chris1142

I thought I'd write about my journey for the older folks out there considering this surgery. Last Nov I turned 71 and after regaining 50 pounds I had lost two years ago (the story of my life) I could see that if I didn't do something drastic I would spend my remaining years in a wheel chair. So off to a bariatric seminar I went. I was encouraged by all that I saw there and decided to take the plunge. I survived the two week starvation diet with out murdering my husband or eating the furniture and had my surgery on Feb. 4th. I started my journey at 298.5. The surgery was interesting I guess. As they put in the gas to blow me up, the gas hit my vagus nerve and my body slowed way down. 40 heartbeats a minute. They backed off the gas and did chest compressions to get me stabilized. Then contacted the cardiologist who told them to go for it so they compleated the surgery and then sent me to the cath lab for a heart cath. That came back normal. Surgeon said I gave them quite a scare. I wouldn't know as I woke up in the ICU and don't remember a thing about even going to the OR. Let me tell you, I used Tennova at Turkey Creek as my hospital and the care was outstanding both in the ICU and the bariatric wing. I couldn't have asked for better. Woke up only to walk far enough to get them to take the catheter out. My surgeon checks for leaks during surgery so I would drink as soon as I woke up. Yayyyyy. I could drink easily and like the very cold the best. I had no nausea or pain when still. When I tried to get up that was another story. Seems like when they blew me up they also disturbed the scar tissue from my mastectomies of 9 years ago and that gave me fits for about a week. The actual surgery part was a breeze. I have had no problem meeting my carb, Protein and Fluid goals daily. I can drink normally but not as much as fast. I'm on liquids for 4 weeks on then on to purees. I am so looking forward to some refried beans!!! So for you older folks considering this--go for it. I'm a two time cancer surviver and figured I had nothing but fat to lose and everything to gain. I'd do this again in a heartbeat. Oh, and I'm down 23 lbs. from the start of my pre op so that part is going well, too. Chris

You've done an amazing job. This kind of post helps keep me on the straight and narrow so sending much thanks your way.

Welcome! Keep doing what you are doing and you will be very happy with the results. Wishing you the very best with your surgery.

Great job! Can't wait to join you in 8.5 lbs. I'm very happy for you.

It's normal that you are tired right now. Bariatric choice has vitamin capsules that might work for you. They don't have that nasty vitaminsy smell and I find them quite easy to swallow. I've been swallowing Actigal since 1 week out and it is about the same size as these vitamins.

I'm lots older than you, was 50 pounds heavier and the same height. I was insulin dependant. I am 7 months out, down 89 pounds and was taken off all diabetes medications including insulin when I started my 2 week pre surgery diet. I'm still insulin free and my A1c is normal and my glucose readings are stable throughout the day. I love what the sleeve is doing for me. Hope this helps and wishing you well with whichever surgery you choose.

You can do this. You are making all the right commitments. Just do it today. Think about tomorrow tomorrow. And most importantly remember that what you put into your mouth may make you happy or sad but it DOES NOT make you a good person or bad person. Sending good thoughts your way along with a cyber hug.

Great job, Mary. Can't wait til I can post some of my own. People like you motivate people like me to stay the course.

You have done an amazing job. I'm truly happy for your success and thankful that you shared your story With us. It's stories like this that keep me on the straight and narrow. Only wish this surgery was around when I was younger! But I'm 7 months out now and about 70% of the way to goal-- so better late than never. Again thanks for taking the time to write all that down. Inspirational!

Wishing you all the strength and determination you need to come out the other side successfully. You certainly have a great attitude going in. We're behind you.

Our guidelines were 60+ grams of Protein, less than 30 grams of fat and 30 - 60 grams of carbs. The calorie count was limited to 700 for the first 6 months then increased to 850. This all started only after we progressed to soft foods. A word of caution-- always follow your program's directons. Hope this helps.

You've done a great job! Keep up the good work.

Terrific job. This is very encouraging to hear.

Guess what--you ARE pretty! You've done a terrific job and I am happy for your joy in the new you.

Welcome to an exciting new chapter in your life!

Terrific job! I'm very happy for you.

Best post of the month!!!!!! ????

Good luck to both of you. This is a life changing experience. It's a chance to put food in its proper place. I wish you a smooth recovery and a happy outcome.

Welcome to the losers bench. I wish you well on this exciting new phase of your life.

You poor dear. Sending cyber hugs your way. Hope you are better soon.

You have done a fabulous job. The new you looks fabulous.

Kindle, you look amazing. Love that muscle tone. You seem to have avoided the saggy skin, too. WTG

I was told not to use a straw because you take in more air when drinking with a straw and it can cause some discomfort for you. That being said, that's the only one of my doctors's recommendations that I haven't followed. I have used a straw since about 4 weeks out and found it worked okay for me and let me get in all my liquids a lot easier. I checked back with the practice to make sure I wasn't doing any harm though.

Wonderful accomplishment. May you reach all your goals.