ksgypsy

I was 62 when I had gastric bypass. I followed my plan as prescribed to me. I tried not to compare myself to others that seemed to be losing faster than I was. I wasn't able to do much exercise because I had so much pain from an arthritic hip that has since been replaced. I was on 2 BP meds and prediabetic. Except for the pain I had when I woke up in the recovery room I can honestly say I never had any pain from this surgery. I did have nerve blocks on both sides though and walked early and a lot!. This was truly one of my best decisions! My walks are now 5 miles, pain free. My BP is normal and the only meds I take are my Vitamins, Calcium and extra Iron. I made a complete lifestyle change, including moving to a more "walkable" community and breaking my addiction to sugar, diet coke and unhealthy foods.

I was 62 when I had bypass, and it was the best decision I ever made. I have my life back!!!!!! With no pain now in the hips, knees and back. All my co-morbidities have resolved. I can hike, bike, ride my horse, and get down (and up) on the floor with my grandkids. I've done a triathlon and a 50 mile bike race. Woo hoo! Who would have thought it even possible? My next goals are a rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike and ultimately to finish the 830 mile Arizona Trail.
I think being older gives a deeper perspective that this is the last chance. We've tried everything else for literally decades, and there are no more options. And there are no more games. It is this or nothing. We are all in or all out. We don't worry as much about Hair loss or saggy skin or looking great in a bikini - it is about health and quality of life. We are also past menopause, and so don't have to worry as much about hormone fluctuations or about slowing metabolism - it's already slowed for us and things can only get better, right?
I am seizing every day with joy and gratitude that I am now able to live again, because what I was doing before was just slowly dying. Best wishes to you! You have every chance to be successful at this, regardless of age.

Have you thought about trying to log them? It can be fun if you use a planner with stickers : here is an example

To your point about people asking inappropriate questions, I would probably be a smart ass, which I know, I know, is terribly out of character:
"How much have you lost?"
"Looks like I might lose another friend that doesn't seem to understand not to ask inappropriate questions."
But, to the question you want us to answer:
While dealing with things that are better, like back, hip, knee, ankle, foot pain from carrying around an extra 1/4 ton of weight. Reduced Fatty Liver disease. Blood Pressure. sleep Apnea, Reflux.
But more other worldly were all the things I gained that I didn't realize I was missing, like DisneyWorld, walking, running, marathons, kayaking, horseback riding.
Tek

One of the first questions that family and friends ask me now that I'm over 7 months' post-surgery is "How much have you lost?"
I used to respond by giving them a number, but realized that the number didn't really didn't give them the whole picture.
Instead, I now respond by telling them what I've lost...and what I've gained.
I've lost my high blood pressure. I've lost my diabetes medication. I've lost my high risk of stroke. I've lost my high risk of heart disease. I've lost the pain in my knees, my legs, my ankles.
But I've also gained a lot. I've gained new self-confidence. I've gained the ability to play tennis, ride a bike, ride a horse, go hiking in the woods, or ride on a roller-coaster. I've gained a new perspective on what it means to enjoy life (hint: it's not about how much food I can put in my mouth or how much beer I can drink on the weekends). I've gained self-respect. I've gained the joy of inspiring my children and my husband to live better.
It took a while, but I've finally realized that it's not about the numbers or the dress size (although it is nice to see those go down ) It's more about the gift of Life that we have given ourselves.
So how much have YOU lost? And what have you gained?

I really appreciate all your responses, thank you! I want to take advantage of this time to set some new habits and lose as much weight as possible before surgery. I’ll keep up my dieting and try to get as low as I can so I have less to lose after surgery.

My insurance went by first (highest) weight also. I qualified by 1 or 2 pounds. I was encouraged to lose weight before surgery and lost 23 pounds (4 months) by my surgery date. It makes sense, you adapt your eating habits and get mentally prepared.
I have read some insurance plans require you are above the magic BMI number. I’d check to be sure.

