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It sounds like you need some outside activity to take your mind off something that probably isn't going to happen. For one thing it comes gradually so start a physical fitness regimen, start dwelling on the positive, look at a new clothes wardrobe and try on your new sizes to see what an improvement is ahead of you. Look for ways to volunteer in your community and work on nutritional changes that your family will like and get them on a new track for healthy life style. If you got the surgery just for looking better, you probably will be disappointed but if you did it for health, it will be for the best. More energy will be worth every penny.

Thank you Bariatric Guru, I hope I can inspire anyone who is having trouble coming to grips with this food habit. As we age, it is so important to take care of our excessive food intake. It just isn't worth it. One of my best recommendations it to keep busy and interested in everything around us. Volunteer where it gives you a feeling of self worth, join groups and communicate with family and friends. Keep busy and don't get the habit of laying around as you do get older. Good nutritional values will save you money in the long time.

Celebrating my 11th year anniversary of my RNY. Age 78, height 5/8, 299 lbs. Lowest weight was 165 (ideal) but the COVID "home bound" situation has caused some gain that I need to work on . Age now is almost 84 and some health issues are adding to water retention that has add to my weight. My story is that I gained weight after having 2 sons, starting two businesses created stress and a lot of responsibility fell to me. Diabetes became a big issue and while I reached 299 lbs.... diabetes was a big concern. My decision to have Bariatric surgery was guided by the fear of how diabetes was not under control. I was very fortunate to live near Indiana University Med Center which we use on a regular basis. IU has a great weight loss center with excellent nutritional department, and surgeons that operate in the best hospitals. At my age, the cost was taken care of by my Medicare benefit. The Dr that was assigned to me was the director of the IU Bariatric Dept. The Center gives out excellent information for the rules and reasons to prepare for surgery. My April start was to be the start to lose 35 lbs in 3 months but due to summer vacations, etc. it was 5 months to surgery. In that time I lost 55 lbs and had the option to continue on my own. I seriously considered that but since I had, initially, needed help with my diabetes, I elected to have the surgery. I'm very happy that I did. The increase of energy was unexpected. The diabetes meds and insulin was eliminated and hasn't returned, largely due to the fact that I no longer like the rich cream and sugar loaded junk. The small quantities that I can eat are a constant reminder that I need to fill up on good nutritional choices. Calories naturally come up to Breakfast: approx. 350 and consists of a tortilla with one mushroom, one small egg, diced onion, 1/2 slice of crisp bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese. Lunch (2 pm) is veggie soup or salad, dinner is served about 8 pm and is a minimum amount of food. Portion limits are always followed as are the eating rules....small bites!. A big help is that we no longer have a pantry full of bad snacks. Sugared drinks and juice is no longer in the house. Another help is we are the only two in the house now. It is much easier if you don't have to prepare additional meals for extra family members. Keeping busy is a key to not thinking so much about food. I'm a designer and building a line of paper and textile designs for personal use and interior decor. It is a business that I've had for 50 years and thought I was through but I guess not.

Hi, I just found your post. How have you done since surgery? In response to your concerns I want to say that you will, at least I found that I have forgotten about my before size. I feel much more comfortable with others and not self conscience at all. I haven't had time to work outside or exercise this year because I've been so busy. My anemia has slowed me too. I do think that some are getting the surgery too young. I would be concerned that the new revision to our organs would be a set back and it is much better to lose the lbs by sensible nutrition. I'm interested in how you are doing.

My husband had a terrible reaction to his last knee replacement surgery. The doctor and the clinic has not helped at all. I was shocked how his memory and ability to reason was affected and very disappointed in the response from the medical staff. They did call us after I complained but only to divert a Mal-practice suit. The advice that you were given is very good. I hope you can eventually get relief. My husband was so bad that he couldn't function if left alone. He is better but after 18 months, he still has anxiety.

