tomorrowsdream

I'm in Idaho and went to the seminar here. They require a psych test before ever seeing the dr. It's just a bunch of questions you need to answer basically on paper. Aside from that I need an EKG, sleep study (already completed the first half and found I have sleep apnea). I go Nov 12 for the second half of the study to be put on C-pap. I'm having an echocardiogram which is merely an ultrasound of the heart. It isn't required but my dr. wants it done because I'm a bypass patient. A stress test can be as simple as a thallium scan. No treadmill involved. Very simple and completely painless. It isn't required for me, but I did have one about 4 mo. ago. It shows if all the arteries in the heart are open and functioning. Very important if you are a bypass patient to know everything is still fine. I need blood work...last minute stuff. I'm slowing plodding through it and plan on having most of it accomplished before I see the dr. It seems like the easiest way to go. I have the papers requiring what he needs and slowly but surely I'm getting them all taken care of. You can only take so many steps at one time, and I think patience is the key to this surgery.

I would never consider Wellbutrin if you are a smoker. It is also used to help people quit smoking, but is a bad combination if you are already a smoker. With that said while I was on prozac I was angry and mad all the time; not for me. I am taking Celexa and have been for a yr. now. I feel so much better than I ever did before. I was probably one of the most depressed people in the world, after losing 3 people in my family in the same yr.; my husband, my mother and my dad. I thought there was no hope. Now, I wake up every morning feeling much better. I have had no side-effects and whatever is in this drug certainly has helped me tremendously. I didn't gain weight on it....I gained weight from all I ate when I quit smoking. I haven't gained any extra on this medication. Personally I think Prozac is a downer, but perhaps it works for some people. I hated it.

Heart bypass patients have to be on antibiotics for any dental work at all. No big deal when you consider the consequences.

I wake up gasping for air at night. Have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, which has nothing to do with the band as I haven't been banded yet. That could be your problem in the sleep department. Hope you get feeling better.

Thanks for all the advice. Jack, you are a funny man. You crack me up, but you are right on about the smoking. I was very angry to have my smokes taken away. I was someone who truly enjoyed smoking and also doesn't like to be told what to do. My heart dr. did both and I remained angry with him for over a year I think I ate out of stress; because the healing process from my surgery took so long; because for awhile physical activity is limited; and because...well because I guess I ate just to compensate for not smoking. No excuse is a good excuse. The pounds just crept up while I wasn't watching, or I was sleeping I'm glad to hear you can get off C-pap eventually. My husband was killed in a car accident 10 years ago and I'm thankful he doesn't have to see me with this silly thing attached to my nose at night. Bless his heart he had a great sense of humor and probably would have milked it for all it was worth. He also would have been very relieved if it had stopped me from snoring. I don't know yet how much I'll be on. I have to go back to the hospital to spend another night to work with the C-pap. I'm kind of gettting geared up for the surgery and now looking forward to it. I have to say the older bandsters have fewer complaints then the younger ones, or are we just plain tougher?? Maybe we have just weathered far more storms. (Just kidding you young ones) Anyway glad to hear from all of you, please keep on writing. Jack, share some more humor with me anytime. Glad you are doing well.

If you are an older bandster or going to be one, please give me your input. I'm beginning to think the board is full of young people and I feel out of place. Is there anyone older here?

Thanks for all the help. Danistar, you are from right around where my youngest daughter lives who is also interested in the lap banding. She is in Harriman and worked in Oakridge for about a yr. Nice area. I love Tennessee and visit every chance I get. I love to go to Gatlinburg for a few days. Beautiful country, although the rain gets to me after awhile. Sue, you just made me think some more about it, but not change my mind. I think I have to do this for my health. I don't expect to lose as rapidly as gastic bypass patients, but then I'm not getting my intestines re-routed either. The lap band is the safest of the surgeries for me with my heart condition. I have to think of it as a new lifestyle, and promise myself I will succeed. I wish it had worked for you and you didn't need more surgery. I know nothing about the surgery you are having. What does it involve? Is it more like gastric bypass, or something newer. Anyway, I'm glad to meet you all and look forward to hearing more from you all. I too could well end up paying for the surgery, but Mexico is completely unrealistic for me and not even a consideration. That is for the young and healthy, of which I am neither. If I have to pay for it, I shall pay for it, and think of it as an investment in life. My dr's. feel that Medicare will pay because it is for my heart more than anything, but Medicare doesn't pre-approve anything, so I have to be prepared to pay. It will be a small price to pay for happiness and feeling better. Thanks again for all your help.

