How is weight loss for people over 50?

[crabcake 0]

Hi everyone. I'm female, aged 50 this past May, BMI 42. I would like to lose at least 75 pounds. I had been on the Atkins diet, which worked for me because I love meat, but I didn't want to be limited to the "Atkins approved foods" for the rest of my life. I had lost 58 pounds. I went off the atkins 3 months ago and gained back 25 pounds. Depressing. I decided to try for the lapband. My daughter had the gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago and has lost 110 pounds. I didn't want to go that invasive of a surgery so I opted for the lapband. I had my first consult yesterday. He told me that I wouldn't be able to have read meat of white bread again. Augh! I don't know if I can go without red meat!! Is it true that we would not be able to have the red meat?? The white bread I can live without but the red meat?? I dunno. Can anyone help me with this question?? Help! I appreciate this site and I'm really liking this part of it - for those of us over 50. Very nice. Thanks everyone. Dianne

You'll find that every doctor is different. Mine said to stay off red meat for 6 months (gee, I wonder if that includes that hamburger pattie I had last week???). Personally, I'm trying to just eat well and make good choices. I'm trying things and if they don't go down well, I'll avoid them for a while and then try them again later (e.g., that avocado which caused me to slime!!!). But then I'm all into breaking rules in life, so you'll have to do what works best for you!

[DLW 0]

Thanks for the quick response crabcake! So I guess it's a trial and error thing? I'm just concerned about the what's it called? PBing? Is that the right verbage for throwing up? I don't think I've done that like 3 times in my whole life. Well as far back as I can remember anyway. I do know that I'm really not too fond of that part either. Is it a tough go with your stomach not excepting some foods? I'll probably learn very quickly I imagine as to what is a go and what is not huh? Are you glad you got banded? When were you banded? Was the surgery tough? How is/was the recovery? Sorry so many questions, it's just that I need to make a decision soon and I'm so on the fence. Tell me the good part?? Thanks crabcake, Dianne

[crabcake 0]

Thanks for the quick response crabcake! So I guess it's a trial and error thing? I'm just concerned about the what's it called? PBing? Is that the right verbage for throwing up? I don't think I've done that like 3 times in my whole life. Well as far back as I can remember anyway. I do know that I'm really not too fond of that part either. Is it a tough go with your stomach not excepting some foods? I'll probably learn very quickly I imagine as to what is a go and what is not huh? Are you glad you got banded? When were you banded? Was the surgery tough? How is/was the recovery? Sorry so many questions, it's just that I need to make a decision soon and I'm so on the fence. Tell me the good part?? Thanks crabcake, Dianne

Ok, let's start w/ the good part. I'm glad I'm banded. It was a tough decision for me, mainly because I hated the idea of surgery and elective surgery at that! Other than some dental work, I'd never been under anesthesia and had never had surgery. By reading on this site and talking to fellow bandsters, I made my decision.

You learn real quick what to do to avoid Pb'ing (yes, that's the term. It stands for productive burping, which is a polite way of saying upchucking! Although, it's not upchucking like I've ever known it.) My doctor said there were some foods you'll never be able to eat again, simply because you can't swallow them. For example, white bread turns into a big dough ball and gets stuck in your esophagus! Getting something 'stuck' is no picnic either! But, if you chew, chew, chew, you'll probably be fine.

I just had my surgery May 8th, so I'm certainly no authority and the first few days after the surgery (ok, 2 weeks plus) were bad. I had gas trapped under my ribcage and thought I was going to die! But suddenly at week 4, I realized I was feeling good and that rather than food being a driving force in my life, I was able to make good choices. I could finally ask myself am I hungry? and if not, ok, don't eat! It has put me back in control. I no longer feel like the sugar junkie who has to mainline/snort cupcakes to get her fix!

The worse thing so far? The gas!!! Right after the surgery, you have trapped gas. To do the laproscopic (sp?) surgery they need to pump you full of gas to have room to move around in - kind of like blowing up a balloon. After the surgery, they push out as much as they can, but of course some remains trapped. Getting rid of that trapped gas is a trip!!! Not only that, but I think (and this is purely conjecture on my part) that my tummy is rebelling for some reason. I never seem to need to burp anymore, but ahem...:embarassed: how to say this,...I seem to frequently be looking for a private spot to rid myself of this nagging little problem!!! At this date, it's not trapped gas anymore, it's what my tummy is producing! :angry I'm hoping I'll adjust and at some point it will no longer be an issue.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask whatever you need to here, 'cause everyone is super helpful! We know it's a big decision to make and we're happy to answer your questions.