Keep in mind that every hospital is a little different, but I can tell you what they did where I had surgery. When I arrived, they took my temperature before they let me in the building (COVID precaution). Then I checked in and had to sign some paperwork, and then they took me to a room and told me to take off all my clothes (including underwear) and change into a hospital gown, grippy socks, and mask (I wore a cloth mask in, but they wanted me to change into a disposable mask). A nurse came in, weighed me, and took my blood pressure, then gave me a cup for a urine sample (pregnancy test). Based on your picture, you look like a woman of childbearing age, so they will almost certainly require a pregnancy test. This was an issue for me because I was not allowed to have anything to drink after midnight the night before, and I peed before I left the house, so I was not able to produce a urine sample at the hospital. The nurse pleaded with me to squeeze out three drops, and I tried, but I couldn't, so they had to do a blood test for pregnancy. The nurse told me the blood test would take longer and could result in delays, but that was not true at all because I can see the time on my results and the pregnancy test came back at the same time as the rest of the bloodwork (45 minutes after they drew the blood).
These are the blood tests I had the morning of surgery:
Pregnancy Comprehensive metabolic panel Complete blood count (CBC) After they drew blood, they did an EKG, which consisted of a nurse sticking leads all over my body and then hooking it up to a machine, and a doctor came in to look at the results. That part was very quick and easy. My surgeon said they normally do the bloodwork and EKG a few days before surgery, but they started doing it the day of surgery because of COVID precautions. I was worried that something would come back abnormal and they would cancel the surgery, but the surgeon assured me that was very, very rare. He said that the EKG and bloodwork are mainly so they have a basis for comparison after the surgery.
After the testing, they moved my bed into a staging area with a bunch of other patients. Several nurses came over one by one and introduced themselves, then asked me my name, date of birth, and what surgery I was having (they ask this over and over again and compare to the wristband to make sure they have the right patient for the right surgery). My surgeon stopped by and talked to me briefly. A nurse started an IV in my hand. The anesthesiologist came over and asked me a bunch of questions about my medical history. Another nurse said she was going to give me a heparin shot in my stomach, but then said she would wait until the Versed kicked in. I was lying there waiting for the nurse to come back, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up after surgery.
My surgeon did not test me for Vitamins before surgery, but my PCP and endocrinologist did. My Vitamin D was very low, so I was taking a prescription Vitamin D, but it was still low even after I had been taking the prescription for months (I am now on a higher dosage).

Dumping Syndrome occurs when undigested sugars and fats are 'dumped' into the intestines. When this occurs we experience palpations, sweats, cramps, feeling full, gas, gastric distress, and diarrhea. I apologize to any other resulting symptoms if I failed to mention, it is a mere oversight with nothing personal and no intention to offend.
Non-Ops: ANYONE can get dumping syndrome. Anyone with a working pyloric valve is generally unlikely to get dumping syndrome because it is the pyloric valves' job as gatekeeper from the stomach to the intestines to keep undigested food digesting in the stomach. My non-op wife got it once. She was not happy.
Bypass (RNY): 20-50% (Mayo says 85%) of Bypass (RNY) patients experience dumping because they do not have a functioning pyloric valve between their stomach (now a pouch) and their intestines. In fact, it's called Gastric Bypass because the pyloric valve and a bit of the small intestines are bypassed. No gatekeeper means food and drink go pretty much directly to the intestines, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Good news is some sources say after 2 years only 15% of patients still get dumping syndrome. I'm lucky, I guess.
Lap Band: Lap Band folks don't have much of a chance for dumping because lurking below the band there is a normal stomach and all the associated plumbing.
Sleeve: Team sleeve have a sleeve which is remarkably similar to the 'pouch' of RNY folks. Unlike the RNY folks at the bottom of the sleeve is a working pyloric valve. However, if one over eats or over drinks, and follows up by over drinking the food can be pushed through. However the sleeve also reduces volume. So, it's more than possible that dumping in sleeve patients may be greater than with non-ops, however sources simply don't want to put a number on it.
None of the statistics really matter. You either dump or don't dump. Once you have your answer for you, statistics don't matter. As in most matters we need to work with the hand we are dealt, which most of us do with beauty and grace, or like me, handsome and clumsy.
Good Luck,
Tek

Good news.
Learning and following your plan is probably the best thing you can do that will carry you through to success.
It would be hard to eat enough sugar or fat in the first couple months to get you to dumping, but continue your vigilance. You may never find out if you dump simply by working your plan. Not that working your plan is simple, just that it is a simple principle.
Keep up the good work.
Good luck,
Tek

I agree, the cream of chicken is quite good! I also liked both the beef and chicken bouillons and the hot chocolate.

Light entree vegetable chili tasted good and not spicy. Easy to prepare and gives a small portion. Traveling to Utah in October and plan on taking hot chocolate, vegetable chili, cream of chicken so far.

Ordered the Meal Replacement prior to surgery, variety packets. strawberry and vanilla did not mix well with attempts of mixing. chocolate and Mocha tastes good and mix good.
Cream of chicken tasted good.
hot chocolate tasted good.
Vegan chicken Curry meal is slightly spicy so I increased liquid before consuming. I will return this item it was too spicy for me.
oatmeal with cinnamon apple is an acquired taste. I am debating if I should return it and get another flavor.
Note: I order BariatricPal items to meet Protein requirements with low carb and low sugar.

I asked this question of the Patient Coordinator and was told that the insurance goes by the weight of my first Surgeon appointment. Of course you may have different requirements... Your Patient Coordinator may be able to advise you. I believe my 'packet' will be submitted to my insurance (Aetna) next week. To be certain, I ensured that I didn't go below at any point in the process. Started the process in Nov '19.
Best of luck to you!!