I was a two-pack a day smoker until I had 5-way-bypass surgery in 2001. They took my cigarettes away from me of course. I didn't even know I went cold turkey. I was to preoccupied with the pain I was in from them cracking open my chest and coughing up all the junk that had accumulated from smoking, which caused even more pain. It was a vicious circle. If you want to quit smoking easily then bypass is the way to go You are in so much pain a cigarette never crosses your mind. I've been off cigarettes and can no longer stand to be around smoke at all. 5 years and I would never turn back. GL in your quest. I'm sure if the circumstances would have been different I would probably be saying it was the hardest thing I had ever done too, but the heart surgery was far worse. I don't wish it on anyone in this world. So stay healthy and dump those cigarettes.

I got just a little skittish reading about some of the problems, like esophageal, but I'm putting it to the back of my mind and just hoping it doesn't happen to me. I think I'm going ahead with it, but have a while to wait yet to get on the right amount of C-pap before surgery. I'm having it done at the same hospital I had my bypass surgery at 5 years ago, because I want the dr's. I know so well (especially my heart dr's.) to be around. I also want the advantage of being about 20 min away to get my fills which are all included in the price of the surgery. I understand why people go to Mexico and I think for some of them it is surely worth it. It just isn't the way I can do things. Too many health issues to deal with. GL all

LOL. I relate more to Dixie I think. When God said "Let there be light" I flipped on the switch. I'm 63 years old and my dr. wants me to think about lap banding. If I call you 40 year olds kids take it as a compliment. I have 5 girls, the oldest of which is 43 and the youngest is 25. I have a daughter 39 that had gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago. She is doing well, but she was much younger than me having surgery. She has some problems with dumping syndrome and getting really sweaty and overly hungry. She has to eat about 4 small portions a day or she feels weak. I'm hoping that doesn't happen with banding. My dr. said an absolute and positive NO to gastric bypass, but gave me the go ahead on lap banding and is all for it. I was checking to see if there were any older people on here, but thank you all for responding. Dixie, I've never been to Texas, but I love the area you are in because horseracing is my passion and I think you are around the home of Lone Star Park. It's my dream to go there someday.

Wow, that is encouraging. It makes me feel so much better. I read a post today where someone said older people don't do well after the surgery, and it about scared me out of having it. You two ladies have made me rethink this. My dr. has encouraged me and I'm so encouraged by the experience you two have had. Thanks so much for answering my post. I will look for both of your names as I look at these comments and try to pay attention to them. So glad you are both doing fine. That is what my dr. is hoping, that I can help my heart; go off my BP medications; and my feet will stop hurting. That alone would be worth the surgery. Again thanks for your support. I've attended the seminar; got to speak to the dr. a little bit; have had my sleep study..good thing I did. I have really bad sleep apnea which could have really been dangerous had I been under anesthesia and am going in a week or so to see how much C-pap I need to have. I will have to have it on the OR. I considered Mexico, but there were just too many if's for me with my heart and now this sleep apnea. Medicare tells me they will cover it but if they don't I'm prepared to pay for it. I just wanted to make sure it was well worth it, and it sounds like it is. Please keep in touch.

This is the type of thread you want to find if you are looking into lap banding. Geezer...I think I kind of understand the type of surgery you are having, but I wonder why you have chosen this in place of lap banding. Just the words make it sound ultra invasive. Can you explain why you chose this? I am 63 and maybe should just give up, but I would like to see the grandchildren grow up. I've been through a lot of heart problems, which have been fixed, and now I need to fix the weight I gained. Am I too old?

