How is weight loss for people over 50?

[New Life at 63 0]

Sunshine, That's what my doctor said. I guess Medicare's decision will be based on the doctor saying if it is medically necessary, not just cosmetic.

As far as my having plastic surgery, it will depend on how much Medicare will pay, when I'm eligible, and what my finances look at that time, about two years from now. I'm mostly concerned about the "apron" since I already have one. (No doubt due to the many times I have lost and regained the weight. My skin gave up the battle with gravity. LOL. Has anyone had a lot of medical, not cosmedic, problems due to excess skin?

God bless, Charlene

[NM Sunshine 1]

New Life

I read somewhere that medical insurance will pay for the 'apron' because the skin under it is irritated and you can get infections from the apron. It is considered a medical nessecity. That is why your doc said medicare will pay for the surgery.

[New Life at 63 0]

Sunshine, I didn't think that Blue Cross would pay for any plastic surgery. Blue Cross of Oregon won't even pay for the Lap Band surgery. Fortunately I have Blue Cross of California through my previous employment in county gov't in California. They will pay for the Lapband If they will pay for "apron" surgery along with Medicare, then I'm all set. That'll be great.

God bless, Charlene

[Mary Newme 0]

Pam,

thanx for the renewed hope. I havent had my first fill yet and I'm nervous about it. Banded 7/26/07 and finding that some days are easier than others. Also finding that I dont feel full until it's too late and I have a stabbing pain under my left breast. Then I assume I have eaten too much. I'm on my way to spark people after I type this. what can I expect after my first fill?

[Mary Newme 0]

what's PBing? (new here)

[momlambert 77]

what's PBing? (new here)

Try this link:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/abbreviations-what-they-mean-7959/

[BJean 16]

We need to learn how to handle the turkey neck syndrom like Kate Hepburn and Barbara Bush did - loose fitting turtle neck sweaters and multi-strand pearl necklaces.

[SharSpar 0]

Debi717,

I found this web site just recently & decided to join. I'm 56 & have about 130 lbs to lose & just finished my pre-op tests (started them in April). Just waiting for the call with my surgery date. I had to have the nuclear stress test also & they said there was something abnormal, so I had to have an angiogram. The Doc only discovered I had too much pressure in my heart, so he put me on blood pressure meds. At times I have felt like a human pin cushion. I'm just very anxious to have my lap-band done. Not looking forward to the pain I've been reading about; but you know what they say "No pain, No gain" or loss in our case. And you're right about us that are 50+, we have a few more hurtles to get over. Let me know how you're doing & I'll do the same.

Take Care

Sharon

Ventura, Ca

[BJean 16]

SharSpar: Glad you're on board here at Lap Band Talk at the 0ver 50 thread. I think you will really enjoy participating here. There's a lot of information and support and the people are great.

I just wanted you to know that as surgeries go, this one isn't very tough. I never took one pain med after I got home. The first night in the hospital they gave me stuff, but after that I just didn't need anything. I had some discomfort, but nothing that required medication. The worst part is the shoulder pain for about a week afterwards, but I think that because I had a hiatal hernia repaired when I got my band, it made the shoulder pain more intense. :huytsao

I also wanted to tell you that I'm jealous because you live in Ventura!! My son and DIL used to live there (they're in Woodland Hills now) and I've always enjoyed going there so much. In fact, we're planning a short vacation in Ventura to Celebrate my son's birthday next month. We'll be staying at a hotel that was originally owned by the DuPonts, if my memory serves me well. And let's face it, after 50 the memory isn't what it used to be. :rolleyes

Best wishes for a great surgical outcome and a successful trip to your goal! :eek:

[NM Sunshine 1]

New Life,

I have to self pay for all. But it will be worth it for the lap band as long as I have no complications.

On my 2nd day of pre-op liquids. Seems like it is liquid in, liquid out. It's hard to feel like I am digesting anything for very long. I'm sure this will be much easier once I get banded. Band date....next Tue.

[mistymoon 0]

I leave tomorrow for TJ Arrive about 1PM have surgery done on Wed. I am excited and nervous. This is a life altering event and I am praying that I am up to the task. I really appreciate all the support this forum provides.

NM Sunshine - good luck with the diet. It wasn't too bad actually -I lost 15lbs and I cheated just a tad. I had to have a couple of "last ever" favorites. lol Anyway, I'll be paving the way for you and let you know how it goes when I get back on the 7th.

Wish me luck everyone

Nance

[momlambert 77]

Good luck, Nance! We"ll be watching for you on the other side!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Getting a new fill tomorrow. I really hope that gets me going again.

Best of luck to all the new people. My surgery was "a piece of cake"

I hope yours is too. I wouldn't have even known had surgery other than

I had little marks on my belly.

[LadyHR 0]

We'll be thinking of you, MistyMoon!

I went for my 2nd fill today and was pleasantly surprised that this one didn't hurt at all. I asked the NP why the first one was so painful and she said she must have hit a nerve! So now I won't dread the fills! I got 2 more cc's for a total of 7 so I hope my restriction will be good again. I'm doing liquids for 24 hours.

What's the longest your fills have worked well?

[DynamoMini 1]

I found that each fill had it's own reaction. Nothing too awful.

My third fill hit the money. I am restricted tightly and have to be careful to chew and eat slowly. I thought about an unfill, but decided not to as I have adjusted my eating.

Best wishes all of you that are just beginning your journey. The band is a tool. Weight loss is work, but this time you won't regain if you are properly filled. yeah!

Michelle