Rara

I am so happy to see someone addressing this "age issue."I am just like many of you who already responded. I was average weight until after I had my second child and from then on it was nothing but yo-yo dieting. I thought about surgery in my mid-50s but found it unaffordable. I knew nothing about ways to get insurance to pay. Plus I was leery of the invasive procedure. Thank God for Medicare . So now I am 68, six weeks postop and feeling fine. I had no nausea ,pain or other difficulties at surgery and my recovery and food plan compliance have been fantastic. I wish I had done this years ago and I am looking forward to a very bright future . I say go for it!!!

Welcome Neller! Congratulations on your decision to be as healthy as you possibly can, and happy you have a supportive doctor. I’m 66 and have zero regrets in having this.
Though I worked at it (aerobics, eating pretty well, etc.,) my weight was always in the normal range until 50’s, then hysterectomy, HRT, slowed metabolism, stresses of life, ya di ya da there I went. Many, many on this board are 60’s, 70’s, even recall one over 80. As long as you have a very good medical team and follow their instructions, I believe you will be pleased as punch!😀 Glad that you found this site, it will help you to learn and keep motivation high.

I had it in my 50s (I'm now in my 60s) and have zero regrets. There are quite a few of us who've had it in our 50s and 60s - and we occasionally see folks on here who had it in their 70s.
I have zero regrets (other than I should have had it years ago) and would do it again in a minute. My recovery, btw, was easy peasy. I had almost no pain and had no issues.

I was 59 when I had surgery and am now 61. No regrets whatsoever, and just wish I had done it sooner.
I was also told by a doctor that I should consider surgery after decades of yo-yo dieting, including multiple commercial diets (Atkins, Optifast, Nutri-System, etc.). Yes, I lost weight every time, and gained it back much more quickly than it had taken to lose it. My doctor was blunt: I had another 10 to 12 years before a major cardiac incident that I might not survive. That was the push I needed to get surgery. He also told me that there was little possibility at my age of losing a meaningful amount of weight and keeping it off.
I also considered surgery the "easy way out." As anyone here can tell you, however, that is definitely not the case. It's a tool that will help you lose a lot of weight quickly, but it still takes lifelong discipline and a mental shift in the way you view food. I didn't realize before surgery how easy it can be to gain the weight back after a few years if you return to your old eating habits.
The bottom line: DO IT! Your health and quality of life will be improved immeasurably!

It's a story as old as time...
First you look, just a quick look which turns into a long, langorous gaze, taking in every curve...
Then, you just must touch. Just a little touch. Before you know it, you're holding it, caressing the peperoni...
Next thing you know, you are waking up in a gutter with pizza stains on your cuff, wondering where your weekend went.
Nine months later, a pizza delivery guy shows up at your door with a package...
Tek

I don't know what I was thinking I have been under considerable stress and I didn't give myself credit for coming out the other side. I'm not surprised that my diet was going out the window. I'm back on track, writing down my food, shopping for what I want to eat and getting lots of sleep. I'm feeling much better

I'm pretty new here, but have you looked at the thread food Before and After Photos? I find that so inspiring to see what people are eating and how much they are eating! It's a very long thread, but I started at the beginning, which is when the most prolific posters were getting started on this journey! I have also found inspiration in the Favorite Grocery Products thread. Good luck!!

∆ all great suggestions so far ∆
Also please consider returning to the original Surgeon) practice (or find a new surgeon) to run adequate testing, if met with resistance consider this advice (even if only to create a paper trail):

Hi. I started out at 203 lb. 5 ft 2
I had my vsg in 2010.
Dropped weight way to fast.
Not by choice. Lowest weight was 110 lb. happy weight was 125-128.
I am sad to say I am now at 156. Not happy at all.
I blame myself and also my husband. Me mostly.. I feel right into the spot where he made me feel guilty because i was small and he gained. He started to offer and push more food. Remember this is your body. Your life. Don’t fall for it. Stay strong.
I am officially back on track today.