As a 5-way-bypass survivor who has been through multiple cardiac caths and angioplasty I think I have to disagree. The mortality rate in gastric bypass patients of an older age far exceeds any heart surgeries. That I know to be fact. I'm honestly concerned now in what you say about lap banding being tougher on patients that are older, because I'm older than you. I'm 63. The seminar dr. told me there was not the risk with lap banding that is associated with gastric bypass in patients of this age. He told me lap banding is perfectly safe at any age. Can you give me some more info on where you got your data? I have received nothing but encouragement to have this done "for my heart", so perhaps I need to look more closely at it. It is minimally invasive as compared to gastric bypass which is truly invasive, so please fill me in on why banding is difficult for older patients. You are having a surgery that is more invasive then gastric lap banding? What is this DS surgery? I'll say a prayer for you. Why do you have to have the more extensive surgery? Can you describe just what it consists of and why lap banding would not be an alternative. Thanks and God Bless. I said a lot of prayers after going through multiple angios and stents and then having 5-way-bypasss at 59, but I came through it just fine. The doctors took away my cigarettes, which were really a crutch to prevent weight gain. I weighed 160 at the time of surgery and am 5'9". I was fine with myself. Now, I eat like a piglet and am always hungry without the cigarettes. I would never go back to them, but I've created one more hazardous condition because I gained so much weight when I quit. You are dammed if you do and dammed if you don't it seems. Does anyone have any encouragement for banding at an older age?

I guess it maybe depends on the state you are from, but here in Idaho my daughter got approved for gastric bypass, but not lapbanding. She did get the gastric bypass and has had no problems, but I would never recommend it over lap banding which can be reversed if necessary and changed with the fills. Good luck in your Quest. I think insurance coverage appears to be the big issue for most everyone.

My daughter had gastric bypass 3 years ago. Today she weighs 110 lb. less and has never, ever gained an ounce back. She can, however, eat about a cup ful of food, but that is nothing compared to what she used to eat. She has gone from a size 24 to a size 10 and looks wonderful. I only wish that I thought lap banding was the answer for me. She does have uncomfortable moments where she gets nevous, as she has to eat more often, and takes the time to have a little something and then she is fine. She never complains, and long ago stopped following up with her dr. For her it was a wonderful answer to her problem. For me it would be drastic surgery and has a higher mortality rate then most surgeries, and lots of things can go wrong. The bright side is none of that happened in my daughter's case and she is doing wonderfully. I think you should really be young to consider this surgery though. It isn't for anyone getting up there in years.

First I read a post from a woman with terrible hunger pains after her lap banding, then this poor woman who says she has no restriction. Now I have to ask myself, do I really want this surgery I thought I wanted. Does anyone have anything good to say about this. I could sure use it.

I went to the seminar held here in Boise by the two surgeons that do lap banding. They are new and have only done 105 bands. That worries me. I would like to go to Portland and have it done, but I have to go there to attend another seminar; go to see the dr.; go back for the surgery; and go back for fills. That is quite a bit of expense flying around and going to an area I'm unfamiliar with. I wasn't crazy about either of these surgeons here in Idaho for some reason.... Not sure what the next step should be. Any suggestions? I know in Portland that Medicare does pay this dr., but here in Boise I have to have the surgery before I find out if they will pay this one. That's a big if to look at. The dr. in Portland specializes mostly in Medicare patients. Her name is Emma...oh I forget. Doesn't matter...just seeking advise. I wonder why they just won't count the seminar I attended here.

My daughter had gastric bypass surgery done 3 years ago, and although she has lost 100 lbs. she is not feeling good most of the time. If she isn't pooping she is throwing up. She says she wouldn't do it again even for the weight loss. It is an extremely invasive surgery where they cut the intestines and a lot of things can go wrong. Lap banding is minimally invasive and much, much safer, but in the long run it can cost a lot of money for insurance companies because of the costs of the fills after the surgery and the follow-ups. My daughter only had to follow-up twice in a whole year. I am never going to get gastric bypass. My dr. vetoed it right off the bat because the danger, but completely approves of lap banding. Don't let insurance talk you into something you may regret and can never, ever change for your whole life. If you are unhappy with the banding you always know deep down it is reversible. This perogative does not exist for gastric bypass patients. They are stuck with the consequences for life. My daughter is so affected by this she has been depressed for 3 years. Anyway don't give in.