Keep us posted on your decision!

[Sweet Tooth 0]

What is bathroom equipment?

Thank you

[LLSibley 1]

I've eaten red meat, hamb, steak, brisket, but not roast yet. I've even done pork chops. The real secret is small bites and chew and chew and chew and did I say chew. I've not tried white bread. I've had one bite of pizza, tortilla shell and hushpuppies. I've been out 2 1/2 months. My carbs have usually been fruits and veggies. I probably eat too many fruits but they're in season and I love fruit. I figure that's better than chips, Cookies or cake.

[green 6]

Dare I ask what you're talking about? Will I regret this? Will your answer make me nauseous?

Oh, I picked up something intestinal in Mexico and my doctor won't prescribe me any meds until she knows what it is. I tried to suggest to her to just prescribe a big bunch of everything because I have a drug plan and something is bound to cure it. And I don't want to have to do the test because it is gross. I have lost a further 15 lbs over the past 5 weeks since I returned to Canada thanx to Montezuma's revenge. BJean knows all about my woes.:paranoid

[crabcake 0]

Oh, I picked up something intestinal in Mexico and my doctor won't prescribe me any meds until she knows what it is. I tried to suggest to her to just prescribe a big bunch of everything because I have a drug plan and something is bound to cure it. And I don't want to have to do the test because it is gross. I have lost a further 15 lbs over the past 5 weeks since I returned to Canada thanx to Montezuma's revenge. BJean knows all about my woes.:paranoid

ah! The Montezuma's Revenge diet! Say no more!!! Hope you feel better soon.

[green 6]

I eat hamburger patties, filet mignon, and pork tenderloin. Red meat is easier than chicken because it isn't as dry. I have PBed on chicken but never on red meat. Of course you have to remember to chew, chew, chew!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I got steak stuck once really badly but it finally went through without barfing. We may as well call it what it is. I was able to eat a Burger King Junior Whopper without any problems. Now that I have a new fill, I am not going to even try that.

You can basically tell when you have lossened up. Everyone is very right about the chewing. I have to cut any meat I eat into the smallest pieces possible and chew until it's liquid. It's like I make it into a sliver of a piece of meat.

[DynamoMini 1]

DLW - All good advice here from my experiences. I avoid chewy meat, but filet mignon in small bites is perrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect. I don't get the 6 months without red meat. I think there are lots of individaul differences with the eating and doctor's orders. Some people seem to be ok with hamburger Buns, others can't eat any bread. I can eat a little rice, just not a lot. My biggest thing seems to be the bite's size and my chewing. Moist meat is much easier, liquids are easy too, sip don't gulp. I've now had two fills, and still don't feel much restriction. I am really eating a lot less though, so maybe that is my restriction.

green - send over the Italian stallions, I'm worried about the "use it or lose it" situation, my hubby died 6 1/2 years ago, I am worried I've been on the shelf too long!

Have a great weekend!

[IndioGirl55 32]

DLW

Welcome ... This is a GREAT place to find info and meet really great people.

I'm not banded yet, but have been on this board for a little while and went to a support group last night for banders. (in fact met a women there who i first met here - so that was cool) and like the ladies before said you have to chew everything to death and them some. The Doctor who performs the surgery was there to answer questions. On the gas part he said that the use co2 which disapates real fast and it should not be a problem - 1 girl who was 39 said she had a little but after 2 days she was fine and the other lady who was 50+ had no gas It was really a great group - small 3 banders and 3 pre-bander. I am in the process of doing my marathon doctors appointments so that I can be banded and if i wasn't ready before I am now after that meeting. But this has to be your personal choice - being banded is just like everything else in life - it depends on the individual - I can eat jalapenos and be ok where as you can't - You and I go to the same doctor - you have a great experience and I have a bad one. Read, Read, all that you can on this board - go to a support group for banders in your area and talk to real people (not saying that people are real here but you know what i mean). I thnk that will help you immensely in your decision. My AH HA moment last was

I want my life back... Good luck on your journey.

[IndioGirl55 32]

green - send over the Italian stallions, I'm worried about the "use it or lose it" situation, my hubby died 6 1/2 years ago, I am worried I've been on the shelf too long!

Have a great weekend!

