck and shoulder area like so many others reported. And beware of your first bowel movement if your doctor makes you drink that nasty liquid before doing the test to see if everything is okay and no leaks. Just be close to the bathroom when the urge hits is all I can say!! So far no hunger. Drinking Low-Carb SlimFast and made a banana protein shake from powder protein this morning. Had to blend it pretty well in order to blend the banana but it was pretty good. Planning on having some blended soup for lunch and another shake later on today. Dr. wants me to get 60 grams of protein a day. So far no regrets but I'm only 2 days out. I have to say too that reading all these blogs and forums really, really helped a lot. You learn so much from other people's experiences, but you have to realize at the same time that everyone is different and so are the doctors. But it gives you a basic idea of what to expect and that is key is being prepared to this major life change. Debbie

Surgery was Wed., the 8th and this is my first report from the other side. I am happy to say that all went well and not as bad as I thought. My last memory before the surgery was when the nurse gave me the "happy juice" or whatever meds it is that calms you down. I don't remember anything after that until I was back in my room. I understand that I said some funny things though right before going in. I've had bilateral mastectomy and implants and chose not to have nipples reconstructed so I evidently told the nurse to tell the doctors not to laugh at my funny boobs! Ha ha! I really don't remember saying that! The pain wasn't real bad but I was very nauseous all day afterwards. Nothing came up, just gagging, but when the nurse gave me meds for that it calmed down. Not sure what that was from. I've have anesthesia before several times and never had that reaction. Like I said, the pain was tolerable but then again I've lived through 2 knee replacement operations and mastectomy/reconstruction surgery so compared to those, it was milder. The gas pain did hurt in the neck and shoulder area like so many others reported. And beware of your first bowel movement if your doctor makes you drink that nasty liquid before doing the test to see if everything is okay and no leaks. Just be close to the bathroom when the urge hits is all I can say!! So far no hunger. Drinking Low-Carb SlimFast and made a banana Protein shake from powder Protein this morning. Had to blend it pretty well in order to blend the banana but it was pretty good. Planning on having some blended Soup for lunch and another shake later on today. Dr. wants me to get 60 grams of protein a day. So far no regrets but I'm only 2 days out. I have to say too that reading all these blogs and forums really, really helped a lot. You learn so much from other people's experiences, but you have to realize at the same time that everyone is different and so are the doctors. But it gives you a basic idea of what to expect and that is key is being prepared to this major life change. Debbie

Good luck Greekie. I should be in bed right now but can't sleep. My surgery is at 9:30 and have to be at hospital at 7:30. Wonder what it's like on the other side! lol Last time I had surgery my granddaughter told me not to go towards the light! Hahahaha!! She was only 6 at the time! Too funny!

Last week I ordered the book called Bandwagon by Jean McMillen which was recommended as a good read for bariatric patients. It finally came yesterday and it looks pretty good but I will never be able to read it all in time since my surgery is in the morning and it will be a good reference to have throughout this journey. It is a thick book and looks like it covers every question you could possibly have. If interested, you can find it by going to jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com/. She is a frequent contributor to this forum too. Wish me luck. Will let you know what it's like on the other side.

Tomorrow! Yikes! Need I say more?..............

My daughter had it done last March at another hospital and it was outpatient. I am scheduled for this Wednesday and my dr. requires overnight. I don't think there are any set standards because the doctors all seem to have their own.

To feel good about myself again. To get rid of all/most of my comorbidities To be around a lot longer for my grandkids....

I was wondering the same thing. My surgery is on Wednesday, but I figured when the time came I'd just order water and not drink it until later or not at all. I haven't told many people and not sure I can carry this off. I go to the movies every week with friends and only 1 person knows. We go to a deli first and I've already tested the soups to see which I could eat during this time. Will probably end up telling people but for some reason I am embarrassed because all of my other diets have failed. And these are skinny friends!! Stupid, I know.... So glad to hear that you all have lost weight so quickly b/c my nurse said not to expect to lose until my first fill in 5-6 weeks. Hope I can prove them wrong. Good luck all.

Hi, my surgery is this Wednesday, Feb. 8th. I know there were several of us with that date so wondering how everyone is doing. My dr. said it was okay to take pills as long as I did them one at a time. I did switch my vitamin and Calcium to chewables. Centrum makes a chewable vitamin and Viactin makes a calcium. My fish oil is a huge pill so stopping that as well. Was told about a liquid fish oil pill which I am checking out today but that just sounds gross although she assured me it was flavored and not gross. We'll see. Might just try to increase omega 3 foods once I am on solids. It is helpful to read all your accounts of experiences so far. I had gall bladder surgery a few years back and it was no problem at all; only sore for a couple of days, but this sounds like it will take a little longer. My dr is allowing full liquids as well for 2 weeks, then mushy foods for another 2. Going to the store today to stock up. Wondering about hiatal hernias though. An EGD wasn't ordered so not sure if the chest xray I took would show if I have one. At one time a dr told me I had one, but never had any symptoms and he was a quack anyway. I guess they'll repair it if they see one. Angel eyes, hope you get better. Having to reschedule would stink. I heard of someone else with same problem but after taking some meds improved in time to go ahead. Debbie