How come you went to Washington to be banded when there are 2 doctors doing it in Boise? Just curious. I have lots of questions about things I've read on here. I'm most concerned with a couple. Someone wrote and said they had chest and shoulder pain after the surgery. That would scare me to death as I've had bypass surgery. Why would gas cause shoulder pain? I could understand the stomach and chest, but can't relate to shoulder pain as not being something to worry about. Also, what is the "sweet spot" that everyone refers to? Do the fills hurt? Where is your port. I talked to someone with the port in her sternum. Don't most people have it in their lower stomach? Does it hurt and can you feel it? How ofter do you have to have fills. Is the surgery ever right the first time without fills? Why isn't it done like gastric bypass. You are given a one-time, one-size pouch and there are never any fills, although the surgery is definitely more risky and not for me. Why do they make it so you need fills? Can you take medicine after your surgery. Can you only eat soft foots and drink for awhile? I'm sure some of these questions will be addressed at the seminar but I don't see them bringing up the bad aspects. They will be promoting the good things, and I see there are many. I guess I've bothered you with enough questions for now.

I'm from Caldwell, Idaho. Not banded yet, but in the process. Going to the seminar on Oct. 24. I read all the posts on here and they are very encouraging.

Medicare only asks that you meet the obesity part of the program. The rest of the things they look at only help your case. The shortness of breath surely would be helped with weight loss. If you have been treated for ongoing high blood pressure or cholesterol, that also helps. Sleep apnea is absolutely covered, and you might want to ask your dr. to request a sleep study as often we have it and don't know it. I had no idea I had it. I wish you luck, and don't think you are ever too old to want to look and feel better. Thanks for writing and I hope you follow through with Medicare.

I am sooooooo happy to meet someone about my age. I'm 63 years old and going to have lap banding. Five years ago I had bypass surgery on my heart (thanks to a 2 pack a day smoking habit) and now I'm smoke free and I've gained 100 lbs. in 5 years. I'm not used to this extra weight and I hate it. It really got away from me. Now, my dr. thinks lap banding would be excellent for my heart and my sleep apnea. Medicare is now paying for lap banding. Did you know that? I'm on Medicare early because of my heart surgery and I don't know what age you have to be anymore to get it....67 maybe. I'm just thrilled they have decided to cover the surgery for "older" people and I say that with a smile because you are only as old as you feel. I feel great except for carrying around all these extra pounds. I have so many question...about the port? You can feel it? Does it hurt? Does it get infected? Can other people see it and know you had the surgery (or do they have to be really close up and personal to do that) in which case it wouldn't matter. My hubby is dead and there is just me and my little dog for company. I'm going to need friends to get through this I'm sure, but if you have had your chest cracked open I don't think you can experience much worse. I'm glad to see someone else is thinking about it and is over the age of 30.

You had a great dr. in Mexico, but I don't want to go out of the county and pay $10,500 for a surgery I can get here. Also, you have to drive a long ways to get fills from dr's. here in the states that do them for him. I've heard he is brilliant, but I waited until the doctors here started doing the surgeries and I only have to drive 10 min. Doesn't insurance pay for the fills as well as the surgery. I would think they would.

I went through gastric bypass surgery with my daughter 3 years ago. She lost 100 lbs. the first yr. and wears a size 10 (down from a 24) and looks wonderful. She still has trouble keeping some foods down. Can't eat mashed potatoes at all. She cried for 2 weeks after her surgery....so depressed at the big change in eating. I'm convinced a lot of it was because she simply loved food (whereas I just eat to get full) and she knew it was permanent. I think with the band you always know there are choices and adjustments that can be made. I hope I'm not as depressed as my daughter was. I have no idea what to expect. Hope the seminar fills me in, but they are only going to tell me the good things. I want to know real life experiences.

It hurts to get the fills? Someone told me they are either placed in the sternum or the lower stomach. Which is best? They say the sternum is easier access, but sounds lots more painful. I'm such a coward.