smartypants

Most of the people I know who've had this surgery are young - in their twenties and thirties. I've had people ask me why I would do this at age 57. Why not just see if I could diet if off? A young woman I work with wanted to know if I was doing this so I could look slim and "hot" and why would someone my age worry about that? LOL I did this mostly for my health. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and am pre-diabetic. I would by lying if I said that I am not interested in looking good, too. I'm single and, yes, even "old" men in their 50s and 60s want an attractive (slim) girlfriend. Thoughts from the 50 something members?

Hi Gail. You are my age and just about the same weight I was when I started my VSG journey. I have lost 38 pounds so far and feel great. I was pre-diabetic but my blood glucose levels are normal now. My blood pressure has dropped, too. Let's not forget how much fun it is to put on clothes that were getting snug 5 months ago and are now bagging all around me. You won't regret having this surgery. You will be able to eat just about anything you could before but only in small amounts. Just be sure to learn as much as you can and follow all your doctor's and nutritionist's instructions. I'm happy for you and wish you well. Keep us posted as to how you are doing!

I was sleeved on July 30. Yes, I had that same kind of pain. My doctor explained that since my stomach was still healing there would be some pain but it goes away. And, he was right! As long as I don't eat too much and chew thoroughly I don't get that pain. It takes a while to learn when to stop eating. Also, some people say they cannot tolerate some foods in the beginning but I haven't had any problems at all. At this point I eat whatever I want - just a lot less than I would have before the surgery.

I'm only a week out from my surgery but I'm doing fantastically. I am mostly on fluids but do have a little applesauce or pudding especially when I have to crush pills. It helps getting them down. One profound thing I've noticed is that even though I am hungry at times, I don't feel overwhelmed by the feeling. Before the surgery - for most of my life - it always seemed as though my appetite and hunger were a constant presence, something I was always thinking about. I would eat a big meal, and even though my hunger was satisfied, I would start thinking about what I was going to eat at the next meal. That obsession isn't there anymore. I'm of the mind that this is what "normal" people feel. They get hungry, eat enough to be saited, then just get on with their day. I've already started researching Protein rich, lo fat recipes I can prepare when I can progress to a regular diet. Maybe it's just the euphoria of not being "starving" and having lost about 8 pound so far that is making me feel this way. So, I ask all the folks out there who've been "sleeved" for a long period of time. Did it change your perspective of food and appetite? I would love to hear from sleevers who find that dieting became easier after the surgery.

I work full time and people will ask how I am losing weight and I just can't lie! I can't blame you for wanting to look hot! I'm tired of shopping for the big flowery muumuus in the fat lady's clothing stores. LOL

I'm ten days post-op. I found that taking tiny sips of room temperature or warm clear liquids helped a great deal in the beginning. Taking anything bigger than a sip made my gut feel like it was going to split, the pain was so bad. So, I just sipped, sipped, sipped all day long. I'm doing well now and can take in more. Call your doctor. It might help you if you could get some anti-nausea medication.

I've been belching a lot but was told this would eventually resolve. Do you feel all right otherwise? An unpleasant odor usually means somethings not right. You could give the office a call and ask them about this. If you're not feeling ill (I'm thinking an infection) then it's probably something that's going to eventually resolve.

Hi Everyone. I was freaking out a week ago and got some really nice messages from folks reassuring me. The surgery went well. I was only in a lot of pain the night of the surgery but I still got up and walked the halls in the hospital. I'm following a liquid diet but have to admit I'm craving something to chew on. Has anyone "cheated" by eating something they weren't supposed to? I have to be on liquids another week and I don't know if I can go that long without having at least a piece of toast. LOL

Mmmm, popsicles. I'll have my friend run by the store to get me some. I can also eat Jello which I haven't done yet. He also said I can have a small spoonful of sugar-free pudding or greek yogurt.

Nah, I wasn't going to "cheat" by eating toast. I was just wondering if anyone else was tempted. In a way, I'm glad that I have the craving for something to eat. That means that everything is healing as it should. I'm a good patient. I'll follow what the doc tells me to do.

