carstanger

I'm 1 and half years out, still logging and weigh every day. Still within 3 pounds of lowest weight, below goal! Also a vet and 67.

So sorry for your continued loss.. Loved your poem!! We can't change things for you, but we can listen are here for you!!

Sounds like you didn't have a good experience and I feel badly! My surgeon is a member of the ASMBS, is a Center for Excellence, and teaches for Cleveland Clinic. He has been part of their study for the plication procedure. I was asked if I wanted to be part of a study with Blue Cross/Blue Shield which was optional. His is very strict in his requirements before and after surgery. I signed a contract with him that I would follow up with him, as he wants to know how we are doing. One of my daughters is a family practice doc. in his area, and had the surgery before me and she was impressed with his before and after follow-up. It was my family doctor that referred me to the osteoporosis clinic in my home town as that is their specialty. I live in Jackson MI and the bariatric surgeries are not done here at this time. I travel 2 hours to go to their follow-up classes with the nutritionists and support groups. He also repaired a hiatal hernia, and removed a non-functioning gall bladder that he found before my surgery. My experience has been wonderful and his staff are wonderful! I can order Protein and Vitamins from his office if I want. Every time I go for a checkup, they also have me fill out a form about how I am feeling about things. Don't know the name of the form though. My regular doctor asked me if I would be willing to talk one to one with people considering the surgery as he considered me as more of an expert since I had gone through it. My orthopedic doctor, also was asking me questions, as he went to Grand Rapids to have his done. He said he did lots of research, too. Glad you are asking questions.

My surgeon wants to follow up for life. I see PA now and periodically him. Had osteoporosis when O was younger, on meds for 8 years , off them nor several years bits hips have gotten worse. Both my Mom and paternal grandma had it and broke hips. 67 and having more bloodwork and 24 hour urine test. See Dr in osteoporosis clinic it's end of month for results and plan.

I have to keep tracking as I eat 60 grams or more of protein a day but was still losing weight. Can't eat more than about 2 oz of meat or I am sick. Eat more nuts, fruit, add add PB2 to shakes etc. I make sure I don't go below certain points 121 or above 125. 67 and I started at 225.5. ,, 5 ft 11/2 in. Hope this helps.

I had a large hiatal hernia repaired and a non functioning gall bladder. Didn't know I had problems with either but was on omeprozole for GERD. I did fine after surgery. Sip and walk!! I was 75 when Zi had surgery and am over 29 months out. Down from 225.5 to 122. Feel great. Off several meds but still need bipap!

My nose starts running and not another bite!!

My surgeon doesn't do the lap band very often or not at all. Not positive which it is. PA at osteoporosis clinic said it's not being done in Europe. Not sure where her info came from , so do your own research. You can gain weight if you don't follow the new style of eating!

My Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Medicare plus of Mi didn't approve it. Must be my particular plan.

I had gall bladder removed and hiatal hernia repair. Usually my nose will run and I know to stop! Still throw up if I eat too fast!

My surgeon doesn't do lap bands any more. I went either sleeve because I knew that a smaller stomach would be an asset for me. Didn't was the gastric bypass even though it would have been covered. 67 and am now below goal. Wish I had it done earlier.

I'm on Veteran's forum too , 67, and only one and half years out!! I too still track my food, weigh every day and like having the smaller stomach!! I actually had to add back nuts, fruit, Peanut Butter per my nut. My doctor follows me rest if my life!! This forum really helps me as my doctor and his support groups are 2 hours away! I had surgery in early April got a prolapse due to how I carried my kids when pregnant.. Was able to continue my 4 pound leeway U give myself. This is a personal choice. Healthiest I've been in over twenty years!! Ordered half a portion last night at a favorite hometown restaurant and it was still two meals for me!! I still supplement as I have a hard time eating enough Protein. Good luck on your decisions!!! Keep asking questions!

I am 67 and have flabby arms but my mom also had them and she was never over weight! We call them angel wings at water aerobics. Will be curious what has helped people ,too.

My husband had a terrible reaction to the dye from the nuclear test and other tests using the dye. It lasted several weeks. Research it. I know the dyes affect your kidneys. If you can do the walk on the treadmill, forego the nuclear. My sister also had a reaction. The doctors only recommend the nuclear if you are physically impaired I gather.i had the nuclear test with the dye and had no problems with it!!

I'm 67 and one and 1/2 years out. I have lost 105 pounds and fluctuate a few pounds. I have set a limit and will not let myself go above it!! Wish I could have done this many years ago!!

i still am shocked when I look in a mirror other Thant own!! I don't look like myself but... Like what I see!!!

Good luck to everyone!! I thought I'd get off the bipap but... Even though I am now normal BMI I still have sleep apnea and stop breathing!! It was one of my straws that still exists.

I had surgery Nov. 12, 2012, am 67 years old, and am below goal weight. My before pictures and pictures through my journey are on my profile if you want to look at them.

My surgery was Nov 12, 2012 and now I put unjury chocolate Protein in my coffee, with either almond milk or 1% milk to cool it down. I add frozen strawberries, milk, and frozen banana to the Unjury strawberry shake instead of ice cubes. I like to have that at night. I also like the Unjury chicken Soup, and the cheddar cheese powder. They don't have the cheese year round though so I bought it ahead. The unflavored can be added to things like sugar free puddings, yogurt, etc. Just watch the temperature so it doesn't glob up.

Soy crisps, Protein balls made with unjury chocolate protein and oatmeal, sugar free popsicles. My daughter who had the same surgery before me, said "MOM, if you do this right, you only have to do this one time!!!"" I had my surgery Nov. 12, 2012, so was on full liquids for Thanksgiving so had a pumpkin Protein shake, and at Christmas, I was on soft foods. It is not the end of the world, and you will get there!!! Now 1 1/2 years out and below goal weight. Am 67 and lost over 100 pounds!! Off many meds, so you can do this. Just keep telling yourself that!!

I had my surgery Nov. 12, 2012 and am 67 now. Just had my one and 1/2 year check up this week and the surgeon's PA was really pleased. All my labs were great, and I've lost over 100 pounds. Reached my goal weight at 13 months and below it but still in normal BMI range so she was happy with that if I was comfortable. Went from 1x or 22/24 to 8P to 12P depending on the style. On my second set of summer clothes as ones from last year are too big. Have a completely new wardrobe, so like to shop sales now and consignment shops. I hated to shop before!!! When I wasn't losing weight, I started tracking again and upped my Protein per the nutritionist. I give myself a 4 pound leeway so I know exactly where I am. Just had 6 weeks of no exercise except limited walking and was able to maintain weight.