I read a post that someone in their 60's wrote and

said there was nowhere to go where people are in

their age group. I thought maybe they would like to

have a thread where the 60 yr old (and/or older)

people could come and talk with people around the

same age.

Hi everyone, How did you survive the holidays? Yesterday I thought I had lost a pound in spite of all the unhealthy snacking I've been doing. Today the pound was back and it had doubled! I should go back to my pre-op diet and clear out the carbs. Next fill is the 15th.

Genea: Good luck with your surgery. Stay strong and postiive.

To all you over 60 bandsters, the best to you in 2008.

These are before. Wish I had afters!

Sharon

You will have the afters

Well, things are moving along swimmingly. I've finished everything needed for the surgeon, and just waiting for the PCP letters and forwarding everything to the surgeon. Then appt with surgeon will be the next step.....

We're headed to Quartzsite on the 17th and will be there thru, probably the 26, so if anyone will be there during that time would love to meet up with you.

I'm wondering what you are all doing for your arthritis? I hear we won't be able to take our meds for it, and that may very well be a deal breaker for me. I'm sure, huddling in a ball, wimpering would not allow me to exercise, let alone do anything else, I have severe arthritis in my back, knees, hips and hands. Do any of your surgeons make exceptions for us older ladies and gents?

would love to hear your remedies and suggestions.

Well, things are moving along swimmingly. I've finished everything needed for the surgeon, and just waiting for the PCP letters and forwarding everything to the surgeon. Then appt with surgeon will be the next step.....

We're headed to Quartzsite on the 17th and will be there thru, probably the 26, so if anyone will be there during that time would love to meet up with you.

I'm wondering what you are all doing for your arthritis? I hear we won't be able to take our meds for it, and that may very well be a deal breaker for me. I'm sure, huddling in a ball, wimpering would not allow me to exercise, let alone do anything else, I have severe arthritis in my back, knees, hips and hands. Do any of your surgeons make exceptions for us older ladies and gents?

would love to hear your remedies and suggestions.

Hi,

We are in Desert Hot Springs and will definitely be going to Quartzsite later this month. I'm not sure about the date yet. We usually just go over for the day... leave about 7a.m. and stay all day. Keep in touch. Would love to meet up over there.

Don't know what to tell you about the arthritis meds. I used to take something for mine, but now just tough it out. Mineral springs hot water pool/spas down here helps a lot. Not nearly the pain I have when I'm up in WA. In fact, almost non-existent. Recommendation is no NSAIDS after banding, but I do take Ibuprofen occassionally for headaches. I'm sure they can work something out for you.

Well, things are moving along swimmingly. I've finished everything needed for the surgeon, and just waiting for the PCP letters and forwarding everything to the surgeon. Then appt with surgeon will be the next step.....

We're headed to Quartzsite on the 17th and will be there thru, probably the 26, so if anyone will be there during that time would love to meet up with you.

I'm wondering what you are all doing for your arthritis? I hear we won't be able to take our meds for it, and that may very well be a deal breaker for me. I'm sure, huddling in a ball, wimpering would not allow me to exercise, let alone do anything else, I have severe arthritis in my back, knees, hips and hands. Do any of your surgeons make exceptions for us older ladies and gents?

would love to hear your remedies and suggestions.

Hi,

We are in Desert Hot Springs and will definitely be going to Quartzsite later this month. I'm not sure about the date yet. We usually just go over for the day... leave about 7a.m. and stay all day. Keep in touch. Would love to meet up over there.

Don't know what to tell you about the arthritis meds. I used to take something for mine, but now just tough it out. Mineral springs hot water pool/spas down here helps a lot. Not nearly the pain I have when I'm up in WA. In fact, almost non-existent. Recommendation is no NSAIDS after banding, but I do take Ibuprofen occassionally for headaches. I'm sure they can work something out for you.

I take celebrex for mine. My dr. said it's fine as long as I make sure to drink

a lot of water so that it goes through the band and doesn't sit in the pouch.

I have lost a few more lbs. I did good over the holidays. I didn't gain anything.

I think I finally have perfect restriction now. I can only eat a little bit, which is fine with me. I make sure to drink a protein drink every day so I get all

my protein in.

I was taken off mobic for 2 weeks prior to being banded. That's to keep us from having excess bleeding. I was banded Aug 2006 and I'm doing fine. I'm riddled with arthritis and must take something. I can't tolerate Advil at all. I get sever gastritis and end up in the hospital.

The band is worth all the effort.

Good luck.....

