Texas Newbie

[LousPeachy 100]

Hi from Houston! To be perfectly honest, I can't believe I am posting on a Weight Loss Surgery forum.

I turned 67 in January. I was forced to retire at 64 due to health problems. Shortly afterward my husband lost his job. He is legally blind so has been unsuccessful in finding another one since he does not drive.

I have sat around for the past year doing nothing but eating and gaining weight. I was around 300 lbs when I left retail. Every time I would go to my primary care doctor, he would make me feel horrible about myself regarding my weight but never suggested any things I could do to get help.

I finally got sick of being treated this way and found another doctor. My first visit with her, she asked me if I had ever considered weight loss surgery. Maybe because I weighed in at 385 pounds???? I am embarrassed to even tell anyone that.

My husband and I have researched surgery and have decided that if is possible, I will have the surgery. We chose a doctor due to recommendations and if he is all I have been told he is, he will be the one to do the surgery.

We are going to a Seminar on May 22 and will have a 1 on 1 meeting with him the same day. I am guessing it would be around September or October before the surgery would be done. Insurance looks good, Medicare and a Supplemental insurance that will pay anything Medicare doesn't cover as long as Medicare pays some of it. Hopefully that will cover most if not all of it.

I am not sure what type of procedure he will do but I have read that with a high BMI like mine, 66, they will often do the gastric bypass surgery. Time will tell.

Thanks for letting me join the forum. I hope to learn a lot, not only pre-op but also pre-consultation. I am praying that the Lord will help us work all this out for me to be able to have the surgery. Sitting in a chair 24/7 is no way to spend the rest of my hopefully long life!

Thanks again,

Louise

[sharonintx 1,275]

Hey Louise. Welcome aboard. Best wishes to you.

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

I am so glad you are participating, and opening your arms to a healthier life! I just responded to a question you asked on another post, so here I am again! If you need a bariatric pal, let me know, I'd be happy to be one for you. Good luck on your MISSION!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Welcome to the forum. There are a few of us on here in our sixties. I am 63 and had a sleeve 15 months ago after I had a stroke. I decided one stroke was enough. Two of my sisters had great success with the gastric bypass. One weighed over 350 and the other one weighed over 400. My older brother was not so lucky to have gastric bypass available. He died at age 47 of a heart attack. He weighed 420 and we had to delay the funeral so that a special coffin could be built.

I am so glad to hear that you are doing something pro-active to improve your quality of life. I wish you good luck and good health.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Welcome. I'm in my 50s (that may be the first time I have ever written that statement) and have a higher BMI than you. I was recently sleeved on April 20. Don't assume that based on BMI that you have to go with the bypass. Everyone is different and your surgeon and research should help you decide on the best procedure for you. Best of luck.

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@LousPeachy

Welcome to the group! I am so glad you are taking steps to become healthy. If you need any help or have questions please feel free to reach out. In the meantime the best thing you can do is research like crazy to help determine the best solution for you.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Bander here. Welcome!!

[sengelken 51]

I'm in Texas, too! Welcome!

[gowalking 10,790]

Welcome Louise. Glad to have you here on the forum. As others have said, high BMI is only one consideration. As you can see, my BMI was over 50...in the morbidly obese range and I am now in a totally normal BMI range having gotten gastric banding.

Keep us posted on your pre-surgery process.

[4evertonya 2]

I am also from Texas, when are you planning your procedure?

[LousPeachy 100]

I have a Seminar and then will see the doctor for the first time on May 22. I am so excited to get started. Can't be too soon for me. I am in Houston.

what about you?

Louise

[devillynn 193]

I am from Texas too! I live in West Texas - out by Abilene... good luck to you! The best decision i have ever made was to have the sleeve done.