DynamoMini

Mine has been on the shelf for 5 yr and really don't miss it. I just figured i used it all up in my 20's 30' & 40's. But i was reading on another board today that alot of women get their sex drive back when they lose weight. I don't know if that's such a good thing when you don't have anyone to use it with":guess

Also on this board they were talking about transfer addiction from us being foodoholics to becoming alcholics - sexoholics - shopoholic

I am already a shopoholic:biggrin1:

Has anyone here found that they have transfered their food addict to something else??

And why is shrimp hard to eat on the band - wouldn't it be the same as anything else - chew chew chew - I love all sea food - heck I love all food truth be told and that's why i'm fat:eek:

[BJean 16]

Green if I could get hold of you right now, I'd paddle your fanny! Well, that's an exaggeration, I'd probably just get in your face, scold you and wag my index finger at you. Where's Carlene when you need her?

You really cannot put this off any longer. I know you're loving the weight loss, but you can get yourself in a dehydrated and potassium depleted state that can be life threatening. Harvesting your own doody is not like flirting with an Italian Stallion (I probably shouldn't even put it in the same sentence!) but it is a necessary evil just like flirting. Please take the time to just DO it! You will be so glad you did, even though the whole thing is a bit degrading. Remember, you need to refrigerate it if you aren't taking it to the lab immediately. Don't make the same mistake I did and after placing it in the proper container, placing it in another sealed plastic bag and then in a taped down non-descript brown paper bag, then reveal to your DH what's in that bag. Don't do it. Big mistake.

To all you potential and new bandsters: I have never heard anyone say that you have to give up red meat forever. Although it probably wouldn't hurt any of us to do that. chicken used to be an almost daily part of my diet before the band. I've been banded since September and I still can't eat chicken easily. But the first meat I was able to eat comfortably was a ground beef pattie. Later I learned how to eat filet mignon. Fish of some kinds are easier to eat than any other serious Protein source, except when my band was too tight recently. I found that mahi-mahi and talapia both made me PB. (That is a pretty descriptive term for what we do - it's better than "upchuck" and not like a true vomiting session.) The most important thing you should keep in mind is that you do not want to do that - PB - if you can possibly avoid it (and you can.)

My doctor gave me a refrigerated medication that is good for one year. If I contract a tummy virus, I was told not to allow myself to vomit. If you get into a real problem with continual vomiting, you could cause the band to slip and we don't want that.

My nutritionist harps over and over to all of the patients that the size of the bite that we should be trying to eat is half (yep, one-half) the size of a carrot coin. It should take us about 45 minutes to eat a meal, but no longer than that.

The best advice you can get here at LBT though is to listen closely to what YOUR doctor tells you to do and follow HIS advice. If he has told you not to eat red meat, be sure you understand his reasoning before you go off and try to do it. He may know something about your particular case that we don't know.

As for the gas and left shoulder pain that most LB patients have after surgery, it took me almost exactly one week to get it all out of my system and no longer have the pain. I had read that the more you walk, the quicker you get rid of it. I was pretty sedentary at first, but some people are very active right away. They're the ones who have very little problem with the deferred pain from the gas. I also did not take ANY pain medication after I left the hospital. Not even over the counter stuff. Just didn't need it. I could use it right now just for the buzz but I hate trippin' alone. :heh::heh::heh:

Green, don't make me come up there!

[Carlene 12]

Green if I could get hold of you right now, I'd paddle your fanny! Well, that's an exaggeration, I'd probably just get in your face, scold you and wag my index finger at you. Where's Carlene when you need her?

BJ....you said it all, and soooooooooooo much better! Carlene has been busy at the gym, trying to get in 2 hours 3-4 days a week. Plus I reward myself with some time in their fabulous steam room (love the Eucalyptus in the air) and lounging by the pool. Makes me feel like Paris Hilton, minus the jail thing.

Green, dehydration is one of the things that will get you a short but expensive vacation in the hospital. Is that what you want? So........JUST DO IT! Otherwise, I won't feel sorry for you when Nurse Ratchet (aka BJ) shows up on your doorstep, rubber gloves snapping in anticipation.

[BJean 16]

Yeaaaaa, Carlene... just what the doctor (or Nurse Ratchet) ordered!!!

Now hop to it, Green.

Oooh Carlene, your gym/spa sounds fabulous. Do you mind me asking which one? We almost live in the same neighborhood, I think. I'm going to be going to Larry North in Southlake for a while, but I hope to be looking for one with more amenities after that. Your jeans getting more comfortable yet?