Thanks for posting this. there are very few people on this board so long after their surgeries, and many of us wonder what it will be like in the long term. Your post is a valuable reminder that this is a lifetime change in our lifestyle and relationship with food.

Soo. I started my weight loss journey over 10 years ago. I am 5'2" I had surgery and was, if I remember correctly about 320 pounds. (and I had lost weight before surgery..) I was 54 years old. I lost over 100 pounds. I got down to 180 pounds. I could never get lower than that. But my doctors were pleased and so was I. Over 10 years I managed to gain weight and this past July, got mad at myself when I realized I weighed 220 !!!! I told myself that I needed to reverse the trend, and get back to a healthier weight. My initial goal was to lose 10 pounds in a year. Well, I lost 10 pounds in 4 months and then lost another 12 in the last 4 months, and for the first time in about 6 years am just under that 200 pound weight at 198. ( I will claim those last 2 pounds ! )
I refuse to do any drastic dieting, just "going back to my sleeve eating." More Protein, less carbs, more vegetables. occasional treats. Cut out the popcorn and chips which are my slider foods.... and although I really cannot exercise with my other physical issues, I am moving more and feeling better. I would be happy to be in the mid 190's for this coming July - but focusing more on making sure I don't backslide again....
I am posting because .... well, how do you explain to anyone that you have already lost over 140 pounds and gained back 40, and now have lost 20... 10 years later and it's all connected ? And at my age, no one really notices.... although I did go buy new jeans/slacks for work because darn it, I didn't keep the smaller clothing !!!
Anyone else as far out as I am ? Having issues ? Getting back on track this late in the game ?

I totally agree that each mistake needs to be an opportunity for insight, learning, and growth. This first year is the time to really zero in on WHY you overeat, and to develop tools to change both the thinking patterns and the habits. For example, I caved to cravings for French fries after 2 long bike rides. I was sick afterward and regretted the choices. But I discovered I was not getting enough electrolytes during my rides and was craving the salt. Once I learned a new way to hydrate, I was fine. I still struggle with eating during the evenings. I still haven't unraveled the complexities of night time binging, but in the mean time, I am making choices to drink a big mug of hot herbal tea in the evenings. I also prep raw veggies to have on hand if there is a total munch attack. There is a theory that you cannot break a bad habit without replacing it with a better habit. So until I figure out the evening "hand-to-mouth" disease, I will substitute healthy alternatives. Just some thoughts....... but the big lesson is to LEARN a lesson every time there is a slip. You can't just brush it under the rug and pretend it didn't happen and that you will do better next time. Unless you learn and prepare for "next time" there will never be a permanent change.

Ah I see. Well, everyone makes mistakes, but eating solid food two weeks out can cause serious complications. Not trying to alarm you or anything, but just keep an eye on it and see how you feel. Hopefully it was just a blip and you’ll be absolutely fine don’t beat yourself up, this is a difficult journey for everyone but just learn from your mistake.


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Maybe you could try my dietician? Her name is Joan with FaceTime Dietician. She's online joan@facetimedietician.com. At least check her out and get her fees.