I asked this question of the Patient Coordinator and was told that the insurance goes by the weight of my first Surgeon appointment. Of course you may have different requirements... Your Patient Coordinator may be able to advise you. I believe my 'packet' will be submitted to my insurance (Aetna) next week. To be certain, I ensured that I didn't go below at any point in the process. Started the process in Nov '19.
Best of luck to you!!

I asked this question of the Patient Coordinator and was told that the insurance goes by the weight of my first Surgeon appointment. Of course you may have different requirements... Your Patient Coordinator may be able to advise you. I believe my 'packet' will be submitted to my insurance (Aetna) next week. To be certain, I ensured that I didn't go below at any point in the process. Started the process in Nov '19.
Best of luck to you!!

Try the 'my surgery' link

I don’t buy into the jealousy or haters gonna hate excuses. I try and see the best in people. Do you remember how you felt 75-100 pounds heavier? I was very insecure with myself.
(I believe) People feel vulnerable when things/people change around them. Sometimes they avoid people who change because it might bring up feelings of inadequacy or force them to look inward which might be uncomfortable for them.
All you can do is be yourself and hope you reconnect someday.

I'm the same age and happy to read these responses! I'm hoping for a Sept/Oct surgery and it's good to know that age is mostly just a number!

I feel as though your post is important as it shows more about the risks that we are taking going down this route. While most complications are rare, it’s important to know about some beforehand, so you know what may (or may not!) happen to you. I feel I’d rather be braced for the rare possibility that I have a complication (or several in your case), than go into it completely blind. At least you could know more about how severe of a complication it could be, or not be.
I hope that you, escape_pinacolada, find your relief soon, and that this will be just a blip on the radar of a future life of healing and recovery. Best wishes.

wow i'm exhausted and all i did was read it

The following is a list of abbreviations commonly used on this board.
ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament
AGB = Adjustable gastric banding
AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit)
AT = Aspiration Therapy
BB = belly button
bc = because
BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield
BDD = Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BED = Binge Eating Disorder
bf = best friend
BM = bowel movement
BMI = Body Mass Index
bp = blood pressure
BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion
bs = blood sugar
btw = by the way
C25K = Couch Potato to Running 5K
CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy
CC = common channel
c diff = clostridium difficile
cos or cuz = because
CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure
CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners
CT = Computed Tomography (commonly called CAT Scan)
cw = current weight
CXR = Chest X-Ray
DDD = degenerative disc disease
Dr. = doctor
DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch
EBT = Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies
EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EKG = Electrocardiography
ER = emergency room
ESG = Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
ff = fat free
f/u = follow up
GB = gastric bypass
GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI = gastrointestinal
GIF = Gastric Intrinsic Factor
GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store
GP = general practitioner or family doctor
HBP = high blood pressure
hr = heart rate
hw = highest weight
ICU = Intensive Care Unit
Idk = I don’t know
IGB = intragastric balloons
IF = Intrinsic Factor
IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion
IMO = in my opinion
IUI = Intrauterine insemination
LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
LES = lower esophageal sphincter
lol = laughing out loud
LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
med = medicine
MFP = my fitness pal
MGB = Mini Gastric Bypass
msg = message
NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
nf = non fat
NG = Nasogastric
NP = nurse practitioner
NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”)
NUT = nutritionist
OA = Overeaters Anonymous
omw = on my way
Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds.
op = operation
OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea
OTC = Over the counter
Oz = Australia
PB = Productive Burps
PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCP = Primary Care Physician
PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
PM = private message (email)
PMS = premenstrual syndrome
POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal
postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery
PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors
ppl = people
preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery
PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PVC = Premature ventricular contractions
RA = Rheumatoid arthritis
RH = reactive hypoglycemia
RN = registered nurse
RNY = Roux-en-Y
RTD = ready to drink
Rx = Prescription medicine
RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy
s/f or sf = sugar free
SG = Sleeve gastrectomy
SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery
smh = shaking my head, scratching my head
SO = significant other
SOB = shortness of breath
st = stones (a unit of weight measurement)
sw = weight at surgery
tmi = too much information
TPN = total parenteral nutrition
TT = Tummy Tuck
TTC = trying to conceive
Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.]
u = You
UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal
VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Vit = Vitamin
wks = weeks
WLS = Weight Loss Surgery
WOD = Workout of the Day
w/o = without
wt = weight

I'm the same age and happy to read these responses! I'm hoping for a Sept/Oct surgery and it's good to know that age is mostly just a number!

I won't miss sharing clothes with my 2x husband.
I won't miss shopping in the plus size section.
I won't miss huffing and puffing every time I go up a flight of stairs!
I won't miss being shy and not giving people eye contact because I'm not confident.
I won't missing always trying to find a place to sit midway through shopping.
I won't miss weighing more than my husband through most of our marriage.
I won't miss trying to find those Wide shoes.

I won’t miss “losing” the remote and then finding it under me when I stand up.