Hi,

just winding my way through this site...haven't had much experience writing online, but here I am, and this is who I am: married woman, 5'1" (used to be 5'4"!), 275 lbs; live with hubby & 3 cats (one is buttons, which makes me, buttonsmommy). I started gaining weight in 9th grade, had some plateaus and several losses along the way but re-gained each time plus more. I'm 60 now and if I don't change things I'll just get worse and worse. My life has become very limited. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low thyroid, crappy knees from osteo, low back pain w/arthritis, and a strong emotional connection with food. I have one consult with the bariatric psychologist but definitely will need more than one visit! Had one surgeon consult, so far, so good. Only need to lose 5% of weight to fulfill program, not sure how insurance company is going to fight me, but I'm sure they'll find a way. I vacillate between band and bypass, but leaning heavily toward banding. I hope to learn a lot here, already encouraged, good to connect with others in the same place. :thumbup:

Hi,

Welcome:smile2:!! I too am 60 with very similar health issues, joint & back pain. Plus diabetes!! Married with Golden Retriever Cassie. I live 25 miles outside of Boston. My lap-band date is June 30th. I can't wait. 5' 6" was 275 now 260. You will meet the Weight & BMI requirements. and you have the other Co-morbidities. The insurance may have their own weight loss requirements. Call them and ask them to get all the info sent to you or were to find that info online.

Let me know how it goes. This site has very nice people willing to share all their info and help.

I also go to the Sixties forum to relate to people my own age.

Good Luck,

CarolD':smile2:

Hi,

just winding my way through this site...haven't had much experience writing online, but here I am, and this is who I am: married woman, 5'1" (used to be 5'4"!), 275 lbs; live with hubby & 3 cats (one is buttons, which makes me, buttonsmommy). I started gaining weight in 9th grade, had some plateaus and several losses along the way but re-gained each time plus more. I'm 60 now and if I don't change things I'll just get worse and worse. My life has become very limited. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low thyroid, crappy knees from osteo, low back pain w/arthritis, and a strong emotional connection with food. I have one consult with the bariatric psychologist but definitely will need more than one visit! Had one surgeon consult, so far, so good. Only need to lose 5% of weight to fulfill program, not sure how insurance company is going to fight me, but I'm sure they'll find a way. I vacillate between band and bypass, but leaning heavily toward banding. I hope to learn a lot here, already encouraged, good to connect with others in the same place. :smile2:

I'm also in my 60's +:thumbup: and have a lot of medical issues as you do.

Just got banded on 3/17/10, actually thought I wouldn't get accepted because of age, but when I brought up about joining Weight Watchers again my cardiologist suggested I have Lap Band, less invasive then bypass, removable if necessary, and recovery not as long. He even said if I had to pay for it out of pocket I should consider it. Prior to my decision to lose weight, I was given about five more years (my body was sliding down the mountain and the brain was on the peak) couldn't let that happen. I have pulmonary hypertension excerise induced (which is a no win situation he said) and only breathe 94% room air, dystolic dysfunction (left side of heart enlarged and like shoe leather), hypertension, diabetes, etc. Now with 22 lb weight loss I feel about 45 years old. I was just 100 pounds overweight and doctors say I only need to lose 50-60 pounds to feel like a new woman. I wonder if I would feel like a teenager if I lost the whole 100 lbs:thumbup:, going to try but really just want to prolong life to maybe see and enjoy a great grandchild someday.

The reason I actually decided on lap band is the fact, if necessary, it can be removed. Had to see the phychologist and once tested actually got approved immediately. Then I went through six months of supervised weight loss with my primary care physician (didn't lose any weight:thumbdown:) but the insurance company actually didn't care if I lost because as soon as it was completed I had the approval within a month. Think it is just a hoop they make you jump through to see how serious you are about this. Now if I had this to do all over, I would have done it years ago when I first start down that mountain. So this is my story on my journey to a new life

So good luck on your journey, on whatever surgery you decide. You will definitely feel much better than you do now and life will be prolonged.

Hi Gals,

I just talked to my sister-in-law. She was banded middle of March. She lost 14 lb. pre-op and 16 post-op

so 30 total. She has had NO complications and is now back to "Real Food"!! Still losing 1-2lbs. a week so not going to have a fill until she hits a plateau(sp?).

Well, the best thing to do is take it one day at a time.

I started by having 1-3 Protein shakes a day and a small meal. I have had the occational treat or small cheat but just a Normal serving. It helped to shrink my stomach. Plus lots of water, tea & homemade Lemon or Lime aide. (hate crystal lite). I'm going to buy some unflavored Whey Protein powder to mix into broths or other foods (Yogurt, applesauce etc.)

Check out the "age specific" 60's group further down in the forums list:wink2:!!

Hi there,

I haven't been banded yet (June 14th), and am new here myself, but as a fellow cat lover, just wanted to say hello! I hope you are able to make an easy decision that you feel good about.

I researched gastric vs LAP-BAND® too. Decided LAP-BAND® was for me. I turned 40 last year, have lost 100 lbs TWICE, on my own and decided I needed something to help me keep it off and to support me. This is it!

Good luck to us and give your kitties a scratch! :tongue2:

SunD