Newstart101507

Hello Gang - - I lurk here nearly every day, hardly ever post but today I want to share that I have made it to Onderland! It is definitely new territory for me as I have not been under 200 lbs in over 30 years. It has been slow going for me but worth it all. I always come here for inspiration so hoping this will inspire someone else.

Many years ago I was having horrible pain in my legs - - could not walk far or even stand very long. I finally got up the courage to see a surgeon who told me I just needed to lose some weight. I cried all the way home and then suffered for several more years before I finally got up the courage to see another surgeon who quickly scheduled me for disk fusion. Thankfully it was successful and I have not had any problems with pain since. Makes me sick for all of the years I suffered needlessly!

Patty - - sorry your story got bumped but glad you posted it here. Congratulations! You are surely an inspiration to many!

Oh my gosh Donna, you are doing great girl! So close to goal. You are an inspiration to this "over 50" and I hope I can do as well! No one said weight loss was going to be fast. Most tell you it should take at least a year, and come summer - - you will be there!

I am going to join the challenge, 500 miles in 2008. I have been walking 1 mile each day and will have to bump it up some. 2008 is going to be my year!!! Wish me luck! :clap2:

I have been walking on a treadmill everyday for about 3 months now, 1 mile a day at least. I just discovered that your workout is diminished if you are holding on. The treadmill makers probably won't tell you this for safety reasons but any able bodied person using a treadmill should not be holding on to the hand rails. Walking while holding on will not give you as good a workout and you will not burn as many calories. It is bad for your posture too. I had my suspisions but when I noticed that the trainers on "The Biggest Loser" won't let the contestants hold on I did my own research online. Anyway, today I walked my mile without holding on and it nearly kicked my butt! :faint: This infomation is given for those that do not already know. I wish someone had told me before! You might have to slow down some, I did, but you workout will become much more effective.

Right back at ya" !!

I have RA and was banded in October 2007. My band doc took me off my methotrexate for 2 weeks after surgery but other than that I have done real well. I did this because of my RA, not in spite of it because I believe losing weight is the best thing I can do for my joints.

Hey Glo, I don't know if anyone other than the folks that see our doctors know what the "BOX" is.

For all of yall that don't know..... our doctors have a list of 10 rules that we are to follow for sucess. If yall want them, I will be glad to share. lol They are not hard rules to follow, just sensible rules that if you follow them......work.

lisa

Hi East Texas Gang: I live in Edgewood. Those that don't know Edgewood, we are just out of Canton. I would love the 10 rules. I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks,

I was banded 6 weeks ago, age 55. I was worried about doing it at my age and with my medical issues. Glad I did it - - sailed through the surgery with no problems. My doctor's website say's he considers surgery on 15 to 70 year olds.

QUESTION for all you over 50's! I have enjoyed reading this thread but I don't think I've posted yet. I am scheduled January 10th!

My questions - now that you have your band, know the good, bad & the ugly......do you love your band? Would you do it again?

You are an inspiration.....to know after years of abusing our bodies, we have an opportunity to work at changing our lives with the help of the band. I have been working on some of the behavior modification but the one I'm having the hardest time with is exercising.....I hate it....everything hurts....so many excuses.

Also, can relate to some of you with husbands that sabatouge. Mine is not happy of my decision and I know the changes are going to be difficult for him.

I'm 56, H 313, C 303........and full of HOPE.

Thank you all!

I have only been banded for 6 weeks but I can tell you that I am very happy I was banded. On Thanksgiving day I fixed my plate taking just a small amount each of the things I wanted. I looked over at my skinny daughter-in-law's plate and it looked just like mine! It just occurred to me that I am now eating like a skinny person! Good luck on your journey!

Just wanted to say what I am thankful for today. One of the things I am thankful for is this forum. It has been a place of encouragement to me so I am thankful to all of you! I am thankful for my band! I am thankful for the 1 1/2 lbs I lost since yesterday that gives me confidence to take on this day of eating withour fear. I pray for all of you "Peace with the food" and let this day be like any other on our journey as we stand by our committments.

Love, Sharon

I am an Ebay Seller and I own a small antiques store.

Very good information! You explained it better than the Dr. who put in my AP Band. Hope its all its cracked up to be! :biggrin1:

Holly - - I won't kill you if you don't. I love reading this thread and would like to be added to the list.

Thanks,

Newstart101507 - - Banded 10-15-07 - - Sharon

Edgewood, Texas

Just North of Canton, Home of the World Famous First Monday Trade Days!

Lisa - - sounds like you are doing great, really working with the band. If I were you I would tell the Dr. that you are using a lot of willpower to lose the weight and that you need a fill. You really can't lose weight too fast according to my Dr. and I am sure you are not doing anything to damage your health. Those on Gastric Bypass lose it very fast with no ill effects. Your Dr. probably thinks you are getting good restriction since you are losing so well. That probably is not the case since you are hungry. That hunger could lead to over eating some time when you are stressed and your will power is low. Keep up the good work!

Kacee: You are such an inspiraton to me. Since we are the same age you give me hope that I will be able to reach my goals. Have a wonderful birthday!:clap2:

Hi Sharon, I just signed up yesterday for this forum. Figured I would need to vent a little to people who know what it's really like. I am 55 also, and like you wish I would have done it a few years ago. Anyway, it's done. I was banded on the 29th and am 3 days post op. Did you ever cough after eating or drinking? That has happened to me a few times today and it sure does hurt at the port site, kind of burns when I cough. Just wondered if that's something you experienced or not.

Victoria: Congratulations on your surgery! I do remember how difficult it was to cough and sometimes feeling the need to but being afraid it would hurt. After a few days it does get better.

I noticed you had your surgery in Shreveport. My husband and I were there the Saturday before my surgery for a day of Texas Holdum. He thought it would be a good way to keep my mind distracted from my upcoming surgery - - he was right.

Hopefully he can feed himself! But seriously this is something you have done for yourself and your attention at this time needs to be on yourself. Right before my surgery my husbend and I went to the grocery store and he picked out frozen dinners. He does not particuarly like them but he knows I will not want to be cooking meals for him that I cannot eat myself. He does not have a weight problem so he also has Snacks to keep him happy.

Congratulations on your surgery and Good Luck with your journey!

I was self pay and had my surgery less than 2 weeks after my first appointment. I agree that it is like a car payment and I think I am worth it!

If you are self pay I am betting you get the band. If you were relying on insurance maybe not.

Congratulations! You are definitely doing something right! And you are right about the band. I have had mine for just a couple weeks but I wish I had done this years ago before the knees and back went bad!

Yes a small world indeed! And I am so happy I found Dr. Babineau. My surgery was at ETMC Tyler which I was very happy with. If you don't have a support group meeting to attend he offers one once a month at the hospital. I have not attended yet but plan to next month.