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.

It is totally normal to get nervous the night before surgery. I have had 13 (mostly cancers related) surgeries in the last 13 years, and the night before is always a bit nerve wracking with the "what ifs.". (Actually, most people experienc this much sooner). BUT you will do just fine. VERY few complications with this surgery. The good news is, by the time you get to the hospital, they keep you busy, give you some nice drugs, and then you wake up. And it's all good. Good luck! Although you won't need luck. You will be fine. Karen W

This is a critical topic for me. I have always had problems with any pain med with codeine. Usually a rash on my back on day four. Previous surgeries have mostly been related to breast and cervical cancers, so not particularly painful, and I just stopped taking the meds(eg Tylenol 3 or percocet) when the rash appeared. Well, nine weeks ago, I had rotator cuff surgery, a particularly painful one. On day 3 of post surgery Percocet, the rash appeared. I cut back on the Percocey, but eventually took one. Within minutes, hives broke out, mouth and tongue swelled, body felt like pinpicks, and breathing became difficult. I live alone,so took an antihistamine, and called Home Health Care, and they talked me through it with a pharmacist on the line also. Soo...I'm a bit nervous about pain meds now. Talked to surgeon, he said most every pain med has codeine. The overnight in the hospital they will put me on a morphine drip. Have had that with eye shingles w/ no problems. But when I go home???? I have some Tramadol, but surgeon said that might not be strong enough. So my question to all - when we're you able to move to OTCs like Advil or Motrin? Which one did you use and how effective was it? My surgery is March 3. I know it is different for everyone, but if I could get a sense of your pain level, and when you were able to move to OTC meds, and which ones, I would sure appreciate it. Thanks Karen

And I am almost half way thru my pre op, which is regular food, limiting carbs to 30, nothing fried, and hi protein. Amazing how different they are. So most meats, most veggies, and some fruit are fine.

Hevenbound, I am so glad your surgery went well, and that you are home. When you can, keep us posted on your recovery process. You are my inspiration! I am 69 and right behind you. Not just age, but my surgery is scheduled for March 3. Had my pre-op appointment with surgeon today. Everything is on track. One more appointment at hospital next week to meet with anesthesiologist. Have never done that in advance in my previous surgeries, but a Medicare requirement, I think. In theory, and according to the patient advocate (insurance specialist) at the surgeon's office, Medicare is paying for my complete band to sleeve revision. At least I "tick all the boxes." Medicare doesn't actually approve things in advance, but the supervisor got involved and they say Medicare should pay. My surgeon doesn't quite believe it. Neither do I, but at this point, I am counting on them for at least band removal. Hope all is going well. As a fellow senior, I look forward to sharing this experience with you and other seniors. We rock!! Karen W

Hi Everyone, I am scheduled for a band to sleeve revision March 3. I had very limited success with the band, lost only 35 of 75 lbs in over seven years, I have not lost or gained any weight in a couple years. Now I have reflux, and need to get the band out. I have no doubt the sleeve is the right answer for me, and have done lots of research and preparation. Here's the issue: When I was banded, I lived in a large city and had close, long-time friends who were very supportive. Now I live in a small, close knit community, where everyone knows everything about everyone. There are many retirees here, so "keeping track of friends and neighbors" is mostly well-intentioned. I moved here years after I was banded, and only a few, close friends in my current community know I have a band. It has just never come up. Friends and neighbors here will know I had surgery. It is impossible to hide. And being vague is not who I am, so no one will accept that. So...I was thinking of just saying I had hernia??? gall bladder??? whatever??? surgery, and that I just need a few days rest and will be fine soon. My question is, what kind of stomach surgery has about the same recovery time as a band/sleeve revision? Some folks know I have had reflux problems, so would a hernia cause that? I am guessing the liquid diet, etc. would not be unusual in other stomach surgeries, so that would be understandable. I am clueless when it comes to stomach surgeries. I know, lying isn't my preference either. But I have even less preference for being judged - not by close friends, but by the many casual acquaintances I have here. All suggestions would be much appreciated. Karen

Hevenbound, Hope your surgery went well. I will be very interested on your recovery, etc. I am 69 (so close enough) and will be having a band to sleeve revision on March 3. My surgeon doesn't seem to think my age will present any unique problems. And we will surely all be healthier after losing our excess weight. Keep us informed. And thanks for being our trailblazer! Karen W

Thanks so much to all for your suggestions. Hiatal hernia repair definitely seems like the way to go. And I've had some reflux problems of late, so who knows what the surgeon will find. I don't have any family in the area, and only a couple family members 1500 miles away. My 90 year old mother doesn't need to know. I am very close to my daughter and will tell her soon. At this point, I am thinking I won't say anything before the surgery. I am going to spend a couple days with friends in the city I used to live in. When I return home, IF I find I am more house bound than anticipated (eg not playing bridge, etc), I will say I had a hernia repair. And that will explain everything. My weight loss will be the result of eating (much) less and lots of exercise. Everyone knows I used to spend a lot of time in the gym anyway. Thanks again, everyone! And I know all of you will travel your journey with great success. (The "other") Karen -- yes...we are both revisions and having our surgery on the same day. I would love to keep in touch. Karen W

Congrats!! I know you will you do really well.

Hi Scraglycat, I am having a band to sleeve revision on March 3. This has been moving very quickly - just decided to have the revision about a month ago. I would really like to join the March sleeve group. Can you tell me how to do that? Thanks Karen

MJ - I agree, your journey has been a challenge. But I like your commitment and know that will take you a long way. I have been very, very lucky. I am a band to sleeve revision, my surgeon suggested the surgery, and by some miracle, Medicare approved the band removal AND the sleeve. Amazing. Of course, they have lots of hoops to jump through, but It's very worth it and is only taking a little over a month (thanks to some pushing from my surgeon's office). Today I saw the Psych and took the 567 question MMPI, definitely the most ridiculous hurdle. I hadn't seen that instrument since grad school, and can't believe they are still using it. Unless you affirmatively answer questions that ask if you think often about suicide/cutting, etc, it's pretty hard to "flunk" this "test." Anyway, it sounds like you MIGHT be of Medicare age (the 18 grandkids so indicate). If so, and you haven't checked on their coverage, don't give up on them. My surgery is March 3, coming fast. Only made the decision a few weeks ago. It's a bigger eating pattern change than the band, but also more effective, according to almost everyone. Good luck on your journey! (I wonder if there is a support group for "Senior Sleevers?" Karen W