Lady1putt

Hi all, haven't posted in a while, hope everyone is doing ok, seems us "over 65'ers" are busy with our lives LOL which is a good thing.
Just had another "downer" from my friend, who I wish would consider surgery (she is over 300 lbs) but it is up to her to make that decision. Even though we have know each other for over 50 years, I was hoping she would support me in this journey. No such luck. She is one of those passive-aggresive type commenters. At least that is what I would call it.
Today she sends me a note about one of our classmates from high school. Telling me that the gal had been dealing with some health issues and had lost over 100 pounds, BUT, died of a heart attack last week. Her last comment was "guess it was too much for her heart."
I really don't understand why she feels the way she does. Her comments don't hurt, I've known her too long to let them bother me. It does bother me that even though she knows she needs to lose some weight, and talks about it a lot, but is always making excuses, always. I am so afraid I will be attending her funeral. I know it's her decision to make, and I keep praying for her. The only big difference between the two of us is that I have tried SO many diets and failed, whereas she has not tried at all.
We are the same age, in fact I am only 4 hours older than her. We found each other in the 7th grade. Born on the 5th of July, 1948. She in Dallas, me in East Chicago. Been through a lot together and I hope she will be around for a lot longer.
Ok, that's enough babbling. Just had to talk about that comment to someone. Sorry to bend everyone's ear.
I'm going in for my third meeting with the PA tomorrow. All is good so far. I am really ready for this.
Later

I'm 63 and started with a low BMI. I'm 3 months post op and have lost over 50% of my excess weight. I did the surgery because I kept gaining and gaining. I have no regrets and can't wait to get to my goal weight of 138. I'm 5'5. Starting weight was 184.

I started taking the maximum amount of biotin (and zinc!) pre- surgery. I've been the most compliant WLS patient regarding everything I "should" be doing. That's why I'm wondering if its just me or if others have noticed this long term effect. It isn't as thin anymore but it isn't how it used to be!

Hi All,
My name is Donna and I'm 61 years of age and this is my first post. My starting weight is 219lbs and at 5'3" that's a lot to carry around. I have probably tried most diets out there and always managed to put the weight back on and than some. It's time to stop the yo-yo dieting and get control of my life.
My journey started on Nov 27th, 2014 when I had my first apt with Dr. Sowemimo. At that time, I was thinking of having lap band surgery. After speaking with Dr S we decided together that the sleeve was the best option for me. So far I have been to one support group meeting where I met people who have had the surgery and were so great about answering questions and sharing their stories. I also attend one of Dr S's seminars where he explained all the different surgeries. I have 2 more appts with the Nutritionist, have had the psych evail, have been cleared by my Pulmonologist, which is really good as I have sleep apnea. I have been to the Gastro and am awaiting the results of the endoscopy. I still have to meet with my Cardiologist, which is scheduled for Feb 2nd. Than hopefully my packet will be ready to submit to my ins co.
Right now my surgery is scheduled for March 18th. I have to say, like most, I am very nervous. I have a very supportive husband and a best friends who listens to all my concerns and fears.
I have been reading all the information that everyone has been posting and have learned a lot. Keep them coming please.

It’s summertime again! Which means hot sun, cold drinks, and trips to the beach, the pool, and to the lake (camping, anyone?). Summertime is a great opportunity to get back on track with protein-rich meals that will help you beat the heat!


