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That will be tough. You should check with your surgeon....the first thing that comes to my mind is the weight lifting limitation...mine was no lifting of over than 10lbs for the first 4 weeks. Good luck!

Hello Ladies, 63 year old male here scheduled for mid February with the exact date still up in the air. My weight has been creeping up for 20+ years to an all time high of 390 pounds. I used to carry my weight well when I was under 300 pounds at 6'5" now i'm just an tall old fat man, gosh that is depressing. The fact is I am misirable physically the list of things I can't do now because of the weight has grown far too long. My daughter and her husband both had this done last year she's lost 70# and he just under 100. The wife never had a weight problem so it came down to me being the only fat one in the immediate family. So I looked into the options and the bypass was just too invasive I spoke to the surgeon and we are going with the lap band. he said we can always do more if this doesn't work for me but the bypass should be considered a permenate proceedure. I have gotten down to 372 and will be starting the pre op shakes soon to shrink my liver and make the proceedure less hazardous. My journey so far has been enlightening and I am confident I can do it. I have seen for myself that it is effective on my daughter so with a change in eating stratagies and upping my exercise there is no reason to expect anything but a good outcome. Good luck to all of you guys and I look forward to being a tall, skinny, somewhat wrinkly old man who can do fun things and perhaps stick around on earth a little longer than I would by remaining fat.

I'm really glad to hear about your success. I've been following a discussion where every one seems disgusted and looking at mini bypass surgery. It made me wonder if I didn't make a mistake. Today I ate soft foods for the first time since my surgery. It's clear that I can eat just about anything. There doesn't seem to be any restriction. Is this the way it is until the first fill? I have noticed a change is what "sounds" good. I think I posted somewhere that I am hungry for salmon. That's on the menu for tomorrow. Did you have hair loss? Mine's pretty thin and I can't afford to lose much more. How does it feel to be thin! In my world, 150 is Twiggy-like! Do you want to weigh 120? I can't see myself at that weight and I'm 5'2" like you. Do you know why your weight loss slowed down? Are you afraid of over eating again? Yes, I have lots of questions. Do you ache less--if you ached before-are you better? Give us words of wisdom and thanks for writing. Nicki

How are all you "60 and Olders" doing? There hasn't been much activity here lately - just wondering how ya'll are? I am getting closer to my date (2/28) and am getting very excited. Even tho I read a lot of negative stories about people with bands who aren't having great sucess - I still believe I can make this work to my advantage. I believe I mentioned before that this is not the surgery I initially wanted - I wanted a gastric sleeve, based mainly on my Dr's recommendation due to some other issues I have, and truthfully if my insurance covered it that is what I would be doing. But I can only get the lapband covered with the insurance I have and I am not in a position to self-pay, so this is it for me. I plan to keep a positive attitude and work my band for all it's worth. Someone here mentioned having the date of their banding tattooed on their hand - I am considering the same (altho not on my hand!) because that date is going to be the beginning of a profound change in my life. I am also going to turn 60 exactly one month after my surgery and I like it that I am starting a whole new decade of my life with a whole new outlook and approach and a tool to help me achieve my goals. The most important goal I have going forward, aside from losing weight, is that I have been working my way to becoming vegan (have been a vegetarian for awhile now) and when I have my surgery, from that day forth that is the way I intend to live. I found a very good site that I visit daily for inpiration - it's www.bandedliving.com The two women who run the site have had great sucess with their bands and they are truly an inspiration to me. I believe that is what we need to do as we start/continue our journey with our bands - stay positive and inspired. Don't get me wrong - educating yourself about all aspects of the band is important - I have spent 7 months researching this and looking at it from all angles, the positive and the negative - but now that I know the negative I prefer to move on and surround myself with positive and inspirational people and stories to keep me going. I personally know a couple of people I work with who have had the band and not had much sucess with it - but I also see them raiding the candy jar in one of our co-worker's office, eating large amounts and eating & drinking things they shouldn't. So it's no wonder they are not having sucess. It's so important to remember that this is not a magic pill to cure our obesity but rather a tool to help us - but we must put forth the work and effort to make this work. Yes, there are some banders out there who want to go from the band to a bypass - but there are also by-passers who are now getting "banded over bypass" because their bypasses failed them! As I said, I wanted a sleeve and would go that route if I had the choice, but on the other hand, altho the band may make us have to work harder to lose than sleevers or bypassers, on another level you actually learn to control and discipline yourself in ways you don't have to do with the other surgeries. I can't help but think that's a GOOD thing! And we don't have those crazy side effects to deal with like hair loss and dumping syndrome. All I know is I am going ahead with my band surgery and I plan to give this my very best effort. If I happen to end up one of those people who don't get results despite my best efforts, I'll face that when/if it happens but atleast I'll know I gave it my best effort. Hope everyone of you out there are doing well - have a wonderful coming week!