I also have a short supply of energy, however I have been diagnosed with mild anemia for many years. It has worsened in the last 5 or 6 years, a few years after RNY bypass. I was in my late 60's when I had the surgery. My diabetes kept getting worse and my weight was a major problem so that was my main intent to help the diabetes. It worked! For a while my energy was way up but as I have turned in my 80's, my anemia, related to kidney function, is worse and I'm really tired most of the time. Diet is always a concern and I cannot eat much at all. I admit that I have a bad habit of skipping my meds. Fortunately my hematologist referred me to a kidney specialist and I think I have the best advice that I have ever had. Frequent blood tests are a good thing and in my earlier years was to busy to take care of myself. I'm coming up to 83 and still a work in progress.

My experience and advice is to take each step by its self and in time you will have your goal accomplished. You will feel so much better with more energy, health issues will improve, and you will actually forget how depressing it was to pull on size 3X clothes. My diabetes is in remission. I haven't had to give myself insulin once in 11 years. I do have some age related medical issues but I am 82 yr and feel 50. Fortunately I have had no problems keeping my weight off, in fact, I follow the rule to stop when I am no longer hungry and it has conditioned my stomach to stop me. I get a hiccup and that is the signal. Good luck on your new journey.....be happy .

Fresh Salmon is great for breakfast. I make it in two ways. 1. Simple ....bake or poach it. Brush it with olive oil, ( I use a little butter ). sprinkle w/mince fresh herbs: dill weed is my favorite but oregano, sweet marjoram, parsley, lemon juice, and season with a light touch of garlic/salt/pepper. Top it with poached egg dusted with Parmesan cheese. Add a side of asparagus sautéed quickly with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoned to your taste. 2. Salmon patties....Recipe: Poach fresh salmon filets and remove the thick skin. Flake the salmon into course bits. Mix with minced celery, sweet onion ( green shallots, diced sweet red pepper, opt.), Tablsp light mayonnaise (opt), herbs and seasoning. Mix with 1 or 2 eggs and drop a serving size on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 350 F oven until the patties are firm to touch and slightly toasted on top. Quantities will vary according to your taste and number of servings.

I have to confess that I am not a good patient to take my prescribed meds every day. I do have a great breakfast to start the day and usually a late lunch with a bedtime bite of a left over.At the beginning, I followed the rule to cut my bites in very small pieces and chew 30 times. That has been constant for the entire time and I believe it has helped me reduce my quantity sufficiently to keep from gaining.

It has been many years since I checked into Bariatricpal. My surgery on 9/1/2011 was at the INDIANA University Medical Center Bariatric Dept. The decision was made for weight loss and diabetic control. Over the years of owning two businesses, raising two sons, getting my husband through dental school then music school, while practicing my own career as an artist, my struggle with healthy eating and controlling diabetes was eventually too much. At the weight of 299 lbs and age of 71 yr and the consistently worsening sugar control, to the point that I was giving myself daily insulin shots, was a wake up call. It isn't an easy decision to jump into a serious surgery, like this if you don't have access to the specialist medical practice like the IU Medical campus. The Department offered lectures and programs to educate people about their obesity and ways to get help. I never felt pressured to sign up for the surgery but after a few appointments with the surgeon and nutritionist, several medical tests reassured me that my basic health was able to handle the surgery, I followed through with the required initial diet and weight loss. I lost 45 lbs in the first 4 months. It was rather easy to do by following the diet prescribed and I even thought about forgoing the surgery, except for the diabetes issue. Going ahead with the recommended RNY and strictly following the diet, I got down to 165 lbs. That was higher than I thought would be ideal but the sight of boney neck, face and arms seemed fine. For anyone who is older like me, I strongly encourage that you research your area for a surgery clinic that is recommended and consider your options. The following advantages that I received: 1. Loads of energy. 2. Longer life, (said my cardiologist) 3. Feeling younger. 4. More interest in going out for travel and exercising. Having recommended it I must say that I don't recommend it for young people who are doing it for vanity alone. Why? 1. You have to follow strict regiment on vitamins and follow up care. 2. You have to absolutely restrict your food intake. You have to be prepared for a complete change of food choices. 3. You have to be psychologically prepared to be successful over all temptations. ISSUES that I have encountered may be due to lack of nutrition. My current medical care is concentrated on low hemoglobin , anemia, kidney function. The good news is that my diabetes is under control and I haven't needed insulin or any medication since surgery. After years of sticking to the rules for eating, I cannot overeat. A couple of bites of protein, tiny veggies, a bite of fruit fills my stomach to the point that I can be in pain. This is one issue that I wonder about and if other long term RNY patients have experienced. You comments are welcome.

