Carol Annie

I am 66 years old and grandmother of 2 young ladies. Our oldest granddaughter just bought a new (small) car and I can't ride in it. Just one more reason I decided to have surgery. I made my final decision on April 24 and haven't looked back. I am scheduled for July 30. I will be doing a 2 week liquid diet. I've made the waiting period my "shopping" time. Because of a knee replacement gone wrong coupled with my weight, it is difficult to get around so Amazon is my best friend. I bought a package of bright colored disposable baby spoons, some measured containers with lids, several books, a Magic Bullet for mixing shakes, and two different brands of shakes. I try a different shake every other day or so at different times of the day. Because I have Medicare and a very good supplemental plan, my only cost is the $250 program fee and very few hoops to jump through. My husband is with me wholeheartedly as are our three married children. I have told a few people at church what I am doing so they will understand when I turn them down for projects around surgery time. Otherwise, I have not shared because it is so hard to know who might be judgmental. For the most part, I have kept a positive outlook--I see the dieting, surgery, and new lifestyle as an adventure. I wish each of you the best of luck.

I finally had my first visit with the surgeon a few days ago and feel like I'm really on my way!! I am excited and terrified all at the same time. The first time I read a negative post, my first thought was, "I don't want to hear this." I realize that this won't be all roses, and hearing this from others has made me more determined to meet the challenges head on. I don't have a date yet, but hope it will be within the next 6 weeks. My daughter is joining me on this journey--her insurance requirements are a bit more stringent than mine so she may be a little behind me--I want to be the example that I have not been up to this point. BTW--for those of you who are under the impression that Medicare will only pay for the band or gastric bypass--that is not the case. I was thrilled to learn that I would be able to have the sleeve.

I attended the March 24 seminar at KC Bariatric Clinic. I went with every intention of going with the lap band, but during the seminar changed my mind to the sleeve. Of course, I'm sure I will be weighing out all the pros and cons with the doctor. Dr. Hamilton did the seminar but Dr. Hoehn came in towards the end and answered questions. I think I would be quite satisfied with either one. I do appreciate hearing that the staff is as great as I had hoped. Now, I'm waiting to hear from a Case Manager regarding insurance and to schedule my first appointment. I can't wait to get started for real!!

I was quite excited to read your comments on coffee. That morning cup is a really important ritual for "hubby" and me. I won't have any problem with changing to decaf, but I was worried about the creamer--I really don't like coffee without it. I will be attending a seminar this evening in KC, then I will be anxious for things to move ahead. Call me crazy, but I am doing this as we put our home of 42 years on the market. We are moving to an apartment in town where there will be paved roads and sidewalks for walking. I won't be looking back!!!!

So sorry this is scary for you. Since you have young children, I will assume you are much younger than I. I have three grown children and two granddaughters who are 16 and 19. One of the reasons I have decided to have this surgery is because it is very likely my one and only chance to see great grandchildren. Over the years, I finally learned to turn things over to God. That is about the only advice I have to offer. I will be watching to see your first post-surgery report. Stay strong and live well. Carol

I'm attending a seminar tonight--my paperwork is complete and I'm ready to get started. Any advice on questions I should ask or things I should listen for? I have taken note of some comments regarding "feeling herded" on surgery day--I got that feeling for both of my cataract surgeries. Sure don't want that experience in this situation. Many thanks to all of you who have shared your stories--I find myself checking in daily to gather info.

I'm 66 and just made the decision to have a lap band. I live in the Kansas City area. My first call was to a doctor who is well known in this area. I was told his age limit is 55, I was heartbroken, but made a phone call to another bariatric center and was told they don't have an age limit--had just completed WLS on a 78-year-old woman. I would say, "don't give up". The opportunity is out there--don't quit looking for it!! Best of luck.

Hi--my name is Carol. I am retired, married for 49 years, mother of 3, and Grandma of 2 lovely young ladies. All reasons that I am tired of carrying around this extra weight. I have Type 2 Diabetes, HBP, High Cholesterol, and a knee replacement that required 5 surgeries in 7 1/2 months due to infection. I have a great deal of difficulty getting around, and am convinced that even though my knee won't get better, it will be more functional if I lose weight. I have yo-yo dieted off and on for many years. When I first checked into WLS, it wasn't an option due to cost. Now, that is no longer an obstacle. During a routine visit with my PCP just three days ago, I brought up the possibility of Lap Band Surgery. He was all for it. I have had the same physician for over 20 years, so I am confident that he knows me well enough to make that recommendation. The next day, I researched doctors, contacted insurance companies. and signed up for a Seminar 10 days from now. The paperwork was e-mailed to me. It is completed and ready to go. I can't wait to start this journey. I have actually started rethinking my food choices and activities already. Some of my friends have referred to Lap Band as the "easy way out". They obviously haven't researched it like I have. One friend lost a lot of weight on Weight Watchers--something I was jealous of because I have tried that route several times. I just recently realized that Weight Watchers is no more than a tool, the same as lap band. We aren't all successful with the same tool. I'm almost afraid to throw this out there for fear of bursting this high-soaring bubble, but...please tell me if you have any experience with Medicare paying for this surgery. They assured me they will cover 80% after deductible and out-of-pocket expenses and my Medicare Supplement will cover the rest of any procedure that Medicare will cover. This sounds almost too good to be true, so I'm anxious to hear of others' experiences. I'll keep you updated--meanwhile, I'll be reading.

This seems like wonderful advice. I feel certain that I can follow your example. Right now, I feel like the 24th is years away--I can't wait to get started.

I was very glad to read your advice. I was wondering about this very thing. I, of course, will include my family in my decision. Other than that, I have one very close Christian friend whom I trust to keep this to herself--it's always good to enlist someone who will pray for your success. I am not even going to share this with my TOPS group--there is one member in particular who will constantly be giving me all the reasons I should not have a lap band and will be watching for any sign of failure. TOPS, as a whole, neither advocates nor discourages the surgery and provides a division for those who choose to use that tool. I would like to hear from anyone who has not disclosed their surgery to "the world" and how they handle the comments when the weight loss starts showing.

Hi silverclipse--I will be following your journey, both on the website and quite literally. I haven't even attended my first seminar yet. The paperwork is done and I am anxious to get started. Obviously, I'm in no position to give you advice, but I will be cheering you on this journey. Stay strong!!

Perhaps I'm premature with joining this conversation--It's just been 3 days since my PCP and I decided that the lap band was a good option for me. My husband is totally on board and my daughter, an RN, praises me for the decision. I have reservations for a seminar (I attended one several years ago, but I'm sure that there are changes). Now, I can't wait to get started!! I will be "listening" to others to see what I might expect on my journey.