ArnoldS

I read a post on another thread about her dating life changing. But, I was wondering about those of us over 60. Has any of your lives changed in this area? I'm very shy. Do you find that more men pay attention to you? Or, is it about the same?

Thank you for your replies. SassyTink, Yes, I do have some health issues related to my obesity. I have edema in my legs and feet, RA in my feet, arthritis in the rest of my body. I have sleep apnea. Thanks for getting my mind off of how I'll look and back onto my health issues. makemyownluck, You are so right. I wouldn't have even signed on for this if I didn't think that I needed it in the first place. I didn't mention that I signed into wl surgery programs in the past and have always dropped out. One reason being, or so I thought, b/c I didn't want the roux-en-y. Well, now I got my wish: My insurance now covers the vertical sleeve. And, here I go again, talking myself out of the operation. I'm going for it. Thank you everyone for helping me out here.

Just stopped in to give a shout out to all you November sleevers.

P. S. My surgery is scheduled for November 14.

I thought I finally wanted this surgery. I've been following the pre-op eating plan, quit smoking Aug. 20. Today I mentioned something, I don't remember what, to my neighbor while we were sitting outside. It was something about the operation. He said to me, "What are you afraid of?" At first I was indignant. However, that question has been on my mind all day. I went and bought a pk. of cigarettes. I smoked one and it was disgusting. I lit up another on and took a drag, and that was disgusting. I put it out and now I'm posting. I'm still on my eating plan. I realized that I'm afraid of giving up control. After the surgery, the weight will start coming off rapidly, I expect. What if I want to slow things down? What if I don't like being thin? I'm just not used to being thin any more. I was thin years ago. But, I've spent many years until the present time as "the fat lady." The people in my life who I care about have been very nice and accepting of me as fat. My head is spinning. What is up w me? I don't know what's going on. Any comments, suggestions, insights, or just plain ole help is appreciated. Thank you

Ugh! I am livid. The psych lady at my weight loss center wants an opinion from the psych that I am seeing locally, in addition to the opinion of my therapist. Yesterday I saw my therapist and explained the entire pre-surgery, post-surgery program to her as well as the actual surgery procedure. After that long session, she said that she would be with me on this and give me her blessings. So, that was one hoop that I jumped through. Today I saw the new psychiatrist that replaced the psychiatrist that I've been working with for a long time and have come to know and love. This new lady is a crackpot. She's nuts. I won't go into detail. Omg, she said that she would not approve the surgery b/c people die from it. She said that I would not be able to take my meds if I have it. I took out two diagrams and compare the vsg to the roux-en-y. She couldn't comprehend the difference. Then she put me on the old scale in her office. I had to explain to her how to operate the scale, after she said that it wouldn't go up that high. My present weight is 297. The she said, "We haven't changed your meds in a long time." What the %#@*. This is only the second time I've seen this new doctor. I told her that I'm doing very well on the meds that I am on, Thank you very much. Then she told me that my therapist talked to her and said that the therapist was dead set against the operation. I met my therapist outside after I saw the psychiatrist and asked her if this was true. The therapist told me no. That she had not even spoken to the psychiatrist. I don't know how to handle this situation w my local psychiatrist. Any suggestions? One thing that I have done: I sent an email to my family doctor to ask him if he will take over prescribing my meds to me. That's the only thing I need this psychiatrist for. I don't think he will. We'll see what he says. Thanks for reading. Any help would be appreciated.

My date is November 14 w Dr. Rovito at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA.

Omg, that could be me talking. What you are going through has been my biggest fear since this whole process has started. I have a history of depression and social anxiety. At my initial psych interview, I could tell she was dissatisfied with me. I'm in outpatient treatment for my condition. I'm doing well. She frowned and gave me two release of info forms for me to sign. One going to my psych who prescribes my meds and one for my therapist. I since spoke to my therapist who is going to give me clearance. I haven't spoken to my psychiatrist. This seems much ado about nothing. I think I'm doing very well. Years ago I was doing badly. However, I think that now I am very stable. I hope all goes well for you. Let us know how it goes. Hugs.

oops, i meant 13 to 4. Whatever...I'm always getting their ages wrong lol

That is sooo cute. Gave me a good laugh. I have 5 grandchildren ranging from 13 to 5. And, yes, that 4 yr old does come out with stuff like that, and that makes me laugh. Thanks for sharing that one. lol

This is just me personally: I chose the sleeve b/c I didn't like the idea of having my intestines messed with. I also didn't like the fact that the part of the intestine that was bypassed was the part that absorbs a lot of nutrients. In the end, however, everybody has to make the best decision they can for themselves. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Like someone else said earlier, every place is different. And, I think it depends on the requirements of your insurance. When I left the center after my first appt., my head was spinning and I felt very negative. I just knew that I could not put all the info that they gave me into practice. I just knew that the psych eval. would reject me. I found this forum and posted. I got a lot of support. Today I am feeling great. I'm on the eating plan that they gave me. It is so simple once I started doing it. It's not complicated at all. Everything is just falling into place. I went to the center today for a class w the psych and exercise lady. Saw the nurse pract. I am losing weight. Well out of the 300s today. I also saw the smoking cessation lady. Tomorrow I will be off the nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine free. She gave me a breathalizer and I was a three, which is really good. So, if you come home feeling like I did after my first appt., just keep going back. It does get better. Hugs

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

All I can say is Wow, Awesome. Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations, too.

Hey, don't apologize. That's what we're here for...to share the ups and the downs. Although I can't offer any solutions, I'm glad you posted. Hopefully someone else can help. Hugs.

That's wonderful. I like reading posts like this one. Congratulations.

Thanks for saying "men's room." All that did for me is peak my curiousity. lol. Yeah, I'd talk to your doctor I'm happy that you felt safe enough to ask the question on here. Is your wife complaining? I wish you well. Yeah, go make an appt w your doc.

Thank you for your post, Sharon. I appreciate your stepping up and sharing your experience. I think that took a lot of courage. You helped me. I will forever remember your words. So, thanks again. I do wish the best for you. Hopefully, you'll get motivated to give up those carbs again. Hugs, Sharon

lol @ recycled. lol

I closed the room already. Didn't feel like putting in the time to build it up. I think I'm getting the support that I need here. This is a great web site.

I just opened a new support room. You can voice talk on a mic or type in the window. It's on paltalk.com. The name of the room is "vertical sleeve." Look under "health" then "peer support." Right now I'm the only one in it. It will be open whenever I open it. B/c since it's new, I'm the only one in it. lol. Hope to see you there. Hugs.

Relate big time. My surgery is Nov. 14. I'm off of cigarettes. Seeing a stop smoking lady at the hospital. Will be off of the nicotine replacement system next week. I'm suppose to be off of caffeine. I'm still drinking it and not recording it. I'll be honest and tell them, though.

Awwww, I felt sad when I read your post. What do YOU want for yourself? Whatever you decide, make sure it's what YOU want. Too bad there are no support groups associated w your hospital or in your community. I'm thinking of starting one on paltalk.com. That would be an open mic room. In any case, we're here for you. You can also message me on this site if you want to. Hugs.

Congratulations, eyeshere. Wow, just around the corner.

I went to youtube and watched 4 different doctors do this procedure. It was awesome to see. They show the liver and how they lift it out of the way. You've all got to see this. It's exciting.