HI everyone, I don't think there are many WLS members that are 70 or older. I think it will be interesting to know about our experiences and how it has affected our lives. I was 72 when I had RNY. I was type II diabetic and taking more insulin all the time with more problems coming on. Dreading the problems of aging with the weight and poor health as I approached 80, was the motivation to find a surgeon. I really did not know very much about the process. The surgeon was head of a uniersity medical bariatric department and very easy to get to know and feel comfortable with. I'm amazed how much better I feel and the additional energy. I feel like 45 again instead of 75. My interests are gardening, art, interior design, making glass beads, and cooking. We own and run a B&B so I make a gourmet breakfast and feature food that is healthy and delicious. We get a lot of vegetarians and gluten free guests. It is hard work but I have help from my husband. It would be impossible to do as the old me but the surgery has been successful and made many new possibilities. I hope you are enjoying life and good health too. I live in Crawfordsville, IN

JTS, Congratulations on making the decision to change directions for better health. I have gotten along fine and it sounds like you have a good attitude and good reasons also. I hope you will update us when you get through surgery.

Welcome to WLS. Yes, you will have a period of recovery but it passes quickly. Be sure that you have extensive instructions from your doctor and follow them to a "T". Three years out and I am still chewing small bites until it's mush and take 30 minutes to eat a meal. I love the triggers that let me know to stop eating. Good habits can become permanent. Good luck to you.

The first week or two were overwhelming. I did sleep in my own bed but it was a little uncomfortable. I tried wrapping a binder around my stomach but it was stiff and too large so it didn;t help a lot. My pain was managed well and it hardly seemed like I had surgery. I took it easy and didn't take long drives and was careful about lifting weighty items. Menus took up a lot of time but my surgery was Sept 1, 11 which was enough time to get outside and walk. About the 10th week or so the doctors office gave me the okay to go the the gym. It isn't my favorite activity but I haven't gone in almost a year and notice weakness in my arms and legs so it is back to the gym asap. Thus far, the surgery has delivered everything it was supposed to. My recent labs were good and I have a ton of energy. Owning a B&B is fun but lots of work. I have my husband who does the housework or else it would not be fun. I hope you have a quick recovery. Take care of yourself first and the rest of the family can wait for a short time until you feel back to par.

I haven't looked up xip…..? yet, however I have a rib on my right side, lowest one that is a floater. My doctor just found it and said it isn't anything to worry about, it happens.

Karen, I just celebrated my 3rd year out. My recent lab test were excellent. I have had a little problem with anemia and low potassium but supplements and Vitamins have brought levels into proper range. My main issue is getting to bed at a decent hour. I really need more sleep and have been told that is one of the pieces to maintaining weight loss. Sorry about your health status. Have you considered Water aerobics? It will help your sciatica. Try to get your doctor to prescribe water therapy, if he can't , join a class with a heated pool.

I went through a phase where I ate it off a spoon when I needed energy. I frequently eat it now for a bedtime snack. We buy a whole grain artisan bread that I slice very thin and toast it, spread a tablespoon of PB on it.

I started eating one small tortilla with my breakfast egg about 1 year or more post op. Generally I don't like bread that much.

I hope I'm not shocking anybody but I was 72 when I had RNY. I have always felt 20 years younger and age has just been a number. My Dr. did an 84 yr old and he did fine. In searching for a bariatric practice, I noticed that many had a cut off at 65 +/-. Diabetes was my main concern and could not see myself taking proper care of myself when I get really old so that was my main motivation for the surgery. It wasn't a snap decision however, but when I found an opportunity I thought I should take it before Medicare decides to drop the age limit.