My surgery is next week, Feb. 8th. I had to go yesterday for another class with nurse and therapist and preadmission testing. I was there all day! Started the class at 11:00 for 2 hours then started the rest at 2:00. I didn't get home until 5:15. So I am ready to go, all my questions answered and know what to expect. I was surprised that they said not to expect much of a loss until you get your first fill 5-6 weeks later. From reading these posts it sounds like most do lose those first few weeks. It always amazes me how different the instructions are which each doctor. At this class there were four different surgeons represented, and the nurse had to give instructions depending on who you had. Mostly the same, but some things were different. It made me glad I chose the doctor that I did though! P.S. Cyndie, They told us the only way to relieve the gas was by moving around and walking and that shoulders hurting was normal. Does the GasX work because she said this gas was not in the intestional tract? If it does, I'm buying some!

Thanks for the after surgery report. I am scheduled for next Wed., Feb. 8th and reading this helped me to know what to expect.

Hi Angel. I live in Ky too. I just got my surgery date today and its scheduled for next Wed., Feb. 8th. Who is doing yours? I have Dr. Tanner at Norton Weight Loss Mgmt. in Louisville. My dr. doesn't require the liquid diet 2 weeks before; only 1500 calories low fat. I've been doing that anyway so when they called I was ready to go. Hoping to get this journey started. Looking forward to a lighter summer this year! Debbie

I have been anxiously waiting to hear from my doctor's office for my date. I knew it would be in February sometime but not sure when. Just this morning, however, they called and said I was good to go and if I wanted I could do it as early as next Wednesday, Feb. 8th. My doctor just requires that you do 1500 low fat calories two weeks before and I've been doing that pretty much all the time anyway. So I went ahead and chose the 8th so I can get started. Plus, I am planning a small trip to Chicago with my sister, daughter, and granddaughter in April and wanted to be past the liquid/soft food stage. I am not scared about the surgery. I've had several already. Knee replacements on both knees, gall bladder, bilateral mastectomy, so I'm a veteran at surgeries. Just a little anxious about making major changes afterwards in how I eat. Old habits are hard to break. I have 50 lbs. to lose to get to the goal that my dr set for me (170), but I want to go past that as I I am only 5'1". I am 60 though so I'd be happy at 150. I'm trying to think more in terms of size than weight so I would love to be at least a 10 whatever weight that will be. I was an 8 for about 4 weeks years ago when I tried the Phen/Fen regiment. The 70 lbs. I lost then came back within two years. My dr. requires an overnight stay. I mentioned that to my DH this morning (3rd time....he keeps forgetting lol). I've only told my 2 sisters, 2 daughters, and 2 friends, so that might be tricky to do. So I guess now I can join all the others who will be banded on Feb. 8th. Let's be sure to keep in tough on this thread to track our progress. So this is the beginning of being Fit in my 60's!!! Debbie

That's so funny, Greekie! I guess they predicted what everyone was thinking.

Cakes198 - I feel the same way. I haven't told many people, mostly immediate family and a couple of friends. I go to the movies and lunch every Wednesday with some friends (I'm retired). I haven't planned on telling them but yet after I have the surgery, my eating is going to drastically change, especially immediately afterwards. I even did a practice at the local deli where we always go checking out Soups that hopefully don't have chunks in them. So I've pretended to take a liking to French Onion Soup that comes with only a few croutons which I can take out and mostly broth. So my suggestion is to be proactive and plan out what you can eat ahead of time. Avoid eating out for a while if you can, and then when you are eating more normally, just small amounts, just claim to be on another diet. If your friends are like mine, they're used to seeing me on some kind of diet and won't think anything of it. Good luck. Let me know if you have any other ideas because I need them as well. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and maybe you can pretend to feel a little bit nauseous from nerves at the shower! Debbie

cavwife, I agree. I hate to sit in booths that are too snug. It's embarrassing!

Good Luck too. I am waiting for my Feb. date. Should hear any day now. I am so encouraged by reading some of these posts and seeing all the weight you guys have lost.

I just got a call today from my family physician and all the pre-op test results are in and she faxed them over to the bariatric surgeon's office. Should be hearing soon when I will be scheduled. I've already stopped taking baby aspirin and started the pre-op diet that he told me about when I met him a few weeks ago. Excited, anxious, and a little bit scared. Wondering what it will be like to give up some foods and old habits. But then I started making a list of things I won't miss, like: Buying clothes in the big woman section Buying clothes because they fit; not because of style. Not being embarrassed in public, esp. at the beach or pool. Not having any dresses that fit. Not looking in the mirror and wondering "Who the heck is that fat woman?" Being the fat sibling in the family. Wearing capri pants in the hot summer because I'm embarrassed to wear shorts. I could go on and on. Do you have anything you won't miss? Debbie s

Is it cheaper in Mexico? How do you get your follow-up visits and fills? And are US doctors willing to do it if the initial procedure was done in Mexico? Just curious.