Hello, I’m a soon to be 65 y/o male considering bariatric surgery. I'm 5'10" about 240 lbs. My primary motivation is for weight loss which should improve my blood sugar control and overall health. I have been insulin dependent for over ten years and need ever increasing quantities of two types insulin(Lantus & Humalog) to keep my blood sugar in check. I am retired and live a sedentary lifestyle, mostly because I lack energy. I also have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, compromised kidney function. I will be eligible for Medicare in March. My current health insurance does not cover this type of surgery (Obamacare). I do have several concerns about surgery. When I attended the surgeon’s seminar I asked the question “I think most people in this auditorium will tell you they eat because they are hungry. I have a tremendous appetite. My idea of Hell is being hungry and not being able to eat enough food to satisfy my appetite.” He told me that the band does not affect your appetite but the gastric sleeve and bypass do reduce your hunger by increasing or decreasing two hormones, ghrelin being one of them. Now, I’m a born skeptic and this doctor, who seems to be pushing the sleeve over the other two, obviously has a horse in the race. That is why I’m on this forum, to get information from people who’ve had the surgery. I’m a retired chef and have been in the food business all my life. It's a huge part of my identity.I’m afraid that I won’t want to or be able to prepare & eat interesting food that I love. I also love to entertain and dine out. For the last year I’ve been trying to eating low-carb with pretty good success. My blood sugar has improved but I’m not living the life I want to be. Up until recently I was very active, cycling, golfing, fishing, yard work, working out, etc. Now I lack the energy I need to do these things. I’m hoping that losing 40-50 pounds will make me healthier and give me more energy. Do you think it will? Thank you very much!

Zackly, i am 5 days post op from lapband revised to bypass. Why bypass? The band is a complete failure for me due to complications and me not listening to the surgical experts. I am 58 had the band at 51 lost, regained, lot health issues, thyroid, kidney stones insulin Resistance. Do not turn a blind eye to the bypass, it is still the gold standard. The sleeve is good if reflux is not in the picture. It was a no brainer for me as reflux was the reason i could not sleep, by pass was the way for me. Yes i had to get around that part where my plumbing was rerouted. I take one small chewable vitamin a day for the rest of my life, i was anyway. And pump up the calcium. I was 236 preop weight 231 5'3" tall. I was concerned about my age, in the end it did not make the difference. My health, my life with my husband, and our dreams together are what has made the difference. Go for it, being free of the things that made you sick was the catalyst for me. I have post op pain yes. I am doing everything the doc saya to do so I plan on being successful. Let is all know your decision.