Info and support

[Huggles1951 1]

So glad I found this site. I was worried I was the only person my age planning to do this. I'll be 60 on Jan 31st and I'll be banded on Jan. 10th. I'm not having too much trouble on the 2 week liquid diet. I am at the point though where I'm getting really nervous about the surgery and my decision etc. I've only had one other surgery under general anesthetic and that was an outpatient fix of my deviated septum. Part of the problem I think is because my surgeon thought I'd be better off with the RNY bypass. He listed my age, weight, BMI, and the amount I need to lose as reasons for his recommendation. I have known several people who have had the bypass. One died from complications, three had serious complications and the rest eventually gained all the weight back. I realize I will lose slower than the bypass people but I didn't gain it overnight either. I told him I chose this because there are less complications, quicker recovery, less time under anesthetic, no malabsorption issues, it's adjustable, and it's removable if something happens. He didn't seem impressed with my reasoning but agreed to do the band. I can lose weight if I eat less but I have trouble not letting myself creep up to eating too much because I don't feel full when I should. I think the band will give me the help I need. I know success is up to me and the band is just a tool to help so I guess maybe I just need some positive reinforcement. I'm kind of scared now.

[Humming Bird 275]

Welcome to LBT! You will find much info and support here and plenty of people in your age range.

In my case the band has worked well. I lost 100 pounds in the first year with very little effort on my part. I think if the weightloss happened any faster I would have had complications like malnutrition and major hairloss. (I had these with the band as it is)

I wish you the best on your weightloss journey!

[JerseyGirl80 12]

Welcome to the site! My boyfriends mother is in her mid 60s, she had the lap band put in May 2010, everything went well with her surgery. She's losing very slowly, as she has arthritis in her knees she has not been able to work out until recently. She has lost about 50 pounds and is finding it much easier to get around and do things. She's looking fabulous and no longer has high blood pressure. This week I'm getting her to work out a little with me, we will be doing Leslie Sansone's walk at home DVDs, they are great for any fitness level. I'm excited to get her moving, as well as myself. I just had my band surgery on Dec 13th and everything has gone well so far.

I find it a little odd that your doctor was pushing the bypass on you. My doctor asked me what I wanted, he didn't push anything on me at all. If anything he asked what I thought would be right for me and my lifestyle after he explained all options to me in great detail. It's your body and your decision, he can make suggestions but it really is your choice as to what you want to do with your body.

Good luck to you and I hope everything goes well!

[Shelley64 26]

So glad I found this site. I was worried I was the only person my age planning to do this. I'll be 60 on Jan 31st and I'll be banded on Jan. 10th. I'm not having too much trouble on the 2 week liquid diet. I am at the point though where I'm getting really nervous about the surgery and my decision etc. I've only had one other surgery under general anesthetic and that was an outpatient fix of my deviated septum. Part of the problem I think is because my surgeon thought I'd be better off with the RNY bypass. He listed my age, weight, BMI, and the amount I need to lose as reasons for his recommendation. I have known several people who have had the bypass. One died from complications, three had serious complications and the rest eventually gained all the weight back. I realize I will lose slower than the bypass people but I didn't gain it overnight either. I told him I chose this because there are less complications, quicker recovery, less time under anesthetic, no malabsorption issues, it's adjustable, and it's removable if something happens. He didn't seem impressed with my reasoning but agreed to do the band. I can lose weight if I eat less but I have trouble not letting myself creep up to eating too much because I don't feel full when I should. I think the band will give me the help I need. I know success is up to me and the band is just a tool to help so I guess maybe I just need some positive reinforcement. I'm kind of scared now.

[Shelley64 26]

I think you've made the right decision for yourself. I'm a little surprised that your doctor pushed for bypass considering the recovery is much longer and the complications from surgery are greater. I totally know what you mean about "just eating less" I've always said that I could lose weight if I could just eat less and be satisfied. Once I get some pounds off and start feeling better, I'll be more comfortable at a gym working out. I think the band is the absolute way to go for any age. I'm 46 years old and am getting banded on Jan 11th. I'm on day 3 of the pre-op diet which is going ok. I was really hungry last night after work. I felt a little light headed and I had a head ache. I don't think I drank enough Water yesterday so I'm going to work on that today. good luck to you. Keep us posted!

[Huggles1951 1]

I'm on day 8 of the pre-op liquid diet and it really isn't too bad. I feel hungriest at night and after I exercise. I've been doing Water aerobics and aqua jogging at the Y 5 days a week since Sept. Anyone who has problems with joint pain etc. would probably do great in the water as it doesn't stress the joints like land based exercise. I can do lots of stuff in the water I can't do on land . I'm trying to keep busy so I don't worry too much so wish me luck.