It’s summertime again! Which means hot sun, cold drinks, and trips to the beach, the pool, and to the lake (camping, anyone?). Summertime is a great opportunity to get back on track with protein-rich meals that will help you beat the heat!
Grill Baby!
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook meats and vegetables in the summer - it won’t heat your house and you can be creative with marinades! We love to marinade chicken in a simple mixture of 1/4 C olive oil, 1/4 C lemon juice, 1 T garlic, and 1/2 C Water. Steak gets a bath in 1/4 C soy sauce, 1/4 C Worcestershire sauce, and 1 T garlic. Pork and fish can get a similar treatment as chicken, as can vegetables. You can also use store bought marinades and salad dressings to add bold flavor. Be sure to watch for added sugars and salt, though! A great tip for grilling - for fish and vegetables, invest in a grill basket. It will keep your food from falling through the grates of the grill!
Meat Salads
Meat salads are absolutely fabulous in the summer. tuna and chicken are super popular, but you can also use salmon (remove the bones if using canned), mixed seafoods, and shrimp! A great cold shrimp salad that is full of flavor, Protein, and good fats is shrimp, avocado, and red onion in a summery lemon vinaigrette. You can find the recipe here! You can also play with flavorings, adding herbs, different sauces, and Condiments to your meat salad:
Southwest Tuna Salad
1 T Greek Yogurt
1 T salsa
1 can chunk light tuna, packed in water, drained
chopped onion to taste
2 T black Beans (optional), rinsed and drained
Combine yogurt and salsa in a bowl. Add onion and stir. Allow to sit for 2-5 minutes to marinate onion. Add beans (if using) and tuna and gently stir. Serve chilled.
Speaking Of Salads ...
Another great salad option is a salad-in-a-jar. These are all the rage on Pinterest and Facebook, and are as customizable as you’d want. Just layer your salad with dressing on the bottom, followed by any chopped veggies such as tomatoes or onions, then whatever meat you’re using, followed by cheese, then your salad greens. The formula we use is (in a 1 pint jar):
1 T dressing
2 T chopped veggies
2-3 oz cooked meat
1/2-1 oz shredded or crumbled cheese
Salad greens packed into the top of the jar.
Don’t have a jar? No worries, just throw your stuff in a bowl and give it a toss! Pre-chopped veggies can be stored in an air-tight container for a few days, so you can still do prep work earlier in the week.
Soup? In SUMMER???
Yes! You can even do Soup in summer! Light broth-based Soups and cold veggie soups can help you stay hydrated in the heat. A super easy throw-together light soup I love is:
(About 4 bariatric servings of 1/2 C)
1 C shredded chicken
1 box chicken broth or stock
1/4 C frozen corn (optional)
1 chopped zucchini
You LITERALLY throw it all into a pot, bring it to a boil, cook it for 10-15 minutes and you’re done! Soup eating tip - if you have the gastric band or the RnY it may be helpful to drink the broth first then eat the solids.
Sip Sip Sip!
Yes, keeping those fluids up is STILL important. Even more so during the summer! Water is best for hydration, of course, but sometimes you want something a little different. Try making your own fruit-infused water or tea! There are some great infuser bottles and pitchers on the market right now, or you can just muddle (shmoosh a bit) the fruit in the bottom of your glass or pitcher and pour your liquid right over it. This is also a great way to use up that leftover fruit you might have sitting in your fridge!
Summer is all about staying cool, calm and collected - all the while keeping our nutrition and hydration going! You can do it! Share your ideas below in the comments section!

Sheesh, had my second of four meetings with the docs assistant yesterday. Now he tells me I need to lose weight during this four month period!! First they say don't lose any weight, now he says lose! Wish they'd make up their minds. I only have one shot at getting this approved by Medicare and I sure don't want to screw it up.
I'll make sure I lose a couple pounds by the next visit.
I still have the ESG procedure to schedule. He said to wait until ins. approves the sleeve surgery before scheduling the ESG. I also have to have a colonoscopy and will have both done at one time.
I am weening myself off my Diet Cokes. I only have one a day, and by the middle of August, or earlier, I will be off them completely. He put the fear of God into me about dark colas of any kind.
He also told me to start taking Aloe Vera juice. He said it would help with healing later, plus it would help with my acid reflux and maybe I can get off the pills for that before surgery. The other benefit of the Aloe Vera juice is it will help keep me from becoming constipated, which is a very good thing.
He showed my hubby a video of the surgery. I thought it was fascinating, my hubby didn't say a word LOL.
That's the latest from Tucson
Hope everyone is doing good, post some updates folks!

