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Fifty + & gonna-be-banded



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Well, having just completed the surgery last week at age 59 I certainly wouldn't let age cause you any doubt. I found I was doing less things with my grandkids than I wanted and tired of not feeling good about myself. My insurance sat in my request for ages so I mentally geared up to continue with preop diet on my own and it was an "easy" one for me and I didn't feel like I was on a diet. Simply put it was 6 small meals, 8 glasses of Water, no refined sugars, no (minimal) fat, whole grains, fresh vegies and fruit. Those months on this regime is good training. I felt better within a couple weeks. I lost 36 lbs pre op (surgery 12/28 Dr Hanafy Kent, WA) Everyone chooses these procedures for varied reasons. For me it was a drastic step becuase usually I lose lots of weight then gain back more. I will not risk stretching my little stomach now and having to have it removed or additional surgery. Hopefully, there is a support group in your area than you can attend and air your concerns. Best wishes in whatever route you choose!

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Hi,

I am now 51 but I was banded in February 2002, almost 6 years now. I have had my ups and downs with it, but to be totally honest, the downs have been my own doing.

You still have to be committed to changing your lifestyle and doing what it takes to lose, proper nutrion and exercise.

Prior to banding I was a diabetic on insulin, had had one heart attack (at age 38), severe coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and so many other things, it would take forever to list.

I initially lost over 120 pounds, relapsed if you will, had all of the fill removed which left me with next to nothing in the way of restriction. I pigged out and put back on every once. But considering the way I was eating, it was no big surprise. I have since dealt with my emotional issues, which were what was the worst for me, and have now dropped 102 lbs and plan on 2008 being the year I finally hit my goal!!!!

Even with all of my health issues, having the band has been the best thing I ever did for myself. I have had zero problems with it as long as I did not abuse it, eating the wrong foods and amounts.

Good luck. Make sure you work on any emotional issues you have regarding your weight. You don't have to have them solved yet, but if you are at least working on it, it will help in the long run.

Cindy

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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