Can't believe my surgery date is coming so soon. I've been thinking of weight loss surgery for about 5 years now. I decided 2014 would be my year. I've done a three month health plan with my surgeon and dietician, as required by my health insurance. I was approved within days and received the call today for the 21st. For the past three months, I was expecting sometime in June, but feel excited, relieved and nervous that it is so soon. I've lost 34 lbs since Jan 7 and will try to lose about 5-7 more before surgery. My starting weight is about 450. I'm 6' and turning 30 in June. I'm nervous I won't be able to lose enough for it to even be noticeable. I'm trying not to worry, though. I know this is the best thing for me. I have not her choice. Anyone else in my weight range that can provide some insight? Thank you!

Yup - that was me too. I told her I'd read it and that I didn't need it read to me - she kept at it, and then i figured out that was literally the requirement for her role that day. SO stupid - and for that I was required to pay $500!! Unreal. And they never did answer tone real questions i had, so thank goodness this forum does. I saw a nutritionist a few years ago in pursuit of weight loss, and I actually knew more than she did, and she ended up taking notes about newer products and healthier versions of overprocessed foods from me. Again - full pay and no help. Sigh. Can you imagine how horrible it would be to BE a nutritionist these days, and have to observe the rules about reading crap you don't believe in to patients? Mine actually copped to her 'differences' with the material they were handing out. Thanks vdub-tx!

Hi girls. I too am one of the older ones at 65. I had my surgery Nov.30, 2010. Since I started this journey with my Dr. on Sept. 30th last year I have lost 41 lbs. Medicare made me lose 20 lbs. before my surgery, which I did. By Dec. 6th at my first Dr. appointment post-op I was down 31 lbs. and on Jan. 4th when I went in for my first fill I was down another 11 lbs. so I wasn't given a fill. I was thrilled. I go back to my Dr. Feb. 22nd to see if I can get a fill then. So far I have felt great. I got to go back to the gym today to start back on my resistance training and I walk most days or get on my Gazelle. I haven't had any troubles at all and I have had one of my high blood pressure meds taken away. I have been overweight since the birth of my second child. Of course I have dieted and I have lost a lot of weight, but I have never been able to keep it off. I have wonderful grandchildren and a beautiful great-granddaughter who is with me a lot and I have missed out on so much with her because I can't get down on the floor to play with her or chase after her. I finally decided a year ago it was time to change my life if I was going to have a life worth living so here I am after much soul searching and much research. I will try to answer any questions and will hope to get a lot of feedback from others. Good luck.

Hi all. Wanted to respond to everyone ! I too am over 60 ( will be 64 this July) and have had the lap band since last May. My surgery was a "piece of cake".... hummmm, probably not the best descriptive phrase I could have picked.... but I was very fortunate and recovered very quickly. I was back to work in a week. I decided I needed to do this after many many diets and finely (after being warned numerous times by several doctors) was diagnosed with diabetes. I am 5'4" and was only 2 lbs short of 250. I had actually put the last 40 lbs on after taking my job as a State Liaison for a school district food service department! (where I still work). I actually did very well the first couple of months. Lost nearly 40 lbs.... but then, as someone put it above, figured out a way to "outsmart" the band. I was no longer feeling full in just a few bites and my old brain overrode the band. I can still eat anything I want..... anytime I want. I thought I must need a band tightening but found just the opposite .... they wouldn't do it. I have actually put 5 lbs back on and am now trying to go back to putting matter over mind!!! I do have to say that, even tho I haven't lost any more weight, my cholesterol and blood sugar are both down in a "healthy" range. Since my hospital (and any support groups that go with the surgery) are 3 hours from here... I need support too!!!! I too want to be more mobile .. I want my knees to stop hurting.... infact, all my joints to stop hurting! I want to beable to go out in the yard and actually get down on my knees and plant something! (and actually GET back UP again!!!) So... I'm ready.... lets get to supporting each other so we can all be successful and be (not so) young and gorgeous (or handsome) and FEEL GOOD! Gosh, didn't mean to go on so long..... but hopefully being "gabby" won't count against me! Lin in AZ

Bo-Less, Please share your blog--or if you're already sharing it, tell me where to find it. You're absolutely right in saying that this is a quality of life issue. My mother is 88 and weighs 106lbs. I looked at her and tried to imagine myself at that age, this weight. It simply didn't compute. I don't know that I've ever actually seen an obese 88 year old. That got me thinking. I might have another 28 years on this old Earth, how do I want to spend them? Unable to walk or do things? No, I think I'll get thinner (not counting on thin) and go hiking for the first time ever. Who knows--I just know this isn't living. I wish I had done this sooner on-the-one-hand; on the other, I'm glad they worked all the kinks out of the surgery before I got mine done. I went in confident (well a little nervous, the term "put to sleep" is a little unsettling) and came out intact mentally and physically. Something I think about before surgery! The pre-op diet is a bit of a drag. I was lucky in that I had two shakes a day and one small low carb meal at night, so it was do-able. However, I didn't have the big weight loss you did, so congrats! Alright ladies, Onward and downward-weight wise! Nicki

I am having a hard time finding out, with aetna's requirement that there is "no net gain". Is that from month to month, or overall from start to finish? I started at 440 lbs, and lost 10 pounds the first month. So if I weight 435 next weigh in is that going to possibly disqualify me?

I turned 60 mid November and had my lapband surgery April 21st last year. Had it tatooed on my hand so I would never forget it and to always remind me never to screw it up! My surgery was done at a military hospital and the cut off age date is 60. Good thing I looked into it when I did or I wouldn't have been eligible. I also am 5'2" and started out last year at 218. As of today, nine months later, I weighed in at 150. Until the last couple months the weight was coming off at about 2 lbs. a week. Now it's been one pound in the last two months. But I'm not gaining and that's fine with me. I've gone from size 18-20 to M/S's and wear size 8 jeans. I think I look fine right now but the Dr. says I should be 120 for my height. At this rate that will be awhile. LOL I would not change a thing. I tried for too many years on my own and it wasn't working. The only problem I've had as of right now is my port shifted and had to be relocated. I'm not an expert by any means but will answer any questions, if I can, if any newbies would like to ask me.

Im a 26 year old that has stuggled with weight my entire life before getting married and a class 2 ac joint seperation pretty ruff sports injury i was on my way down in weight to 240 from 300 in 12 weeks time then the injurys and 3 kids later the sames things dont work .im scheduled to see my doctor on dec 27,2011 to set up my lap band surgery . im currently around 370 pounds . how fast is weight loss expected after the prcedure . and are contact sports out of the question.