Judy

Hello oldies but goodies...I am 67 years old. I live in Northern Calif. I am looking for a WLS. I have called a number of sergeons in my area and no one wants to talk to me at my AGE. I have a BMI of around 32.1. I have about 70 lbs to lose. I am so unconfortable @ my present weight. I know I will be a self pay, but I really did not want to go to MX. Any help or ideas??? Thanks, Jann

I am sure my doctor would do your surgery. We are 100 miles north of the CA border on the coast. Call him. His number is 541-267-5151

Dr. Steven Tersigni

He just raised his price from 10,000 to 12,500 It's more than Mexico. You get 3 fills with the surgery.

You might consider Las Vegas. I don't know for sure but your BMI may be too low for medicare to cover you, unless you have some co-morbities....acid reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol , sleep apnea,

the center in vegas is called Surgical Weight Control Center of Nevada,

http://bandandbypass.com (702)221-8446. I live in Northern Nevada and will be going down there for my surgery. I'm 65.

Dear Thin Again Jann....Dr. Tersigini in Coos Bay did my lapband and I am 68. My BMI was 42 (higher than yours), but I agree with Denise, that I think he would do it. I had some problems over Christmas (gained about six pounds, but I've lost four of them). I have another fill planned for Jan. 23 and am hopeful that the "sweetspot" will be found. Even though I gained some, I am still down 28 pounds from Oct. 15. And, if I hadn't had the band, I'd have gained many, many pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Now I need to get to the gym or walk or something!!! I'm feeling stiff and awkward...I know it's just getting started and building exercise into a habit. Any 60 bandsters have any thoughts on exercise? I need some motivational stories. Happy New Year to you all!!!! Thanks, marilyn

Well, I am 61, self pay and I did go to Mexico. Easy, good experience. I am not a patient coordinator - only a past patient.

Gastric Lap Band Surgery Surgery in Mexico Bariatric Surgical Clinic, Lap Band Surgeons This lady lost 98 pounds after survery with Dr. Huacuz.

Dr. Huacuz in TJ is very professional, educated and experienced. I paid $7500 instead of $13,000 to $15,000 needed for Houston Dr. Everything was included. No extra charges. Everyone spoke English.

There is a great Dr. in Houston who now does my fills for $150. Just got my second yesterday. "Sweet spots" come and go. I found mine again. Yeaaa.

Mexico is always an option, but believe me - it is not a last resort. There is a good thread here about doing research on Mexico Drs. You have to be comfortable with your decision. I am going back there for more surgery hopefully in March.

Dear Thin Again Jann....Dr. Tersigini in Coos Bay did my lapband and I am 68. My BMI was 42 (higher than yours), but I agree with Denise, that I think he would do it. I had some problems over Christmas (gained about six pounds, but I've lost four of them). I have another fill planned for Jan. 23 and am hopeful that the "sweetspot" will be found. Even though I gained some, I am still down 28 pounds from Oct. 15. And, if I hadn't had the band, I'd have gained many, many pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Now I need to get to the gym or walk or something!!! I'm feeling stiff and awkward...I know it's just getting started and building exercise into a habit. Any 60 bandsters have any thoughts on exercise? I need some motivational stories. Happy New Year to you all!!!! Thanks, marilyn

I have not been banded yet (just finishing up my required 6 month supervised diet), but have been working on increasing my exercise now so it won't be as big a challenge post op. I have been going to Curves for the last couple years (living proof you can eat enough to cancel out their workout, but I figure some exercise is better than none), and recently started walking. I found a park near where I live that has a nice asphalt walking path and when I started going there, a coworker told me to be sure to take peanuts for the squirrels. I did and found that giving treats to the squirrels made the walking fun for me. Some are tame enough they will come up and take the peanut from my fingers. There are black ones and brown ones. Sometimes I see a lot and sometimes only a few, plus lots of wild birds. People bike, walk, and walk their dogs there too, so I have met lots of nice people and dogs. I usually warn the squirrels with "Doggielert" so they can disappear while the dogs pass by. I look forward to the walks, even to the point of going in the rain, juggling my umbrella and bag of peanuts in case I met any squirrels (I did see a handful). The trick is to find something you enjoy doing that you will do consistently. I am waiting for spring so the daylight will last long enough for me to stop at the park on the way home from work. Right now it is dark by then. By walking outside I am getting fresh air, natural vitamin D, as well as exercise. I would go everyday if it wasn't dark. Curves I do after work to fill in the gap. I will be 63 in February, and my BMI is around 37, but I have every comorbidity except diabetes, so I am hoping for a surgery date sometime in February.