Sandra Nuelken

So happy you are feeling better. Getting over surgery is difficult but it is like childbirth and it is forgotten when you see progress. I remember 9 years ago I had a lap band put on June 29 and on July 4 I got to suck the juices off a grilled hot dog then I sipped my broth and cried. This year I'm eating that hot dog because I am having my sleeve surgery July 30. Keep us updated and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Good luck with your recovery! It looks like you are doing great.

Have you tried pop cycles to keep you hydrated? I bought clear flavored protein water and will be making some out of it so my pop cycles have protein. You are still beginning so it will get better. Keep walking a lot your stomach area has been filled with gas to make it easier for surgery so you need to move that gas out. Walking helps you do this. Keep in touch.

Congrats! You'll be on the road to recovery by the time I have mine July 30. Keep us posted so I know what to expect!

Wow, I thought I just made July but you win the cake or protein drink. Congrats on your date!

You're welcome to keep following, having a date is everything, so congrats. Even the lady from the doctor's office called and said congratulations you have been approved and you get July 30, like I won the lottery or something. Actually, I feel like I did as I've been at this for what seems like forever.

We are sisters, my date is July 30 also. I'm excited to be finally arriving at the end of the hoop jumping and getting to a surgery date! Good luck and keep in touch. I have to start the presurgery diet the 15th. I'm already eating pretty much clean now.

Got my insurance approval and I am having my surgery July 30. The first week of the presurgery diet I'll be home alone, my husband will be at "band Camp". Then one week when he is home. I am so very excited!

July 30 is my date! Just made July by a nose. Insurance took less than 2 weeks for the approval all classes done. I also posted in the over 65 group as I'm one the of senior citizens. I just can't wait.

Hi, I got my date it is July 30!!! I'm so excited and will be starting the presurgery diet in about a week. I just can't wait to get my life back again!

You are all such an inspiration.

You look great! What a great positive letter. I am still waiting for insurance approval and then the surgery date.

Unfortunately from the knees up sassy, love kayaking, camping and traveling, the knees are 73.

I'm in the Columbia area. My doctor has a group but it meets at night and I don't do night. I'm retired so I'd prefer day meetings so I find the internet to work. When I had my Lapband I joined the DFW Band group and they were amazing. I couldn't have made it without their help and support. I have 5 grandchildren locally and two in Michigan. Good luck to you.

Congrats on your weight loss. It opens so many doors. I hope to take that journey soon too. It is nice to know that we have some seniors out there.

Well, they say that 70 is the new 50. Congrats on your decision to move forward and take chances. I am hoping to get a July date too, maybe Aug. I've finished all the pre-stuff and just waiting for insurance approval. I'm so happy that someone started the over 65 groups as we have other goals. Our knees, hips, and mobility. I too live in the Carolina's. I just want to be able to go swimming in the lake and get back on the boat. I'd also like to keep up with the grad kids. Good luck on your journey and keep in touch.

My lap band caused A-flutter as the tubing was hitting my vagus nerve. Had it removed last year and it took a year to get a second reason for surgery. I'm basically a healthy overweight person.

I'm 72 and in holding waiting for insurance approval. I had the Lapband for about 9 years and it worked initially but failed. I'm going through with the surgery to improve my mobility and to get my knee to stop hurting all of the time. I also developed Apena, but that is the only insurance recognized secondary that they recognize. I was told it would take 15 days to hear from the insurance company. I've been in the process since March. Love to hear from older patients.

Cravings are in the head and not the stomach. You need to drink more, often you feel that way because you are dehydrated. You need to focus on recovery and not food. Food is not your friend and never has been. Try deep breathing, walking and drinking lots of protein.

Has anyone tried to freeze protein drinks to make fudge cycles?

I'm so sorry for the job loss, I'm sure that is making life really hard now. You need some you time, even if it is a short walk with one of the dogs. As many have said this is a journey to save your life so you will be able to live a healthy life. Just take this a day at a time. As a former military wife, I never had a forever home and made each one special. You will get through this.

I too am a former lap band patient, was successful for a while then it started to fail, slip, not sure what. I'm waiting for insurance approval and I've gone through all of the steps. Welcome to the group. The journey sounds similar to the band, but recovery is a bit longer. Keep in touch!

You got this! The first days of the rest of your life are coming. I just said to myself prior to surgery, just let go and let God take it from here. Then I went one step at a time. I went almost 60 years without any type of surgery then in about 10 years I had 5 major surgeries and you just have to trust. Know it will be ok, and you will be better soon.

So very funny. It is an adjustment and my husband has been through it before, but he traveled a lot and was home only weekends. So I had my dog and he would love me no matter what.

Hopefully, no one has a husband like mine. While out on the boat with neighbors I overheard my dear husband say to them, "well once my wife has her WLS I'll have to cook for myself as she won't be able to eat what I like. So much for keeping secrets. Oh well. Still waiting for my insurance company for news.