girl55

i too am 55. I was banded march 16. In the weeks leading up to surgery, I felt somewhat the same. I didn't want to socialize because I didn't like myself. I was at my highest weight ever - 265. but I've came to the conclusion that I will never be able to do this on my own. If I could have had the surgery at 20, I think I would have. I feel like I still have time to enjoy a slim, healthy life. But you have even many, many more years. You will have to make the decision yourself. But it's not death sentence, but a life sentence, meaning a longer, healthy life. Weight has always been my enemy and kept me away from the social light. Don't let it do that to you.

It is an amazing journey. I started mine on March 16, 2010. Today I went for my first fill. My total lbs. lost is 30 and i'm feeling pretty good about that. I keep a box in my bedroom and every time something is too large, I file it in the box. I'm happy to say i'm back into my x-large clothes as opposed to 2x, 3x and even 4x. It's a little scarry at first, because you don't know what to expect. No, you won't be able much at all the first week. But when you go on to mushies, you eat cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, pureed soups, even soft veggie soups. Getting stuck is a problem sometimes, but you learn to cope with it and learn what causes it in the first place. It's very important to drink plenty of water. But you can sugar free crystal lite, hawaiian punch or any other. Sugar free popsicles, jello and pudding were some of my favorites. Anyway, I hope it helps. You'll be nervous right up until surgery time, but when you come out and start walking, you'll be smiling, because it's your b-day! The start of something new and beautiful.

My hubby and I have been on Texas Risk Pool (BCBS) for many years. They say because of our years of this and that, no one else will take us. They take anybody. and preexisting conditions is only for a short time, I think 6 months. They are rather expensive, but we have no choice.

I've had the same problem. I thought i was the only one. I use to sleep with covers and my hubby was freezing. Now I'm the one under all the covers. Weird.

teburg, it looks like you doing great. I have a long road ahead of me also, but your words are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work. This is one forum where it's GREAT! to be a loser!

Sorry to hear that. I know how excited i was to start my new life. Good luck, it will be here before you know it.

I see a lot of bandsters from the texas area. But none from the Victoria area. I was banded in Victoria, Texas, Citizens Medical Center on March 16, 2010. I'd like to hear from anyone else who may have had wls in Victoria. I met a girl at my nutrition class before my banding and would love to get in touch with her. She was getting ready to get a surgery date. Give me a holler!:bored:

It's true Sashay, it does get easier. I haven't had a fill yet, but I do feel restriction. Always have. As for social events, I've learned to socialize a lot, I have the gift of gab. When you're having so much fun talking to friends and relatives, you can use that as an excuse. Not much time to eat. And when you have to eat, take a small portion and visit while you eat. That gives you less time to actually eat. You sound like a happy, go lucky person, so I think you can do it. Just remember to chew chew, chew. You don't want to get stuck in front of everyone. Good luck on your social life, sounds like a lot of fun.

This is something you ultimately have to decide. But don't do it for everyone else, do it for yourself. We gals seem to do everything for everyone else all our lives. Take a stand, and decide that your life is important to you. Because if you are not healthy, you can't take care of others. and if you have to tell others, that's what you can say. I personally have not told a lot of people, but I think of they ask, that's what I would tell them. I'm having a great journey at only 2 months so far, but every time the scale goes down a lb., it's a great feeling. Good luck.

i was unsure about having the band also. i too decided i could change my way of life if it meant not gaining any more weight. I weighed my options many times. But the fact of the matter is, I would only continue to gain. My top weight was 265. I really felt the burden of the weight when I saw pictures of me at my son's wedding. I was humungus! I hated what I saw. And even though I was self pay, it was entirely worth it. I was banded March 16 and am down to 228. the weight is steadily coming off. Thursday I go for my first fill. I'm ready! Good luck on your decision. As for the getting stuck or throwing up, it's not that bad. I thought the worse when I heard about that. But so far I haven't thrown up, i have gotten stuck, but you learn how to handle those times. Good luck!

Care Credit! I tried to get this as I have this credit card. but my doctor didn't accept care credit. They have a loan 1 year, 2 year, or 3 years for low interest. Check it out and see if your doctor accepts it.

i will be 55 in december. Had my surgery on March 16. I'm down 35 lbs. and have my first fill on May 6. i always wondered about having the surgery at my age, but i'm so glad i did. People say i look younger than I really am. I started at 265 and the 35 has already made a difference. I'll just keep on workin at it until I get where I want to be - 155 lbs. Good luck, your never too old!