Hello everyone!
I'm back! April 1 sleeve.
Everything is really going well. Down from 215lbs
to 183lbs????!!!!! Yes 32 pounds total! Back to playing
golf 3-5 times a week! Life is good! I am so very happy
with my decision. I cannot believe it!
Linda

Such truth about your taste buds!!!!
Tried the nectar grapefruit and Lemonade
Crystal Lite....AMAZING! Voila FRESCA!Thank you !
I cannot remember who suggested it but really
Hit my "taster". Also filled my desire for salt!
Albeit....not a Margharita...but Crystal lite did have that flavor!
JUST KIDDING...

DH loves the Matrix Peanut Butter Cookie. I mostly use the vanilla. But I add SF Hershey Syrup to it sometimes. I also got a bunch of the SF DaVinci syrups. I love the caramel. DH likes the brown sugar/cinnamon. pumpkin Pie and Gingerbread are both good.
You can also add Peanut Butter to the vanilla. I don't since I have the Peanut butter cookie one already and the SF Peanut Butter DaVinci syrup.
For post-op I was allowed to add frozen no sugar added fruit. I like mango, peaches. I just got strawberries since I am far enough out that seeds are not a problem.
My co-worker who banded 6 years ago liked the Matrix Orange Cream. She would make it with a combo of OJ and milk for more orange flavor.
I love fruit but generally do not like things that are fruit "flavored" especially strawberry- except Twizzlers. I liked the Matrix and Nectars such as Orange Cream, strawberries and cream, strawberry mousse, kiwi-strawberry. I wouldn't buy a 5 pound bag of any of those since I think I would get bored with them but I will eventually get a 2 pound tub for variety. The Cookies and cream was good.
For both the Matrix and Nectars I think they mix up easier than many powders. I don't think they are as sweet or overly fruit flavored. They are not as thick as some shakes.
I liked the Premier until I tried the Matrix. DH had one of the vanilla Premium after a fasting blood test. It was convenient but he didn't like it. I gave most of a box of chocolate and a box of vanilla away.
Matrix/Nectars also has a fairly high Protein amount. 23 grams per scoop plus 8 grams in the 8 oz of skim milk so 31 grams. I think Premier is 30 grams but the container is 11 oz. If you add PB then you get even more Protein.< /p>

Dear toler48- About the vitamins: I live in Canada but I'm pretty sure that you have costco in the USA, right? My bariatric clinic steers us to costco to get Wellesse brand liquid Calcium with vit. D in it... because you have to take quite a bit of it and those pills are really big!... they also tell us that we must take prenatal Vitamins for the rest of our lives....I get those at Costco too.... these are big , and need to be split, as we're not to swallow hard pills that are bigger than a " Smartie"... I just cut mine in half with a knife. Also Vitamin B12, but that pill is manageable and we only need one per day. You may need a stool softener after the first couple of weeks, but those seem to come in smallish, gel capsule pills...easy to swallow. It may sound daunting at first , but after a few weeks, ( and using a " pill minder box" ) it all becomes routine and familiar and is no trouble. Good luck! You're going to feel so much better, more alive , it's worth the brave decision and work up front.

eggs scrambled with a dash of milk, a pat of butter and VERY wet. A little cheese, too, if you can stomach that.

Refried Beans with Water to thin them and a bit of cheese.< br />
Guacamole or hummus with a spoon. You don't need a chip!!
chicken or tuna salad mashed to almost a paste.

Lots of options and this phase WILL pass.

What a huge disappointment for you!
Like all other medical situations...get
another opinion. My first seminar 2 yrs ago
I was told I did not qualify...not heavy enough!
What a shock! Just keep researching.....talking
To others here...trying all the steps of pre-op!
You will gain support here!!
Linda

Just a quick update on my dilemma... it looks like Aetna will relent on the center of excellence requirement but I still don't have any solid reassurance yet. My surgeon says forge ahead! My EGD is scheduled for April 29, the same day I start my five day preop liquid diet. I'm still on the schedule for a May 4th sleeve so I am finishing up my paperwork for medical leave this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! ????????????

