Set4Change

Hi, I think I am being banded on March 20; I will be 56 on March 16. Worry a little about the constipation issue. I see you have lost almost 39 lbs. in 4 months. Would you do it all over? Thanks for your thoughts. Set 4 Change

Hi New Me 2008 I am glad to see your post; I like your perspective. I plan to get banded on 3/20/08. Wt. loss goal of 75 lbs. like yours (starting with BMI 36.2). Your wt. loss looks good and very reasonable. How much are you exercising? Is this a tolerable lifestyle? Losing wt. makes almost anything "tolerable," but I'm thinking long-term. Congratulations:)

Hi Thin4Anisha, I just read your post, and even though I am much older than you and at a different stage in my life, I can identify with much that you said. First, at almost 56 I am seriously considering lapband surgery. My concerns now are primarily for my health, not just for my looks. (But it is not true that you won't care about your looks by the time you are "that old":smile:) My daughter had a gastric bypass when she was 22; she is now 26. She was still on my insurance at the time because she was finishing school. She always maintains that she would go through it all again in a heartbeat. She is about 5'8" and weighed about 275 at the time of her surgery. That is a difficult way for a young person to live; health problems will occur if they haven't already. She weighs 160 now and looks fabulous. She is athletic, though, and works out as much as she can. She says following the diet and exercising are key. One of my main concerns is the need for plastic surgery; she probably doesn't have to have it. For about a year or so, she was sure she would have to do that and paying for it was an issue. Now, due to her age and fitness level, it is not so important anymore; her skin, like yours, has elasticity. That is the good news. Good luck with whatever decision you make. And there is justice in this world; my guess is there will come a day when boyfriend can no longer eat a half pan of lasagna without "seeing" the effects on his body. Thin people often think everything is a matter of will power. Not so! Set4Change

Hi JudyRoss, Your post was encouraging. I am trying to decide what to do, and frankly, I am a little discouraged this morning. It sounds like weight loss is very slow, and many experience complications staying on the diet and staying mentally in good spirits. You are very upbeat about your decision. I too have health concerns; your BMI is higher than mine, but I have several complicating health considerations. I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists, but it has never crossed my mind that I might be refused anesthesia. That is a little scary. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am glad to know that people my age (56) and older still want to do this. Set4Change