I was banded in Victoria, Texas on March 16. I was self pay. It cost me 11,888.00. It included surgery, anesthisia, hospital stay, even overnight, barium swallow the next day, post op checkup after 2 weeks and a fill in 6 weeks. But i'm glad i did it. Down 35 lbs. Good luck!

hi georgetown girl, i'm from the La Grange, Schulenburg area. glad to have you on board. There are a lot of texans in our mix. My surgery was march 16 and i've lost 35 lbs since, no fills yet, but i'm about ready for one. I'm pretty much stalled at 35 lbs. so i think its time. Glad to see you made your decision to go for it. Good luck along the way. If I can help you, let me know. I'm not an expert, but I've learned a lot already. Banded and lovin' it.

I stayed overnight. I was self pay, but it included a night stay. The surgeon said it is actually a luxury for me because you can rest and not worry about complications. But they also did the barium swallow the next. I was glad I stayed, i was too weak to go home the same day, even though it was my plan.

Tammy, I have that same pain. It started last weekend, sat. and sun. It got better, but it seems like it's starting up again. I'm going to askmy surgeon when i got may 6. I think i can wait until then as it is not as bad as last weekend. But if you find out anything, please let me know.

very happy for you faith, nervousness is obvious and necessary, but go for it, you'll be glass you did. I am!

I'm with you Nean, it's a personal decision. I told my immediate family and two very dear friends. and that's all I think need to know. I am 54 years old and what I do is my business. I wish they had this thing when I was your age. I was banded March 16, 2010 and lost 33 lbs. already, most of it after surgery. It's a wonderful feeling. People are starting to notice my appearance now and it feels good. And if they ask, all I will probably tell them, I decided it was time to take charge of my weight. I don't eat bread, sweets and gave up beer, (everyone knew I liked beer). And that will say enough.

I had surgery march 16. I am feeling great! At 2 and a half weeks, at my appt with the surgeon, he said to start trying to solid foods. But stay away from raw veggies and bread. did that, but some meats don't go down the best, hamburger meat is pretty good and thin sliced ham works good. I now found out that scrambled eggs with cheese melted on them goes down real well. Without the cheese, NO WAY! too dry. I eat a lot cooked veggies, like green beans and peas and beans. I get most of my protein from my solid foods, but I also like to have carnation instant breakfast, (no sugar added) in between for extra protein, or if I start getting hungry. I've lost about 33 lbs, most of it after surgery, and the scale is edging down some more. I think the more protein in take in, the faster I lose. I really feel very confident in the band, and this is best effort ever in losing weight. My first fill will be may 6. Looking forward to it. Good luck to all of you. Nothing but good things ahead for us.

i was banded march 16, 2010 and never looked back. i too spent all my life overweight. and i hated every minute of it. i was nervous and skeptical also. i had second thoughts up until they wheeled me into the OR. But i too decided that if i didn't do something, i would just continue gaining weight. I was up to 265 lbs and couldn't control my eating. I had the surgery and so far lost 30 lbs. without a fill. I go for my first fill may 6. I'm doing pretty well without the fill, but i'm going to go ahead and have a small fill to give me better restriction. If you ask me, DO IT! The frustration of not being able to control your weight is horrible. now i'm feeling better and everyone's already noticing the change. if you have these same feelings about losing weight, then you'll be glad you got banded. You'll be amazed!

Welcome to all Texas bandsters (new and old) There seems to be a lot of us. Keep up the good job. and those who are contemplating surgery, i think all of us here would say "go for it". We are all happy and losing weight. the beginning is a little rough, but only last a few days and then you're on your way. Good luck to everyone!

in the last three days, i've devleoped a pain down the center of my chest just below the breast bone. Does anyone know what this could be. It feels like gas and hunger mixed. Regardless, it really hurts Please help.

i'm one month post-op and enjoying every minute of my new life. I'm down 30 lbs and people are starting to do a double take. My daughter came home from work (at subway sandwich shop) and her friends saw me this morning and noticed i've lost a lot of weight. Not near enough for me, but its a good start. Stay focused. i've had the stuck episode already, but it passes and you understand the meaning better after it happens. You realize how to avoid it next time. Here's to our new beautiful bodies.

always glad to meet all the tall texans. Keep in touch.

amanda and silver You should go for it. I've had a weight problem all my llife. Hey I was 10 lbs, 5 ozs. when I was born. so there you are - all my life. Anyway, i can't remember in jr. high being under 165 and high school 195. I made it up to 265 when I finally said enough is enough. i had the same feelings you are having. right up until the time of surgery. the night before, i was thinking, maybe i shouldn't. But i thought, I've got to do something, and this is it. Had the surgery March 16. in 5 days i was feeling normal again except i couldn't eat as much. after 2 and half weeks the doctor told me to eat solids and get ready for my first fill on may 6. I've lost 26 lbs and have no restriction. Just think what i will accomplish when i get a fill. I'm happy i've done it and look forward to a thin me. Keep me posted on your decisions.