@@Babbs I don't think you're whining at all! I can relate. In the past, 10 years ago to be exact, I lost 80 lbs in a matter of months. I'd think that with the surgery helping me this time around I'd lose way more. But it's not been like that for me. I am happy and ever so grateful that I am slowly losing! I agree with jamielogical. I'm thinking it has to be the years of yo-yo dieting and our age. **looked back at post, it was cleos's mom, I agree with jamielogical too though :-)***
My mom keeps telling me that I look great and if I don't lose more that I shouldn't be disappointed. But I will be! I didn't go through what I have to still be fat.

Love it, hate it or ignore it completely, the “Biggest Loser” on NBC is one of America’s favorite shows. Millions of viewers tune in each week to watch contestants weigh in as they shed pounds during this inspirational weight loss competition. If you are a bariatric surgery patient or candidate, however, this inspirational show can be bittersweet.


You root for each contestant because you understand their fight against obesity. But if you have been a long-time viewer, you may also cringe regularly. That’s because of the show’s history of devaluing weight loss surgery as a legitimate weight loss aid. More than once, Biggest Loser trainers and the head doctor, Dr. Robert Huizenga, have stated Biggest Loser methods is a better way to lose weight than surgery, which they imply is dangerous and an inappropriate solution in all cases.
New Study: Biggest Loser versus Bariatric Surgery
Are these obesity experts right to discourage weight loss surgery in the national spotlight? Or should they acknowledge bariatric surgery as a possibly beneficial weight loss approach? A lot of us would love to know more about the weight loss program on the Biggest Loser competition and how its results are compared to weight loss surgery.
Now, we can. Dr. Huizenga has published a study comparing Biggest Loser to weight loss surgery – in particular, gastric bypass. It answers a lot of questions…and raises a lot, too! Here are the basics of the study.
The Study Groups
The study compared 13 contestants on the Biggest Loser to 13 roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. The weight loss surgery patients followed their surgeon’s standard program, including the weight loss surgery diet and any required post-surgery follow-up care and support.
Biggest Loser contestants were on the Biggest Loser Ranch until week 13 or until they got voted off and were at home until the finale. While on the ranch, they exercised for 90 minutes 6 days a week under supervision and were encouraged to exercise up to three additional hours each day on their own. Their diet included lean Protein, fruits, and vegetables, and limited sugars, fats, and processed grains.
The Results
By seven months, or the time between the start of the Biggest Loser season and the show’s finale, Biggest Loser contestants were ahead of bariatric surgery patients. The average Biggest Loser weight loss was 108 pounds while weight loss surgery patients averaged a loss of 78 pounds. By the end of the year, weight loss surgery patients got to an average loss of 89 pounds.
In addition, Biggest Loser contestants lost less muscle and more body fat. However, they also had a lower resting metabolism – that is, they burned fewer calories per day than the weight loss surgery patients. That means they are more likely to put the weight back on.
These are the key findings.
Biggest Loser contestants lost more weight at 7 months, but the gap narrowed by 12 months.
Biggest Loser contestants lost more body fat.
Weight loss surgery patients had a higher metabolism.
Weight loss surgery patients had lower levels of leptin, a hormone related to hunger.

Dr. Huizenga’s Conclusions…Leading to More Unanswered Questions?
Dr. Huizenga believes this study is a compelling argument against bariatric surgery. He refers to the risk of death (1 in 1,000) from bariatric surgery, as well as the high cost of surgery. He acknowledges the high injury rates of contestants but believes these can be treated with orthopedic techniques and surgery. Hopefully, you know a good orthopedic surgeon and have good medical insurance!
Do You Watch TV for Four to Six Hours a Day?
The Biggest Loser includes 90 minutes per day of exercise under the watch of Biggest Loser trainers, plus contestants are encouraged to exercise up to another three hours a day on their own. Do you have a spare four and a half hours each day?
Dr. Huizenga has a solution. He says most people spend 4 to 6 hours per day watching television. He suggests you could spend that time exercising instead. Indeed, a Nielsen survey backs him up. However, while the numbers may sound reasonable, can that be true in real life?
Do you really watch TV for that many hours each day?
When you “watch” TV, are you just watching TV (and are, therefore, available to do exercise instead), or are you already doing something else, like folding laundry or cooking dinner?
Are you willing to exercise that long each day?
Are you physically able to exercise that long each day?