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry you're having this problem. Keep cleaning the area and applying the ointment. Also, try to keep the area as dry as possible. Let us know how you are doing.

I was in your shoes a week ago. Had my surgery on Monday, July 30 and am doing great! I won't lie, you'll be pretty uncomfortable the first night. I've had numerous surgeries so wasn't too afraid about the actual process. You'll do fine. Good luck!

My surgery date is looming before me. I am scheduled for July 30. I'm no stranger to surgery but for some reason this surgery really has me nervous. Hope I don't call the surgeon's office and cancel.

I'm 57 AND 120 lbs overweight so I get the double whammy of prejudice!! Yes, I notice that when I am with a slender friend I am ignored even if I attempt to engage in a conversation. I'm not insecure about who I am. But, I have definitely noticed prejudice against me being a large person. Even doctors treat me in a dismissive fashion except, of course, my bariatric surgeon.

You're right. I'm going to be very good this last week before surgery. It's time to end my love affair with food!

My surgery is scheduled for July 30 and I'm supposed to be on the pre-op diet. I've been bad, I admit. I want to enjoy all the foods I know I won't be interested in after the surgery. I do drink a protein shake for lunch, though. I have to feel like I'm doing something.

I rarely get nauseous and can't remember the last time I've vomited. I'm terrified of being nausous and vomiting after surgery. How common is it? I know the anesthesiologist will give me anit-nausea meds but I also know that sometimes they don't work very well. Please....someone put my mind at ease!

I am so sorry that you have to face this but thank God it was found early. So, pick up your baby girl and tell her that you are going to be around to welcome her first baby - your grandchild - in the future. Then, take good care of yourself. Do what your doctors tell you and if, at any time, you feel as though not enough may being done, go to a nearby university medical center. You can beat this. You're in my prayers.

The staples look good. Just try to keep the area dry if it's in a fat fold so the incision can continue to heal. I had 25 staples in my leg when I had knee replacement surgery and even though some of them looked a little crooked after a while, they held tight for the two weeks I had them in.

I know just how you feel. I have a very close friend. We've been friends for 40 years!! She has always been the skinny one and has watched me lose and gain weight multiple times since I've been in my 20s. It has always driven me crazy when she would say she needed to lose 8 pounds. When I would tell her that's nothing compared to 100 pounds her reply was "it's hard to lose weight whether it's 8 pounds or 100". Really? I don't think so. Like your friend she thinks I'm making a horrible mistake by having most of my stomach removed. She asked me if I would be able to eat healthfully and sensibly after the surgery why don't I just do that now? It was really difficult to explain to someone who has always been thin. Making a big change like this is going to cause some upheavel in relationships. I think you're right when you say that you're friend doesn't want you to be skinny and attractive. I have a feeling my friend feels the same way. She's very competitive and when it comes to appearences she has always been the "winner". Do what's best for YOU. If she's a good friend she will come around and accept who you are now.

Hi Jan. I don't think how you're feeling has anything to do with your age. I'm 57 and a veteran of many surgeries dating back to when I was 32. I always felt like crap for a while. It often takes weeks or even months to get your old energy back. Just keep pushing yourself a little more every day and you're going to feel like a million dollars soon enough.

I have a close friend of 40 years who is very opposed to my having this surgery. She doesn't believe in altering one's body for the sake of weight loss. I should add that she has never been overweight more than 8 pounds in her life. I had really hoped to have her support in this because she is like a sister to me. But, she wants me to try dieting one more time. Anyone else have this issue with a close friend or family member who absolutely does not want you to have this surgery?

I'll be praying for you. Everything will be fine. At this point you should have absolute trust in your surgeon. Let us all know how you do when you get home!

Thanks for all the replies. I'm sorry that we can't have support from all our loved ones but I am glad that there are those who support me 100%. I have a co-worker who was "sleeved" back in February and is doing fantasticly. She's been my best cheerleader!!

You really need to contact your doctor. Your fainting may have nothing to do with the surgery. Don't mess around with something as serious as that.