Oldster Newbie Starting Again

krosmon · July 18, 2008

I was turned down for this surgery a couple years ago by a surgeon who refused to do the lapband and said he could do the open gastric surgery, but it would be very risky. I said, no thanks, and left. I also heard he doesn't like to work on anyone over 65 years old and I was older than that.

My new and current PP suggested recently suggested another surgeon and hospital. I contacted them and they sent me a questionnaire to fill out and scheduled my first appointment on 9/26, but will move it up if an opening occurs.

I am almost 72 years young with 150 lbs to lose so hope it will happen this time. I was recently diagnosed as pre-diabetic and also have hypothyroid disease so losing will be slow.

I love to travel and take cruises, but it is so hard when you can't walk very far - even getting to the dining room was a problem on one of my last cruises. And forget going places with the family - they don't like to be held back because I can't walk far so I don't get to go. I have some good years left and would love to be able to move and take full advantage of them.

I don't want the open surgeries as I've had enough of them in my life, and the mortality rate and rate of problems afterwards is too great, let alone gaining the weight back because the stomach expands. I don't think so.

Are there any seniors on line who have had this done? And if so, how are you doing?

losingjusme · July 18, 2008

hi Kathleen,

welcome to LBT!! you may want to check out these sections of LBT.

Seventies+ - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Sixties - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

best of luck to you!!!

asimmons · July 18, 2008

Hi Kathleen,

Sounds like you wrote my lifestory except I am turning 62 instead of 72. I had my lapband done 6/10/08 and feel great. I say do it and enjoy life. We have a cruise coming up in Nov and a 2 week one next April. Our last cruise was Feb of this year and I spent most of my time by myself on the ship because I just could not walk! I had already started losing weight prior to the surgery because I was diagnosed with diabetes at the first of the year. Keep us posted on how things go for you.

Anne

The Fireman · July 18, 2008

Age really doesnt have a lot to do with it.Im 59 and had my band on Jan.21 2008 and have lost 65 pounds and doing great.I have 6 cc. in a 14 cc.Just had .5cc. wednesday.You have everything to gain and nothing to lose but weight.

krosmon · July 18, 2008

Thank you for the quick responses. I greatly appreciate the encouragement.

I am now doing my own low carb. I lost about 4 lbs. on Atkins but everything stopped. So, I started on South Beach, lost about 8 lbs., and it stopped again. So now, I just cut out all bread and starchy foods and pretty much stick to Protein, cheese and veggies, and I think I have dropped another lb or 2. But when the hunger hits, or I get tempted, it goes back on.

Anne, I have a cruise coming up in February, which may get cancelled if they decide to do the operation about then, which I suspect will be about when it should happen - too bad as I cruised with most of this group last February and most of this group will be on this one. But the only time I got off the ship was in Mazatlan, walked about 6 bloicks with a friend and almost died until I got back on the ship. Not a fun way to go. Thank goodness he is patient with me - we cruised up the Pacific Coast about 18 months ago and he and I slowly walked through Butchart Gardens then - again, I could hardly wait to get back and lay down. I have more cruises booked, but if the weight doesn't come off, no way will I do them.

Take care and hope to talk to y'all soon.

asimmons · July 18, 2008

Kathleen, I lost 72lbs from Dec to June using the diabetic diet. It works - I still have about 85 to go and the lapband is what is going to help me "go all the way". It is amazing the difference the weight loss makes. My knees don't hurt when I walk and the arthritis in my back is not nearly as bad. I am really looking forward to the April "09 cruise and I told my DH that I am expecting to stay up past 9:00 and I want to dance and walk the deck at night. I want to watch sunrises and sunsets at sea. There are so many things I want to enjoy again now that I don't have to use a cane or sit down every 5 minutes. I knew the lapband was right for me when I attended my first seminar in April. I am so excited for you because I know exactly how you are feeling.

Anne