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It's not about calories. It's about Protein. The only protein I see you consuming in a day is Breakfast and dinner. The Soup is okay I guess, but I would cut the portion in half and add some protein to that meal. All the Snacks are empty - no real nutrients. If you are capable of eating a veggie burger and asparagus, you certainly could add more nutritious snacks throughout the day. *Note: I understand Jello and lollipops if that's on your plan, but if you are eating real foods then I don't know why these are still on your plan. More yogurt, or cheese, or eggs, etc - something with protein would be a better alternative. The other thing to consider is that jello/lollipops/etc are traditionally sweet foods, Desserts, snacks. Even if they are zero calories, they probably still remind you of eating those real things in the past. If you can avoid those kind of temptations, it will probably help you in the long run.
For example, today I had:
Breakfast: Chocolate/PB2/banana smoothie made with sugar free almond milk [Protein: 29g, Calories: 266]
snack 1: 1 Mushroom egg bite (size of a small deflated muffin) [Protein: 5g, Calories: 53]
Lunch: a chicken roll (basically a processed chicken breast rolled to the size of a small breadstick). I split this up into two servings eaten about 2 hours apart. Today was my first day to try meat of any kind. [Protein: 13g, Calories: 65]
Snack 2: PB2 mix (PB2 is powdered peanut powder with 85% less calories/fat. I mix it with Water for a small snack). It's actually a bad habit I need to break eventually, but I can't eat yogurt or cheese straight up because of a newfound lactose intolerance problem, so this is my alternative. [Protein: 8, Calories: 90]
Dinner: Miso soup with tofu [Protein: 14g, Calories: 136]
Total for today - Protein: 69g, Net carbs: 38 (a little high today because of the banana and PB2], Fat: 20g, Calories: 610
You can see that I don't eat a single meal that doesn't have some kind of protein in it. Even when my stomach is feeling a little rough and I want to just have liquids, I'll replace the meals with an extra Protein Drink (the juice kind) or miso soup, and skip all snacks (just drink extra water). If I have soup, I'll add Protein Powder to it, or, my preference right now is miso soup, since it's so savoury and high in protein. The tofu is optional but it's basically a puree/slider so goes down easy. My main goal is protein (50g or more on this stage, but if I can get over 60 I'm really happy, staying between 400-600 calories (today was a little high), and under 40 net carbs - 30 even better). Fat, high or low, is not a concern for me.
Anyway, I'm just posting this all here as a way to think about what you are consuming. Focus on the protein, not the calories. You can get many nutrients from Vitamins, but you can only get protein from food. It's important - if you don't consume enough, your body will start taking it from your muscles to make do, since it's so important for several different functions (tissue repair, hormones, etc.). This can really weaken you. Try your best to find real foods (not protein powder, although that is something we need in the beginning) for your protein. One suggested meal I have now that I'm on soft foods is to add egg white to oatmeal and mix it in. I've never tried that but I will once I can find some oatmeal around here!
I don't know what kind of guidelines you've been given, but what I have right now from my surgeon (and bear in mind this is for gastric bypass) is to eat one or two bites of food, chew well, wait 5-10 minutes, then have a few more bites, then wait, etc. But all food must be eaten within 30 minutes - any left over after that time goes back into the fridge for later. Regardless of surgery type, portions should be about 1/8-1/4 cup for real food, and 1/4c -1 cup for liquids like soup, is about right. I also try to be very conscious of what and when I am eating - if I am in front of the computer (which is almost always) I make sure to focus on my food, not the screen, when I am eating. I measure out portions before I put any food in front of me. I weigh things - tofu cubes, bananas, everything. It gets me accountable down to the last gram. It is more work, but I feel much more satisfied with the way things are going.
Hopefully you can find a way around this!

It was. But over time I was able to eat around it. You can't really stretch the sleeve, despite what many people (and doctors say), but you can find ways to eat more. Slider foods (simple carbs) go down real easy so it's a slippery slope once on it. There's a reason why not everyone loses everything they need to lose, there's a reason why people regain. Hunger does return. After your stomach heals, it can deal with more food, and even being stuffed. That's why I'm much more conscious of bad habits and most importantly, Portion Control. One thing I did until recently was eat until I had the "full" feeling. I realised after awhile that this was a comforting feeling and something I needed to feel satisfied. But when I was losing on the sleeve I was much more aware of always being just slightly hungry (without the hunger, if that makes sense). Once I learned what that feeling was, I was okay with it, realising I had more energy. But of course over time the pleasure of being full overtook it. Think of being obese as like being an alcoholic - they are both diseases based on addiction, and once you recover (i.e. surgery/weight loss), you'll have to deal with your addiction for the rest of your life. So many people ask, oh, when can I eat cake again, or Cookies, or a pizza, or chocolate...but from my experience I think there are some things that I will always have to avoid, because the chance of falling off the wagon again is too great.

