How is weight loss for people over 50?

[BJean 16]

Denise: The reason I asked is because my doc gave me one too, but I haven't had the nerve to pull it out. I can't tell you how many meals that I've left sitting with only a bite or two gone. At first I took them home in a styrofoam container, but I never seemed to be able to eat them at home either. I've read lots of people say that they've turned their leftovers into another meal or two. But for me, it would make more sense to order about half of the normal meal. Portions are embarrassingly gigantic these days!

[lessofme 1]

Thanks! I'm also 54...hoping it's just a cyst or something. Just had a mammogram in Oct. of 06 so I'm pretty surprised at finding a lump. Still feels kind of strange telling people I have a band I guess. I'll jump back on tomorrow night after I have some answers.

[BJean 16]

lessofme: You don't have to answer, but I'm wondering, how does the lump feel? It is hard like a rock? Is there any discoloration around the area? Is your nipple inverted? Is it real stationary?

[lessofme 1]

It really feels like all the mini lumps...just out of place. It feel about the size of a garbanzo bean. It doesn't move..but actually get's sore due to my constant rubbing...trying to make sure it was a lump and not just my normal "lumpy" tissue. I think you keep checking, hoping it was just one of those infection lumps...and it would go away. A diagnostic mammogram is different in that the radiologist actually reads them during the testing, goes back for more tests, does a physical test..and possibly an ultrasound as well. Should know right then, the make-up of the lump..then we go from there. Might need a biopsy at that point, not sure what would be next. I figure it's no use getting all worked up about it till I have to. Thanks for your concern

[momlambert 77]

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Lessofme. Good luck--we'll be anxious to hear how it goes.

[crabcake 0]

I figure it's no use getting all worked up about it till I have to. Thanks for your concern

You're right, no need to worry until you know something. It's great that they can tell you right then what's up. I'll say a prayer for you tonight.

Best of luck tomorrow!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Just found a lump in my left breast. Gulp. Thought it was enough just to deal with my new band (since Feb.). Anyone had a diagnostic Mammogram since being banded? I've had plenty of them (1 per year since I was 40)...but I'm more nervous for this one tomorrow with the band.

Lessofme - I had my mamo on 7/12 and lapband on 7/17 - the mamo place sent me letter had to come in and retake pics of my right breast went last Friday (banded and no problems) and tomorrow i go for a biospy (may have problems cuz i have to lay on my tummy and my port site is still sore - i am barely 2 weeks out from surgery)... I have microcalsifications (pepper flakes).. Can't blame the band - but it's like wtf here i am trying to get healthy and this shows up.. But have positive thought that everything will be ok... And the Prayers and Love from the ladies here. (i have only told this board and 3 people at work oh yea my sister - but haven't told my Son & his family - or my grandson who lives with me - don't want to worry them un-necessarily)

My thoughts & prayer that it's just a cyst are with you....

[IndioGirl55 32]

I already have a card like that. I use it all the time. It allows me to order smaller portions. It says I have had stomach surgery and can only eat small portions.

BJean Where do you get the card from??? Your Doctor??? I want one:rolleyes:

[DynamoMini 1]

I got a card but haven't used it. Usually any restaurant will let you order off the kids menu or senior (well, I'm almost there) one without an explanation.

However - A funny thing happened at book club. We ate at Pappeadeaux's and had arranged to order one meal between two of us because of our WLS ahead of time. This was a banquet situation This clueless waiter said with a shout, "oh, you're the ones that have had the weight loss surgery!" I wasn't embarrassed for myself, but was for my friend who had had bypass surgery and was already 100 pounds down and close to goal.

Now, I think about it, we bandsters need to campaign for understanding out in the community and educate restaurant staff etc. I have hidden as a fat person, from the realities of being different from everyone else, but wtf, we are different and we deserve to live a healthy life without public embarrassment.

[crabcake 0]

tomorrow i go for a biospy ...it's like wtf here i am trying to get healthy and this shows up..

You girls hang tight. You've worked too hard to have anything bad happen to you. We're pulling for you. Keep us posted!