So, I was banded 6 days ago. I have lost 10lbs up until yesterday, but thanks to my monthly visitor, I now have gained a pound...a pound. All this work, and I gain a pound. Jeez. There goes the next few days. Anyways, I thought I would share some of my tips. They may not work for you, but they did for me. And if you have some, please do share. I am always lookinf for info. So let me start with medicines. I was told to take a multi Vitamin, acid reducer, and Calcium. Went to Walmart, got store brand Equate Acid Reducer ($5 cheaper than Pepcid, $10 for large bottle - may change to ); Viactiv calcium chews with vitamind D ($10); Active Kids Complete with Iron multi Vitamins ($6 for 120 tablets, with one daily tablet needed only, that is three months. Kids only need half, so one will do for you). Now, my doctor said ok to Kellogs shakes, and there is 10oz in a bottle, so I get 5 servings each. I found this baby formula container, which is perfect size to measure my 2 ounzes. I bought the multipack, so I saved $2 bucks on the shakes ($10 for 8). For my diet I am using Maggies and Campbells Soups, Water, sometimes 1/4 cup of apple juice and the 6oz of shakes. I do get hungry sometimes, but I have learned to extend my eatings until a little past my hunger. And I take the pills like food. So instead of taking them with the shake or Soup, I take them, and wait a while to take either of those. It is like a mini snack. I am not doing enough with the water, but I cant drink a lot, just sip and sometimes I forget. So far it was working, until the monthly came to visit. I think 10lbs in 5 days was pretty decent. I am also walking, very slow, half hour. Do not overdo it the first days. I did on my third day, and was told to take it easy by the doctor. Last thing, applications. I use four. This application for inspiration and questions. MyFitnessPal, which logs your water, food, medicine (the viactic has 20 calories so you better count it and your vitamins will show in application totals, telling you you have taken 100% of needed supplements). The app is not used to people eating so little calories, so ignore the daily message of completion telling you that you have not eaten enough. I also use runtastic, a pedometer that syncs with myfitnesspal, and something that has the word ticker in it. It creates that little ruler you see in message boards showing your weight loss journey. Go online and find more info on message boards, forums and youtube. You will also find ideas for foods to eat. I will post some later on in this thread and a couple of youtube videos. And remember, no solids during this phase. liquids only. Your stomach is healing and a scar is forming around your band, which will help keep in place. Do not put yourself up for future complications, by eating solids now. It is not worth it, even if you feel fine afterwards. You made your stomach work. That is it for now. Just remember, it maybe painful, and hard at first, but you will fet the hanf of it soon. And the results, the energy, getting rid of medical problems and why not, the clothes, are a great reward. Good luck and God bless your journey.

Oh i wasnt aware back bain can be associated with the gallbladder...ive always had bad back issues but dr always just said because of my weight. Im going to stay positive. Keep you all updated. Sent from my LG-K540 using the BariatricPal App

Glad you're doing well. Your incisions look GREAT for so quickly after surgery, mine were still black and blue at this point. Good luck on your weight loss journey.

I'm looking forward to new clothes...I have managed to wear designer clothes at my current weight which isn't an easy feat but I've always splurged on clothes and shoes. Anyways, I can't wait to fit into my favorite designers for real! When I get rid of my clothes, I'll sell them and easily make $600+ which will help me with my new wardrobe.

So I am getting sleeved on 12/18. 48 hrs from now I will be starting my new journey in life. Reasons for me getting the sleeve: my mother has high blood pressure and keeps having strokes. My grandmother (mom side) also has a stroke and a diabetic. My dad has high blood pressure. I don't want to follow so I figured the next step is to get the weight off. I don't like the way I look in clothes. I don't feel I dress for the age I am. Ladies, you know the bigger you are the more you start dressing like a grandmother... I don't want to dress that way! **********Things going on in my head: I feel I have an angel and devil starting inside of my head! the angel (skinny girl in me) is pushing me forward and on goal (obeying my pre-op diet) and reminding me why I am doing this process. The devil (fat girl) is telling me to cancel the surgery and stay fat, and to eat all the bad stuff I can and have been eating. I will not lie I love bread, rice, and Pasta. And I think the fat girl don't want to give it up. But I know it will help me get weight I want to be at. I am 236-244 lbs (my weight fluctuates). I know I don't need to eat them but the tastes so good. I am scared of the new journey but I know if I don't force myself to get the surgery I will be in the same weight class I been in with no change. My self-esteem will be the same place! Did anyone else feel this way?

@@meantforsunshine Hi There, Congratulations on having your surgery. So sorry that you now have this crappy diagnosis. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and my mother had Rheumatoid arthritis. Recently I started showing signs of Rheumatoid as well and I was tested for it when I was tested for Psoriatic and the tests were negative. Not sure what the Paddison program is but I will tell you this. I have to limit my Protein because of kidney issues caused by years of medications for my arthritis and being overweight. I have a strict no more than 65 grams of protein per day or it taxes my kidneys. I eat a diet mainly of meat, veggies and fruit. I have noticed that my Psoriatic Arthritis has improved so much since my 152lb weight loss. My disease has been in remission and the only time it seems to kick up now is when they put me on oral or IV steroids so I avoid them unless it is life threatening which has not happened since 9 months post op. In fact, I spoke with my doctor on tuesday and we have been weaning me off of cyclosporine which is a immuno suppressant and are even lowering my dose of Stelar which i get every 10 weeks now. It used to be 8 weeks and double the dose. There is even talk of removing me from it completely at some point. So, I tell you all this because both my rheumatologist and my dermatologist are amazed at the transformation this surgery has done for my health. I suffered with Psoriatic Arthritis which is auto immune my whole adult life. I remember the onset began when the weight started piling in in my mid 20's. Obviously with RA, the goal is always to get you on a biologic that stops the progression and the same is true of Psoriatic arthritis so i am nervous about taking me off of the thing that gave me my life back. Anyway.....the diet you are speaking of meats, veggies and fruits are exactly what got me to the point that I am at. I did not have to pay for a special diet as this really is what the bariatric diet is centered around. Not sure if this helps but it has been my personal experience and I could not be happier.

Hi, my name is Teena and I am a newbie to this my weight started at 287 before surgery,then on surgery date was 267 and now at 5 week post-op I am 250. I had my surgery done in Chicago,Il at Mercy When and where is the midwest or Chicago meet and greets? I just got banded on july 10th and can't wait to go to my first one.

Sadly - I don't remember. I do remember talking about how it's a tool and not a magic pill or button that will make the weight disappear. Truthfully - if you say 1-2 lbs a week, you should be safe. That's a safe amount of weight to lose and a realistic amount. Sure, you'll lose more in the beginning but as I'm slowly finding out, it does taper off. But, it's worth it. WORTH EVERY PENNY AND POUND. :wink2:

I am also afraid they will cut me open and my liver won't be shrink enough. My surgery is Tuesday March 12th. I haven't 25 lbs since first seeing the surgeon. I had a 3 week pre op diet, did great, then my surgeon got the flu and my surgery was moved out 2 more weeks and I haven't done so great. Part of it was feeling depressed due to being rescheduled. I have maintained the weight loss but I am still scared I might have re-enlarged my liver. What does everyone think? Some post say they didn't even have to do a pre op diet.

I just had mines done last monday and so far the biggest thing to your weight loss should be your protein and water. Try the weight loss raw protein at whole foods and follow the protein diet for 2 weeks and i guarantee you will get results.

Your body is recuperating from a huge trauma. Fluid is clinging to all the areas that where cut or moved during the surgery. Try not to jump on that scale. I know it's hard. The weight will come off. Focus on your fluids and it will help to flush your system.

My therapist said that's very normal. She said that our weight is a big part of our identity so it's going to take longer for us to "see" the results as opposed to others seeing it. She suggested taking pictures throughout the journey because it's easier to see the loss in comparing them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 6/05/2012 and have not lost ANY weight. I lost 40 lbs before I was sleeved and that is it. I have read a lot about Water intake but I haven't actually tried increasing my intake. I don't track my food but I also don't over eat. I listen to my body very well. I don't think I consume more than 800 calories a day if I actually decided to add them up. Does anyone have any advice?