3 weeks out and eating veggie burger with asparagus? That seems rather advanced at 3 weeks out. I was still eating very soft and mostly mushy food at that point.
I agree with AJ Tylo above. You're not hungry. Your mind is playing games with you. I think I also read somewhere that in some people the part of the stomach that senses fullness is damaged or cut in the surgery process. Maybe shocked or numb.
Please be cautious. Your stomach and the suture line are still healing. I recommend that you measure out your food and stop eating when you've eaten the portion prescribed by your doctor (usually 1/4-1/2 cup). If you need to, set a timer for mealtimes and don't snack in between.

Do they fit your personal criteria for proper nutrition and good food? If so, go ahead. If not, don't eat them.
In the end it doesn't matter what other people think what you should or shouldn't eat. What you eat or don't eat is up to you alone.

I am grateful to be making out ok despite losing my job last March.
I am grateful that my VSG happened as scheduled, that I am 2 weeks out with a basically fine recovery.
I am grateful for life, health, strength and family.

I am grateful to be making out ok despite losing my job last March.
I am grateful that my VSG happened as scheduled, that I am 2 weeks out with a basically fine recovery.
I am grateful for life, health, strength and family.

Congratulations! I'm a grandma too and want to keep up with the little ones so I had the surgery. I figure any post-surgery fatigue can't be any worse than the " fat body" lack of energy that I've suffered from for years.

Ah, I have read some posts on here of people feeling tired months out...I guess you won't know if you will be Team-Tired until you get to that point? Though if you are worried, and want to hedge your bets, you could always let your daughter know your position so that an alternate host can be secured? Or maybe you could co-host?
P.S. I was/am part of Team NOT-Tired, despite the rapid weight loss. I had quite a bit of energy after the first couple weeks, more than I ever had in years (and still do actually)

I can only speak for myself and my experience. Recovery was not bad. I was extremely tired for about 4 months so I agree with the previous post that rest is essential. I remember binge watching Call the Midwife and a lot of shows I had on my list because I had NO energy. Just plan to have a lot of down time and take it easy. I read so much information that scared the crap out of me and none of it came true.
1. I never dumped or had food get stuck. Never puked (to this day)
2. I never got dehydrated. Water was not that hard to drink when I added limes or water additives. Hint water also went down very smoothly and I ordered several cases
3. I did go through a period of depression and most people do. You wonder what you did, how long will life be strange etc. Im about 1.5 years out and life seems really normal to me now. The only time I feel "altered" is when I eat at a BBQ or family event and I cant just have a hamburger and some sides. Its just the patty, cant really finish it and I cant have a bunch of Beans and potato salad but other than that eating is pretty much the new normal
4. My hair did fall out more than usual but I never had major Hair loss and it slowed down a little more than a year out
To sum up...dont be scared!! They tell you all the terrible things that could happen because they kinda have to but dont expect those things to happen. Keep a positive outlook and you'll do fine

REST. It’s something that I don’t see mentioned much when it comes to this type of surgery. My dad is a surgeon (kidney) and he has really stressed to me the importance of resting. My nutritionist told me not to nap during the day because it would take away time from drinking (!). My dad said that was the craziest thing he’s ever heard. He recognizes the importance of staying hydrated, but points out that even though this procedure was laparoscopic, it’s still major surgery. The body heals itself when it is resting, and this type of surgery requires major healing. I honestly find myself taking a nap every two hours, and I felt guilty about that at first. He said that napping is totally normal and not to fight it because my body knows how much rest I need to heal and will make sure that I get it. So while you should walk around for gas pain and drink a LOT, you should also rest a lot- it’s literally necessary for your body to heal properly. Follow your body cues. If you are tired, rest. Even if you don’t feel tired, still get extra rest and allow your body to go through the healing process.

I am grateful to be making out ok despite losing my job last March.
I am grateful that my VSG happened as scheduled, that I am 2 weeks out with a basically fine recovery.
I am grateful for life, health, strength and family.