To sum it up, this is an interesting study. Certainly nobody actually wants bariatric surgery – but is there an alternative? Can you follow a Biggest Loser lifestyle and get the results you want? Dr. Huizenga thinks so, but we have our doubts. Coming up, we’ll have an easy-to-read comparison of Biggest Loser and bariatric surgery. Then, we have a few final questions to raise about the study. Stay tuned!
If you’re interested in reading the original research article by Dr. Huizenga and his colleagues at the National Institutes of Health, Vanderbilt University, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, you can go here.

Its time for another challenge! This challenge will be beginning with the first weigh in and goal on Monday, April 13. From there on after, weigh ins will take place Monday. Last weigh in will be Monday, May 25. This will allow a total of 7 weigh ins in all. The link for the spreadsheet is posted below. I'm taking over for @Susan11803. She always hosted the best challenges! Hopefully, I can keep up as well as she did!
A Few Reminders
You will know it is updated once I have liked your post. Please post weigh ins here in this post only. We are all here to support each other, so questions posted here will be answered by anyone else willing to help. If you want to adjust your goal weight, just add that in any reply to this post. if you miss a weigh in, no problem! Just report back in the next week. But if you missed three or more weigh ins, I will assume that you no longer wish to continue the challenge and your name will be removed from spread sheet.

Spread Sheet Link https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/164fvNZ0AyvtRwPARkHtUQoH9G0jV7S1EJF59ynH526s/edit?usp=sharing

Have fun with this! Challenge yourself in new ways! Join us for the Memorial Day Challenge!

Good luck!

Getting sleeved tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but I am ready. Say a prayer for me please. Thanks

I got my new patient forms today. Seminar is tomorrow night. Baby steps but still steps.
Don't know for sure about insurance yet, hope to find out more tomorrow night.

Such truth about your taste buds!!!!
Tried the nectar grapefruit and Lemonade
Crystal Lite....AMAZING! Voila FRESCA!Thank you !
I cannot remember who suggested it but really
Hit my "taster". Also filled my desire for salt!
Albeit....not a Margharita...but Crystal lite did have that flavor!
JUST KIDDING...

Such truth about your taste buds!!!!
Tried the nectar grapefruit and Lemonade
Crystal Lite....AMAZING! Voila FRESCA!Thank you !
I cannot remember who suggested it but really
Hit my "taster". Also filled my desire for salt!
Albeit....not a Margharita...but Crystal lite did have that flavor!
JUST KIDDING...

@@amacox
Just a hint, your taste buds MAY change their preferences AFTER your surgery. Many of us have had changes in this area. SO, don't buy TOO many until AFTER your surgery, taste them then, then determine if you still like them. Many people have reported getting nauseous from them, so beware spending lots of money PRE-surgery! costco usually carries Premier shakes. Have fun!

Welcome aboard Bubbletoes!
This group is solid and full of compassion! My surgery was April 1st.
What's that expression about..."there's no fool like an old fool" ??
I only feel foolish that I waited so long....I will turn 67 in July!
So far I have had an amazing journey. No problems to speak of that I did not anticipate! Just do your research....order samples to try to find Protein that fit your taste buds. Explore read be informed and listen to your surgeon. Let us know how we can support you!
Linda
The Villages, Fl.
P.S. So much fun watching scale go down and especially my clothes getting looser and looser! Plan to savor every glorious moment!

I'm so happy to find this group so I don't feel so alone in my final Quest to do something serious about my weight. This board doesn't seem to be very active right now but maybe we can change that. Senior Sleevers, unite! By the way, I'm 64 and my sleeve is scheduled for May 4, 2015.

Great comments all! My sensitivity to different odors is highly
tuned up! One week out and feeling stronger everyday!
Good Luck everyone.