Apple203

@BarbieVSG14 I agree with everything in your post!! BUT, the reality is that bariatric surgery is correlated with divorce, and, sadly, it may be worse for people who are not married. I'm 27 years married, and am blessed with a guy who loves my "diets" because he always loses weight. And he's ready to stop drinking alcohol, so that helps, too. I can only assume its awful for couples when they arent in the same place mentally. It would be like be married to someone who voted for Trump! <<haha

Rayelen, I'd take it a step further and say I think everyone should be in therapy -- so worthwhile.

@apu My husband is 6'1", 185 pounds, 34 inch waist (interestingly). Its actually a good weight for him, tho he was 10 pounds lighter in his thirties and forties (53 now), My 6'1" 22 YO son is 200 pounds, 33 inch waist and muscular -- great shape, visible abs. Just two more data points for you.

I have to add, I never even considered this aspect of weight loss. Would hate to lose a ring (bummer, Sylvia).

When I feel like I'm approaching a panic attack, I count backwards by increasing #s -- 100 (-1) 99 (-2) 97 (-3), et cetera -- works for me.

@Lauren_jos19 You should consider asking your surgeon or PCP for a small prescription of an anti-anxiety med like Ativan or Xanax -- the night before big procedures is the worst for people with anxiety issues (I know firsthand!), and this is usually OK'd by surgeon.

I thought I was the only one who has trouble actually losing weight (much less keeping it off). It seems like everyone else can lose 80+ pounds but gain it back. I've never gotten beyond 25-30 lbs. Are we destined to be the "slow losers"? For the record, I'm happy to be a slow loser, so long as I lose and keep it off!!!

So, what health issues are you facing? For "just" weight loss, it is a humongous commitment, I realize that "just" is pretty judgemental -- I totally get that. I am your weight at 53, and that weight has earned me many comordities: high BP and cholesterol, sleep apnea, GERD, terrible cardiac conditioning. Excess weight is a huge bane.

((hugs))

Live in a humid climate -- stay away from Pheonix, Vegas, etc. Seriously!! :-)

You are practically me, but 20 years younger. My experience is that things don't get better as you get older -- at all. Odds are, your co-morbidities will grow to include BP and high CHL With extra weight, add cancers related to estrogen. Etcetera. I would do the surgery, but I am not you -- the decision is intensely personal. I wish you all the best.

Hang in there -- I am watching your posts to see how it goes!!

I cant address the size issues, but I can tell you that my very attractive, naturally thin (size 2? 4?) SIL has similarly bad experiences on dating websites. WP had some articles recently about the online dating scene and ages -- men apparently are looking for women far younger than themselves.

Bummer -- but you are taking serious actions now to rectify the situation. So now your mission is to build stamina for the next test. I passed mine today and the cardiologist peered at me over her glasses and said "you are fit for surgery, but you are far from fit" -- or words to that effect. Yikes. I felt properly scolded.

Great read -- I think the post above about prep may be a factor for y'all. Or just damn good luck :-)

oh, my apologies...

I am happy to read the positive reviews -- I am doing the overnight study to set the pressure (?) on Sunday.

I think this is insightful.

Best wishes! Exciting!

Have you tried the new Medtronic pump? Most automated one yet. My son got one a few months ago and it is pretty awesome.

Hi dengle, It seems that insurance companies have standard pre-reqs that you will need to meet, all of which cost $$. Here's the list I had to address: lab work 6 monthly of dietician appts upper endoscopy cardiac eval (if you are over 50) -- stress + echo psychological consult radiology exams (chest xray, ab ultrasound, upper GI) sleep study Its an intimidating list, no doubt people on the surgery fence won't go the distance. And you find stuff thats wrong with you in the process, which isn't fun, LOL. For instance, now I know I have a hietal hernia, GERD and sleep apnea! I got coverage information in writing from insurance company upfront. Edited to add -- we have tons of men in the group nutrition classes, so maybe the one you did was an anomaly?

Very cool!

Exactly, on the "been there, done that". Also, I don't think you have to have the support of your PCP, but maybe it depends on your insurance.

My PCP (great doc) recommended it to me -- it took me a while to take her seriously and do some research, and then I "got" it. Surgery risks are relatively low, and surgical outcomes are relatively high (BP, cholesterol, sleep apnea, GERD, estrogen-related cancers, aching hips/knees). There's no guarantees, but heck, this is worth the risks that surgery carries for me. I wish you all the best with your PCP. I would go to Mexico if I had to self-pay, too.