cat lady

Have surgery date set for 8/19. Have only told hubby and daughter so far. I will tell my son and I think that will be all. My boss is a health fanatic and exercise freak. He's 81 yearls old and keeps telling me I have to lose weight because its unhealthy. I definately will not tell him bcause he will be very judgmental about my decision for surgery. I do not feel the need to explain to him my reasons for doing this. I need to take 1 week off so I'm deciding what to tell him. I don't get paid for sick days but I have to give him some excuse. Any suggestions? cat lady

Hi BG: Have followed your blog for a while. Sorry you had that bad episode recently. I am still not banded but have a temp date of 8/19. I am scared and hate to hear stories like yours. Did you ever experience anything like this before in the past year. You did so great with your weight loss....I hope this issue is resolved by now. When did you have your last fill before this spasm incident? Do you think is happened because you were too tight? I would have thought I was having a heart attack for sure. What made you think it was the band and not your heart. These are the things I'm concerned about. As an older person (62) I hope I can lead a somewhat "normal" lifestyle after the band. I see that you do...and this gave me confidence. I remember you saying that you eat out alot and eat most everything in smaller portions. That is what I am hoping for. I don/t need to be skinny.....just healthy. Sorry for rambling on but my head is going a mile a minute.....and the nerves are kicking in. Pls let me know how you are feeling after that incident and if it is completely resolved. I hope so....you look teriffic! ! !

Laylas Grandma: Sorry to hear about your port redness...but do you think the lightheaded feeling and cold sweats had anything to do with a possible reaction from the rednesss in the port?? You mentioned that you thought it was from not enough protein. I'm glad your dr. put you on antibiotics and I'm sure it will clear up the redness you are experiencing. I'm not banded yet and scared about possible complications during and after surgery. I'm 62 years old and hope everything goes according to plan. Pls let us know how you make out. cat lady

Thanks Sandi, that does clear up the question of being nauseated. So its not like having a stomach virus where you are completely sick and can't think of food. Its more like if you over-indulge it will come back to bite you -- and you will feel the effects. Okay I think I got it. BTW, I looked over your blog -- AMAZING!!! You should be so proud. I am proud for you. cat:thumbup:

Hi Sockmonkey: I'm trying not to focus on the date b'cause I know it might not happen. But, on the other hand they gave me my pre-op testing date at hospital & was told I have to see my reg Dr. for my pre-op clearance within 1 week of surgery date. I don't understand why they do it this way. Its frustrating.....trying not to think about it till I get the call from BCBS. BTW my file has been sitting on a desk at my Dr. office. It has been there since last Tues and they still have not submitted it yet to BCBS. They told me it should be sent into the ins. today!! Guess they do it all the time so they must know the procedures. Its kind of out of my hands right now. Keep the faith cat:confused:

Hi all: Just got my tentative date of Aug 19th. Afraid to get too excited -- still waiting for BCBS to approve. Surprised they give a date w/o ins approval. Hope it holds up. Has anyone tried any protein drinks? If so which one tastes the best. I see that many have to be ordered online and I didn't know which one to choose. My doc requires 1 week liquid pre op. Hoping I can do this. cat

Thank you all for your honest replies. Will B, Doddie, & Sandi -- you all did so incredibly well with the band. I can only hope to be half as successful as you. My concerns are about not feeling well while we are out. I know I must change my choices...but hope I will not feel nauseated or sick. Were you ever embarrassed by the band? Guess these are small concerns in the scheme of things but my mind is all over the place. Hope you understand. cat

Hi all: You all have done such a great job. I'm pre-op -- have a tentative date for 8/19. Without the band 30 lbs seems impossible for me to lose. I hope I have as much success as all of you. Now that time is approaching I am getting nervous -- but still excited too. Do you all live a somewhat "normal" social life as far as eating out with friends. We socialize alot and I know I must make some real changes in my choices...but I hope I don't have to give up even healthy choices b'cause of vomiting and getting stuck (which I really don't know what this means). Some of the stories make me concerned about the lifestyle I will have after the band. Again - congrats to all of you for doing a terrific job. cat:scared2:

Hi Wickwit: Thats great to be approved so fast from BCBS. Mine should be submitted to my ins next week -- hope for a fast approval like you. I have BCBS of North Carolina. They told me they approve or deny within 72 hrs. Keeping my fingers crossed. I got a tentative surgery date of August 19th. Getting excited and scared at the same time. I'm beginning to research which protein drinks are the best tasting. I know I'll be drinking alot of them. Good Luck. cat

Hi all: Just got my date for August 19th being banded with Dr. Geiss on Long Island, NY. Scared, nervous, excited all at the same time. Did all the testing before I got my date. It still not approved yet with the ins. but they give a date after you finish all requirements. Hope all goes well with the ins. I have BCBS of North Carolina. Anyone out there with this insrance plan? Good Luck to all August 2010 Bansters. cat lady:confused:

Hi Phyl: Happy 3rd Bandster Anniversary! You did a teriffic job in three years. Keep it going. Havn't told anyone except my hubby, daughter & grandaughter. Didn't want to until I'm sure its going to happen. Looks good so far! cat

Hi all: Went to seminar for Dr. Geiss' patients last night in Long Island. Very informative. Today rec'd the call to schedule my date. ITS AUGUST 19TH. Don't want to get too excited bcause it still needs to be approved by my ins. Can't understand why they do it this way. Seems backwards to me...but what do I know. Now this is really happening....I'm nervous, scared but also very excited! ! ! :confused::thumbup:

