LousPeachy

Does anyone have a RECENT list of who is still sending out saaamples?

Glad you mentioned that part. It's good to know. One more thing for the dr to use to get Medicare to approve WLS.

Sorry to hear of your problems. It does show us however that our weight IS a lifelong battle and that WLS is a tool, not a quick fix. At first I was considering the band but I know myself and that isn't what I need. And I have seen there ARE complications from that too. So I am leaning towards bypass despite the added risks. At 385 pounds, I expect the weight related problems that are catching up to me will eventually get me and get me good. At 67 I suspect I have but one shot at this! I know another WLS is hard for you to consider but you will make the decision well informed. That is one problem with having worked in health care, we have seen it all! God bless, Louise

CONGRATS! I know about the not fitting in the seat thing. What is even worse is when strangers ask if they can help you get up. Louise

It was the little thing on my finger. She did say it wasn't too bad. Every day that passes I learn something new weight related and more than a little scarey. May 22 can't come soon enough for me so I can meet with the surgeon and get this show on the road.

I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions since I have a Seminar and my first consultation with the surgeon on May 22. Just wanted to say HI and tell you what a wonderful forum this is. Let us know how the visit goes and I will do the same. Louise

When I saw my new PCP, she said my Blood Oxygen Level was not what it should be. Can anyone explain to me about this? I think she said it was too low. Thanks, Louise

I LOVE sweets, not so much chocolate but the candies that are almost pure sugar. This is why I am leaning towards bypass. Of course, with my age and health issues, the doctor will determine what options I have. What is it like to be able to eat ONE piece of candy and then stop. I don't know because I have never been able to do that. One piece opens up the floodgates and I can't stop. Louise

Oh my goodness...you must feel horrible right now. I am so sorry. I seriously doubt if they would do WLS that way. They would be leaving themselves open for all kinds professional and legal problems. As my exdoctor told me one time, NO patient is worth losing your license over. I would guess all doctors likely feel the same way. Hopefully the dr has some ideas. Good luck. Louise

My blog is a work in progress, only 2 posts so far. i used to do a lot of web design but nothing recently. The content isn't giving me problems but the site design is. I will be playing with that for a long time. http://losingitat67.wordpress.com

Going to check out what has been posted so far. This will be fun!! Come on folks, I KNOW there are a lot more than this! Many thanks to all who have posted so far! Louise

I love it! I would have never thought of anything like that!

This is kind of off topic I guess but it would be nice if members who have blogs & websites would post links so we could all check them out! While trying to pass the time till my first appointment/seminar with the doctor, I started one myself. So post your links guys and gals! I would love to visit and I suspect others would too! Louise

The fear of getting sick is front and foremost, which is why I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass. I am 67 and my bad habits have had plenty of time to become "the normal" which is why I am starting all this so early. The two worse things to have are a toothache and nausea. YUCK!!! Louise

Great ideas...THANKS! Louise

My belly button was a normal "inny" till after the last surgery. On top of having no feeling in part of my abdomen (cut nerves), my belly button is now so deep, who knows what is hidden in there!

Forgot to mention that TX Medicare only covers open surgery for a Gastric Bypass.

My abdomen already looks like I was attacked by a knife wielding serial killer! Both my previous surgeries started out as routine but ended up a lot more difficult than expected. Thanks for the reply. I figured as much but is nice to hear from someone who has been there. Louise

I think I already know the answer to my question but would like to know if anyone else has had to deal with existing scar tissue from previous surgeries. I have a lot of abdominal scar tissue from two surgeries. I suspect that bypass may be the only option I will have since Medicare only covers open surgery for that one type of surgery. Has anyone dealt with this problem? Louise

Aaahhhhh, some more great info!! Thanks!! Louise

Can you get TOO MUCH protein?

At 67 and almost 385, oh how I wish I had taken the "easy way out"!! All these years of weighing almost 300 pounds (at my all time highest now), the pain, emotional and physical, embarrassment, wearing ugly clothes, physical limitations........everything. Even if I had it done 3 years ago when I was 85 pounds lighter. I can't believe I have been losing and gaining hundreds of pounds for so many years. Take the steps now. It will NOT be easy for ANY of us young or old. It is far from taking the easy way out. It is taking necessary steps to improve and extend your life. DON'T miss out on those precious years that cannot be relived. Louise

I don't have my Seminary and first doctors visit till MAY 22!!!!! Talk about antsy. However, it is giving me tons of time to research everything, particularly the different types of WLS. Depending on the Doctors recommendation, I m definitely leaning in one particular direction. BTW, if you are researching WLS, PLEASE DON'T take everything you read as gospel!! I am getting tons of info here because whatever is opinion is stated as such. My Doctors website I consider safe as well as MedlinePlus and Bariatric-surgery-source.com. I keep thinking that each day is one day closer to being able to live a better and healthier life. At 67, my expectations are a lot different than most younger people. But they are none the less real! Good luck to each of you. Looking forward to hearing about the next step of your journeys!! Louise

I will be attending a Seminar with Dr Dexter Turnquest on May 22 & will meet with him at that time. He works out of Methodist Willowbrook and Houston NW Medical Center. He is very highly rated. I have Medicare and UHC Supplement Insurance that should cover most if not all costs. I couldn't afford it otherwise. Louise

Hi Donna! You live in Houston too? That is where I am. NW Houston here! I have both Medicare and UHC Supplimental Insurance. I attend a Seminar and have a consultatin with Dr Dexter Turnquest on May 22. I am researching both bypass & the sleeve in case I have a choice. Louise