Im 56 been obese forever. From 2-22 at 22 I did phen phen at lost 80 lds At last i was a normal weight 5ft 4 125. From 22-50. I managed to stay at a healthy wright under 15o. Felt good in my skin and was healthy. Then menopause hit. Her i am 5 years later at 186. Please no the decision to have the sleeve has not come easy i had am bmi of 3o last sept was 175 lds and decided to cx the surgery ,,i gave it more time well more time has gotten me now another 11 lds,,,and more health issues,,,ive made the choice this time,,,i will not be going to mexico.,im self pay and will be going to lake norman weight loss in NC ,,,yes its twice the price as mexico. But the travel is a 6 hour car ride,,and i have insurance if something goes wrong,,,i am so sick of living life of an obese person.,,i am to young to feel this short of breath ..have high cholesterol. And have such bad arthritus,,,i only pray i dont miss food..,i love to go out to eat have a glass of wine or 4 lol,,,,but my mind is made up. So guys encourage me..i start my preop 2 week medifast next week,,,,hope i can adhere to it.

Hi Sha, I am also in my 50s, had my surgery about 2 years ago. Like you, I struggled with my weight but was successful (like a yo-yo) in dieting. As you get older, I was just so tiiiiiiiiireed of doing that, and I felt if I really let myself go I could be 350 in no time flat. I had had enough.

I also opted for private pay here in the US. I am close to Mexico, but chose a center of excellence because I believe strongly in the success that follow-up after surgery brings. I am a band patient and currently at goal with my weight. I just wish I would have done this in my 30s!

As for missing food, that has not been a problem for me (I was afraid of that too). I believe I now eat like a "normal" person, and I'm satisfied ... Truly ... With those portions. It is the part that has made WLS surgery successful for me, where no amount of dieting ever was.

I wish you all the very best. The liquid diet is very temporary, so keep that in mind. It also makes you feel "lighter" and healthier very quickly, so that is a plus to hold on to. Again, it is temporary, so enjoy the the "cleanse."

Hi Sha0717!

I applaud you - you have made what I feel is a positive and productive decision to have WLS and change your life and your health for the better.

I'm 51 yrs old, had the lap band surgery in 2008. I lost 85 lbs in 14 months and then 'relaxed' a bit too much and gained a little back. I'm losing the regained weight now and am determined not to stop until I hit my goal.

You've got a great plus going for you - you've lived life at a normal weight! Revisit that time in your life, feel those feelings, remember what it felt like to be healthier and stronger, and hang on to those feelings when it gets tough. Congrats again on your decision, and I wish you nothing but the best!