IndioGirl, my doc gave me my card w/ the WLS info on it requesting I be allowed to eat either a child's or senior's portion. It's in small print on the card he told me to keep in my wallet stating I have had WLS (in the event I'm in an accident or something). Did you get a card like that? If so, check the small print (go put those bifocals on girl!).

[phyllser 3]

I don't have a card, but we went to a Mexican restaurant tonight and I just quiety explained to the waitress that I'd had surgery and couldn't eat much so could I order off the chidren's menu. She said I could so I ordered a kids beef enchilada meal. It worked great. The beef was finely ground hambuger; I scraped the meat mixture out of the tortilla, which I then moved to another plate to avoid temptation. Then I mixed the meat with the refried Beans and enchilada sauce, poured a little salsa on top and mixed it all up. I start mushies tomorrow, so I made it as runny as I could. Then I noticed that the now empty salsa bowl looked to be about 1/2 cup so I filled it up with my concotion and got a to go box for the rest... which turned out to be exactly another 1/2 cup! Two meals for $4.25 ..... and it was most enjoyable!!

:hungry:

[BJean 16]

Yes, my doctor gave me the card. It doesn't request that the server allow me to order from the child's or senior's menu. It just says that because of a medical condition I am unable to eat very much and that it would be appreciated if I were able to scale down the portion that I am served from a normal portion. Not in those words, but that's basically the content.

I've never used it primarily because I am afraid I might encounter some jackass like the one Dynamomini met at Pappeadeaux's. (Btw, I wouldn't have thought that was funny at all!!)

lessofme: I have had a mammo followed by an ultrasound, and also got the results while I was watching lying there during the ultrasound. It was nerve wracking, but I felt very confident by the time I left, that I was getting an accurate diagnosis. I will be thinking of you and hoping that it will go smoothly and you get the assessment right away. I think waiting for answers is the worst.

indiogirl: I don't blame you for not telling everybody. It's just easier for me when I don't have to try to reassure everyone that I'm just fine. I think being strong is important and for some reason when I tell my friends and family, I turn into silly putty and worry more. Please give us a posting because we will be thinking of you tomorrow!

[IndioGirl55 32]

You girls hang tight. You've worked too hard to have anything bad happen to you (i agree). We're pulling for you. Keep us posted!

IndioGirl, my doc gave me my card w/ the WLS info on it requesting I be allowed to eat either a child's or senior's portion. It's in small print on the card he told me to keep in my wallet stating I have had WLS (in the event I'm in an accident or something). Did you get a card like that? If so, check the small print (go put those bifocals on girl!).

Thanks Crabcake - I am hanging tough -- I am going to ask my doctor for this card and ya those reading glasses hang off the tip of my nose 24/7 i cant' read anything with out them - it's heck getting old... Janet

[crabcake 0]

ya those reading glasses hang off the tip of my nose 24/7 i cant' read anything with out them - it's heck getting old... Janet

tell me about it! w/out them, all i see is shapes and colors!

what time is your appt?

[IndioGirl55 32]

I don't have a card, but we went to a Mexican restaurant tonight and I just quiety explained to the waitress that I'd had surgery and couldn't eat much so could I order off the chidren's menu. She said I could so I ordered a kids beef enchilada meal. It worked great. The beef was finely ground hambuger; I scraped the meat mixture out of the tortilla, which I then moved to another plate to avoid temptation. Then I mixed the meat with the refried Beans and enchilada sauce, poured a little salsa on top and mixed it all up. I start mushies tomorrow, so I made it as runny as I could. Then I noticed that the now empty salsa bowl looked to be about 1/2 cup so I filled it up with my concotion and got a to go box for the rest... which turned out to be exactly another 1/2 cup! Two meals for $4.25 ..... and it was most enjoyable!!

:hungry:

Congrats on 31 lbs !!!:clap2: - I haven't gone out to eat at a restruratn yet - but will keep this in mind - I am going to a wedding on Saturday - at home i eat out of a 1 cup bowl with a tiny spoon. (it didn't keep me from eating too much califlower last night too fast - but no problems and it was califlower and not mashed potatoes with gravy ) So this will be a test of my willpower and band - but since i am so motivated don't think i will have too much of a problem. Well maybe with the wine :rolleyes

But heck 2 meals $4.25 can't beat that :whoo: