Karen W

Are the Flintstone vitamins like gummy bears, or are they just chewable? I can't swallow the horse pills either, but there are signs around my Bariatric pratice that say any of the gummy bear vitamins aren't effective.

I am in Texas, and Medicare paid for band to sleeve conversion, with Blue Cross picking up the rest. I don't think it is easy to get Medicare to pay for it, but it is doable. My co-morbidities were sleep apnea, and the band was causing GERD problems. And I did not have a huge amount of weight to lose - had lost 30 with the band, and needed to lose another 50 - 55 lbs. I am almost there one year after surgery. I also cannot believe that Medicare would vary by state. I would check that out with Medicare.

The large Bariatric practice here also does mostly sleeve and laproscopic surgeries, but there are reasons, on occasion, they find it necessary to do a band, or something different.

Well, I am glad you are able to give surgery. I am also glad the docs in my area (Austin, TX) are willing to sleeve/band seniors. I was a band to sleeve conversion, and except for weight, am pretty healthy. The only negative statement my surgeon made was that many of his senior patients don't lose as much weight as younger patients. That is almost always true, though I have lost all I really need to. I do exercise a lot...swim almost every day on a Master's team, that might help, but exercise usually is only about 10 - 15% of weight loss. Good wishes to you -- I think you will find it a successful and amazing journey. The sleeve is a thousand times better than the band. In 8 years I lost 30 lbs with the band, could never get proper adjustment. In 0ne year, I've lost almost 50 lbs and am just a few lbs from goal weight. You will do well!

Why is your surgeon placing 65 as a top age limit? I was sleeved last year at 69 and have done very well - now within 5 lbs of goal weight. There are many other success stories for seniors as well. Karen

Thanks for the repsonse. It works that way on a pc or laptop, but I get my email mostly on my tablet. The app is a different format on a tablet, but I THINK I figured it out. Thanks again!

Hi - Well, I am just a year past gastric sleeve surgery and am pleased with the results. Before and after surgery I spent lots of time on this site. Then as I got comfortable with new ways of being, I stopped checking the site for the last 6 months. Last week, for no apparent reason, I started receiving emails from what I would guess is one of the Forums for newbies. Question 1 - how do I stop receiving those? and Question 2 - I would like to receive Forum emails from the Veterans and Plastic Surgery Forums - how do I do that. I can't find anything that says "notifications" - but this wouldn't be the first time I missed the obvious. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks, Karen

Hi Recycled, Thanks for a great post. I was fortunate to have a quite doable pre-op diet, so not a big problem. And I don't have the "my best friend" relationship with food (except garlic, perhaps, but no reason to end that), so that made it easier. Clear liquids day before and few days after....too numb and swollen to care. Now I am starting week 2 of post-op full liquids. NOW I want real food. I swear to God, I almost put a dog cookie in my mouth, I so bad wanted something to crunch on. That's what I miss most, something to chew, crunch... But not going to blow that now. Though I have another week on liquids, I have my first post-op appointment Thursday. I have a fantasy that doc will give me "time off for good behavior" and ok to go to pureed. Hah. That keeps me going for the moment. If he doesn't, it's only four more days after that of Trader Joe's tomato Soup and Protein shakes. I don't even much like applesauce and yogurt, but I can't wait. And eventually, I'll be able to crunch again. So looks like we all make it through this (from everything I've read anyway. And it just makes us stronger. Good Luck All!! Karen W in Texas BTW - I am 69, so if there in anyone out there who worries they are too old, just contact me!

Update from Karen W. Had surgery Monday, today is Friday. Still on pain meds, but will likely move to OTC meds tomorrow. Stomach still has some sore muscles, but it's not awful. Ability to get liquids down improves significantly every day. Day 1 after surgery, could barely get 30 oz down, day 2 - 40 oz, day 3 - 45, day 4 (today) will easily get 60 oz plus Jello plus ??? I don't even need to take small sips, not sure if that is good or bad. For the first day I am hungry, I eat 8 oz of tomato Soup, and it doesn't take long to be hungry again. That's a bit of a concern. But not a difficult surgery at all. Good luck everyone!

Hi, Surgery Monday was 2.5 hours. I am a band to sleeve conversion and doc said lots of scar tissue. In hospital 24 hours, and now at a friend's who lives nearby. Will go home this afternoon. The pain isn't that bad, at least with Lortab. Heating pad really helps. My biggest problem will be getting enough liquids. Sipping all the time but swallow test at hospital showed liquid going through, albeit very slowly. Gas not bad so far. So less than 48 hours after surgery I am up, dressed, and ready to go home. I live alone, but see no problems. Biggest concern is will I be able to get 64 oz. liquid daily? At this point can't imagine ever being hungry again. But I am guessing that will change when swelling goes down. Two Penguins...how are you doing? Let us know when you can. Oh yeah, I'm 69, so other seniors out there, dont be intimidated by your age. Walking is easy. Karen

I am also on my way to the hospital. A bit shaky and headachy, IV nutrients will work wonders. Good luck Two Penguins..

I'm getting sleeved Monday, yes, THIS Monday, March 3. Band to sleeve revision. I am always blase' about surgeries, then have last minute "Oh my God, what was I thinking?" I'm starting that a bit early this time. Like now. But I know it is the right thing, and it is great to read how pleased everyone is with the sleeve. Let's stay in touch March Sleeves! What is the best way? By the way, I am 69. Yep. But a (surprisingly) healthy, 60 pounds overweight almost 70 serious swimmer. My surgeon did my band eight years ago, so he knows me well, and says he has no concerns about my age. I am hoping to double check that with him just before surgery. But I definitely trust him, soo...off I go.

This sounds very much like restless legs. Does it hpen more in the evening/night? Your legs feel heavy/achy, like you want to move them or press on them? If this continues, see your PCP. There are meds for this. Good luck!

Gldnhoney Yes, I understand exactly how you feel. I am also five days away, and have spent the last three weeks comparing and buying protein drinks, powders, vitamins, etc. We are probably alike in that we like lots of information, then over prepare so we can make sure everything is covered. And you know what, we will be fine! We will be ready. Good luck!

Does anyone know if Costco carries Premier protein drinks? If so, it will be worth it to join Costco again. Sam's is too far.