I've noticed most of the lap band postings are from women who seem younger. I would like to hear how the over 50 crowd are doing with their bands. Is there anything different as far as the age issues? I am suppose to be getting the band in about a month. It appears that a lot of the things I have read seem to relay the message that if you have a lot of weight to lose that banding might not be affective. Is this true, I need to lose over a 130 pounds. Have people lost as much as that on the banding technique?

Thanks

vericks

just thought i would put in an update--no one has posted here in weeks!!!

i have been scheduled for surgery on may 11th in monterrey, mx. i am very excited. i just want to LIVE through surgery and have a fairly easy

recovery. where are all us older folks at lately??:confused:

I just turned 51 in March. I was banded Nov. 05 and have lost 31 lbs. I didn't loose much until the 2nd fill but now I am averaging about 1.5 lbs per week. I really started losing weight when I finally gave up my wine and margaritas :confused:

I will turn 50 in December, I figure I'm close enough to pitch in here. If not, sue me. *laughs*

As you can see in my signature lines, I've been banded just over 3 months and have lost 45 pounds since. Add in the 16 I lost on the pre-op diet and that makes 61 pounds.

I have heard theories that as we grow older our metabolisms slow, making it harder for us to lose weight. But I think my progress has equalled many younger women here on LBT. In fact, in the spring of 1983 when I was 26, I lost 60 pounds in 4 months. I re-gained that and more during my pregnanacy with my second child. (funny how weight loss can cause that to happen). Anyway, all my life I have looked back on that time and told myself that I would probably never again see that kind of rapid weight loss. Luckily, I was wrong!

Hello again, 51 and feeling pretty good, I'm working on getting used to my fickle band, one day I can eat just about anything, (even if I dont!) and the next day its hard to eat anything. More good days than bad lately. In down a total of 43 lbs now, I haven't exercised much, dealing with many allergies, breathing. Seems strange. I Hope your surgery goes well, I have faith that it will! Let us know as soon as you feel like posting again and let us hear of your experience OK?

I'm 59 and today is my 3 week anniversary so I'm still on mushies. My biggest goal is to increase my activity level. I have a desk job and a long commute. Some days I'm able to get out of the office to take a mid-day walk and I try to spend a few minutes on the Healthrider when I get home, but I know it's not really enough to kick my metabolism into high gear. I'm working on it.

My first fill is scheduled for May 12th and I'm nervous and excited at the same time. My hiatal hernia was not repaired during band placement so I have a semi-constricted pouch. If I eat my mushies too fast I get hiccups and I've had some heartburn. I've been on Prevacid for years and I'm still taking it now. I guess I'll have to be particularly careful about my diet after the fill. Maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones who won't need too many fills before I get enough restriction.

Good luck to everyone else and best wishes keeping those old bones lubricated.

Ellen

I Am 57 And Am Waiting On A Phone Call From Nurse Today As To My Surgery Date....i Have About 180 Lbs To Lose,been Heavy All My Life.i Am Reallt Getting Nervous,but Hey Guys,at Our Age,we've Been Through Worse,right? Wishing You All Well.

I'm 51 and thanks to Lapband feel like I'm 35. I've been banded just 2 months and have only lost 26 lbs, but it is amazing what a difference it has made in the way I feel both mentally and physically.

I have a friend at church that was banded 2 weeks before me and she is 73. She is doing great and has lost 39 lbs! We may be getting older, but we're also getting better!

Hey I thought I was the Nana of this bunch at 62 and you tell me we have a 73. Allright!!!. I am one week out today and doing wonderful. Was banded by Dr. Spiegel- Houston. Have not had any problems except a little gas and still no hunger.What a bunch of swingin grannies we are gonna be.

I'm 59 and will get the band in June. I am anxious to get started. I figure I got a few more years in this old body, so it was time for an overhaul!

Well I Feel Better Now!!!!!!....still Anxious....got My Date...may 25!!!!!!! Get A Bunch Of Info In Mail In A Few Days.oh My Goodness,i Am Excited For Everyone....what If We Would Have Had This Tool 35 Years Ago!!!!!!

Hi All...

I'm 56 and will be banded on Monday. I'm very excited and experiencing some intermittent fears (mostly totally irrational) as well. Thanks for starting this thread. A haven for seasoned bandsters. I like that :clap2:.

I had just turned 53 when I had the surgery. At that time i was feeling about 63. i am now down about 50 lbs and feeling younger every day. I can feel every pound coming off my knees and I am able again to crawl around in my garden. My only concern is when I loose the rest of my 120 or so lbs, I won't have the elasticity in the skin of a younger person and have more hanging skin. I keep well oiled and use a skin tightening lotion but I do not expect miracles!!:confused:

:confused: The thread for "over 50" caught my eye.

I am 54 and considering the surgery. I have about 80 pounds or so to lose. My BMI is 38.8 and my insurance should be ok if I decide to do this. Right now I am in the researching stage and am spending lots of time online gathering facts. The BEST is reading actual experiences.

I have asked for snail mail info from a couple of surgeons in the Indy area and awaiting that. Hubby is supportive.

This is a BIG decision to have to make but I am SICK of battling weight and my huge appetite and from what I have read this surgery may give me the tools I need to successfully get smaller/healthier. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Kathy :confused:

Just got banded and this is my second day of recovery. Not too bad! I am having pain in my neck and shoulder. A place I never thought I would feel pain, I thought more would come from the abdominal but the pain in my shoulder and neck are worse. I've been sleeping propped up and that has helped, might be something you will want to add on your list is to get a slanted othopedic pillow. This really does help because pillows give to much. Also used Ben Gay joint and pain strips. This has helped to relieve some of the pain. I also have one of those neck pillows that vibrates, big help especially when you need some sleep. I am up walking slowly but surely, no problem with the walking. It helps to walk and helps rid you of gas. My head neck and throat area still hurts but seems to be a little better. Any suggestions? My husband has been trying to massage my shoulder. I think I will get one of those hand vibrators. Like I said the Ben Gay patches have helped me to sleep. I am strictly on popsicles, water, and occasional jello. I found that the water bottles with the sip tops work the best to keep sipping on water. Had a little trouble with keeping some of the jello and popsicle down but not much. I probably ate them too fast.Thanks heavens for the sugar free popsicles. Not really hungry yet, just want the shoulder pain to leave. The more I sit up and walk the more it seems to help. When do you think this shoulder and neck pain will let up?

Vickie

It took about 3 weeks for my shoulder pain to go away.........but it did eventually! Heating pads helped me the most. Hang in there!