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Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot



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I hope you don't mind joining this group. I'm just beginning to explore the possibility and finding so much wonderful info here. I have found out that my insurance will cover the surgery. And today i requested a list of requirements be sent to me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better.

Pat

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Welcome Pat. This thread is just filled with inspiration! I love it. I'm in the waiting stage, too - my paperwork is in place, scheduling a sleep study as required by my doc, consultation scheduled for early September. Waiting is a bummer, but I'm using the time to learn everything I can - and a lot of it is learned right here.

It sounds like you have gotten off to a good start. Good luck on your journey.

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2bthinagn--I second what has already been said here-----give yourself a lot of credit for the 50lbs. Plus you have kept it off! That's great. Sounds like your spinal condition is really painful and restrictive. I was just reading someplace on the board that losing 1lbs removes 4psi from our joints. I was very interested in that because I have spinal disc degeneration around my neck. My spinal cord is flatted in that area and it causes numbing in all 4 limbs. I also have (had!) a fair amount of pain in my neck -- shoulder and down my arm into my fingers. I have lived with that for about 5 or 6 years and it was 1 of the things that really pushed me to get the band. I can't believe the difference with just losing half of the excess weight. I started physical therapy 3 weeks ago and the improvement already is such a blessing. The therapist thinks she may actually be able to make the pain go away and restore the shape of my spinal cord. The reason I'm saying this --is I'm wondering if you have tried PT or talked with your MD about it. When I talked with my neurosurgeon, who has an excellent rep, he told me that PT could probably help with any bursitis that may be in the shoulder but it wouldn't help the neck or spine. I found out that physicians don't always fully know what PT can accomplish. I'm wondering if you got PT if it would help you feel better. That might, in turn, help you with pool exercise and renewing your energy cutting calories.

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Just back from my day in the mountains. It was a gorgeous, perfect day. It was 101 down here and up at the top of the summit of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mtn nat'l park it was 68....AHHHHH!! We stopped several times to walk, take pics of elk, picnic etc. and I was so excited. Last year when we went up there I was out of breath just crossing the street (remember this is at about 11,000 elevation) and this year, I hiked a total of about 2 miles in short spurts and did great! At the summit there is this staircase to the very top of the mtn. and about 12,000+ elevation. Next year, I will climb those stairs!

There's been 2 pages of posts since I last checked yesterday so know I am forgetting some, but congrats on the surgeries, welcome to the newbies.

Diane, thanks for the friends request! Enjoy Branson!

Elayne, I had so many doubts 2 days preop I almost cancelled the surgery, now 6 weeks out I am so relieved I didn't. I am already off my b/p meds, I am down 44 lbs (10 was before) and I am riding a bike, hiking, and doing a little walking (bad knee). My energy level is amazing considering where it was!

Janet, thanks for the concern on my knee, I am bone on bone in it. I have gotten some cartlidge type injections that have helped a lot and they say every pound is like 4 lbs on your knees so I have taken off 160 lbs of pressure! BUt I am very careful with it.

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Hi to all tonight. I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing these last few days. I want to say to the newbies that are beginning their journey that I too, was petrified about this decision and how it was going to change my life. I just kept telling myself that the decision I have made is for my health and if it helps me, then this is good. It has helped. Banded on June 18 I lost 19 lbs in my first month. I have not had a fill yet but looking forward to it. Don't be afraid to have the band. It is great and I am glad I had it put on. I am glad everyone is doing well tonight and will write more later.

Beckyo:thumbup:

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I have a question.....Is it common to get a headache a few days after banding? I have had a nagging headache on the right side of my head all day long.....not real bad, but bothersome. Did anyone have this?

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I have a question.....Is it common to get a headache a few days after banding? I have had a nagging headache on the right side of my head all day long.....not real bad, but bothersome. Did anyone have this?

Sorry about the headaches. No I didn't get them. Question, have you given up sodas and/or caffeine since then? I gave up my diet Pepsi the week before and had awful headaches then.

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Sorry about the headaches. No I didn't get them. Question, have you given up sodas and/or caffeine since then? I gave up my diet Pepsi the week before and had awful headaches then.

I gave up iced tea. That could be it. Anyway, I just took some liquid tylenol and drank more Water. I was used to drinking 8 glasses of Water and I think I only had 4. I need to be deligent about writing it all down. Hey, my diet says pureed eggs.....do you poach them then puree them?;)

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Thanks for the warm welcome! I don't think i've ever found a site that is so positive and full of encouragement! Looking forward to continuing this journey with you!

hugs,Pat

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Charlene--Sounds like you might want to call your MD.

Thanks for your concern.....I woke up this morning headache free and a stuffy nose. I think it is partly due to all those drugs they give you during surgery. The other part is this crazy Texas weather.....hot and humid. Anyway, I am feeling good this morning other than being a little hungry. I am trying to follow the drs directions on the diet. I think I will be more satisfied staying on the Protein Shakes. This pureed food leaves you kinda hungry. ;)

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My instructions from the dietician say to keep up with two Protein Shakes a day (or 56+ grams of protein) between meals until I can eat that much in food. Which will be after I'm done with pureed foods.

I'll bet it was the iced tea that caused the headache -- or the lack of it! it does have some caffeine as well as theobromine. I love the stuff but had to give it up as even if I drink it in the morning these days, it interferes with my sleep that night. When I do have some, which is rare, I quickly get a buzz! LOL

Orea

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My instructions from the dietician say to keep up with two Protein Shakes a day (or 56+ grams of protein) between meals until I can eat that much in food. Which will be after I'm done with pureed foods.

I'll bet it was the iced tea that caused the headache -- or the lack of it! it does have some caffeine as well as theobromine. I love the stuff but had to give it up as even if I drink it in the morning these days, it interferes with my sleep that night. When I do have some, which is rare, I quickly get a buzz! LOL

Orea

The tea was probably a factor. I will just have to use Decaf tea from now on. Yeah, the dietician gave me a list of pureed foods and then the dr's nurse told me he wanted me to stay on Protein Drinks for two weeks. I tried the pureed stuff ....cream of wheat, Tomato soup.....I am going to make Protein shakes primary and add puree in between. I just need to keep it written down!

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    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • 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!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • 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.

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