Hi all: Thank you for all of your honest replies. It is amazing how well you all have done. I only hope I can do half as well as you guys. Sandi: I read your blog - it is truly amazing. Will: your well written analagies to this lapband journey are so true. I know that I have tried many times to lose the weight and cannot do it on my own. Naturally, I don't enjoy thinking about the risks of surgery, but I have faith in God and trust in the doctor and his staff. I will try to follow all the rules so that I might be as successful as all of you. All my tests are completed and my file is in for approval. Hope to get a date some time in August. cat lady

Thanks Majj for your encouraging words. Will use hubby as much as I can for help. When were you able to drive? and did you get Heparin shots to prevent clotting? It seems as though some do and some don't. I must ask my Dr. about this. Just saw him once at original consultation -- but will ask one of his staff at a seminar I will be going to prior to surgery. Cat lady

Hi All: I am new to this site. After 8 months of researching and doing my required tests I have decided to do this surgery. Got spooked by reading about some complications which I will not do again and changed my mind mid-stream. Most of you say its the best thing you ever did for yourself. I being 62 have devoted most of my life to raising my kids, watching grandkids, and keeping hubby happy. This is something I need to do for "me". Did any of you have "heparin" shots to reduce the risk of clots? This is one of my major concerns. Also how was the recouperation from this surgery. Is one week realistic before going back to work??? I also watch my 2 grandsond ages 6 & 2 two times a week. Hubby is semi-retired so he will be with me to help out. Sorry for rambling but now that this is "real" I have so many questions. Thanks for any replies. Cat lady

Hi: I am new to this site and a patient of Dr. Geiss in Syosset. All my papers are in for approval from insurance. Kind of nervous and a little scared. I made the mistake of looking up complications to this surgery and spooked myself. Will not do that again. I only need the positive input now -- since I made the decision to do this. DiValencia: Why do you need the extra procedure to prevent clots. This is one of my worries. I am older and concerned about clots. Does you Dr. do it to all patients or do you have a specific concern. Thanks for your reply. cat lady:confused:

Shiu B Do: Good luck on the 15th. Finally finished all my required tests. Now waiting approval from ins. Keep me posted on your progress. Wish you the best. Cat lady:redface:

Hi: I had a consult with Dr Geiss and am in the process of doing some of the testing. Did you do the Nutritionist and Psyc yet? How was it and were they receptive to the lapband. Not going to the one in Geiss' office because they dont accept ins. Was on the fence about the surgery for a long time. Overthinking it. Now I am more positive about doing this. I am older and a little scared about complications. Did you go to any seminars at the Ritz? They were informative but I felt like they were selling the product. Good Luck -- July is almost here.

Hi Sandi2004: Thanks for the encouraging words. I read your blog and it is both inspiring and informational. I really need to ask my surgeon some important questions to give me the confidence to go forward. Your blog has really helped me. cat lady :thumbup:

Hi DianaG, Oldone, & Phyllster: Thanks for your support and honest replies. I guess I'm overthinking this decision of mine. Went through most of the pre op testing and all came back well. The thought of doing this excites me -- just to think of losing and feeling good about myself again. Hope I have the courage to continue on this journey. cat lady (the cowardly lion):thumbup:

Hi all: I am 62 years old and considering getting the band. Has anyone found out how common it is to have the band erode. Sorry for the negative question -- but would hate to have to go thru the surgery and have it removed again with additional surgery and possible complications. Does everyone get checked for band slippage and eroision regularly? ? ? What is the life span of the band? cat lady

Hi Froggie: There is a good site on here for bandsters over 60 years old. (New 60+ Thread):wink2: They all seem to be doing great and have similar experiences with health issues. Try to find it -- I found it interesting and Im considering doing this and I am 62 years old. I too thought I was too old for this and afraid of complications....but after hearing some stories I am inspired about doing it. Hope I don't chicken out. ha ha -- cat lady

Hi all: I'm new to this post. Not banded yet -- in process of going for testing. Have done about half already. You are all a great inspiration to those of us over 60 who are contemplating this procedure. Lately I've seen 2 posts about blood clots that is scaring me. I hope I'm not over thinking this surgery. Have done alot of research and it excites me to think about doing it -- but Im getting frightened at the thought of complications. Was blood clots an issue with anyone? Do they give you medicine to prevent clotting at the hospital? Sorry for the negative questions. Cat Lady:confused::eek:

Sorry to hear about your wife's problem with the band. I am pre- op & concerned about the long term effects of the band in your stomach. Does anyone know how long the band can remain in your stomach without causing some harm. It seems to me that after a long time it would erode as your wife's has. Can you just leave something like this in forever?Any answers would be appreciated. I guess I have to do some more research on the longevity of the band. cat lady:scared2:

Hi Karen & Doddie63: Thanks for your support and replies to my questions. It sure feels good knowing there are people my age with the same problems and concerns. I hope I get approved and have the "guts" to continue with the lap band surgery. I can't believe how much weight you guys have lost since the surgery. It is remarkable. I know for sure without the lapband it could not be done. Good Luck in the future and God Bless you. I figure if we have another 20 years to go why not live it to the fullest. Maybe it will help us live longer and better. cat lady