They have added a forum for us - let's post here... So we can share with the new people....

Any more "50 and over" on this Fine Labor Day?

I can chime in. I’m almost 64 and been banded well over a decade. Very happy with my decision....

however... they’re are days my band is NOT agreeable, so liquids ( ok frozen yogurt or indulgence frozen) may help
I get through it , and it can still be frustrating because I can’t see it coming.
All and all, I delight in being 90 lbs lighter thru life. I find this world easier to negotiate at a “normal” size... whatever that means to each of us .

Hi,

I’ve been banded since 2012. It was slow at first with no restriction and needed allot of fill. I finally got to a good place but added a little more and it got too tight but I loved the rapid weight loss . I lost about 100 pounds and then starting to infill they found a slip took out most fluid and weight started going up. Then they found another slip ( I had no idea). This was in May and they took all the fluid out and have been slowly filling. As soon as it was out my body’s digestion seemed different. I never had gas and as soon as I would eat anything I would have gas. I’ve been really watching what I eat and volume plus increased exercise to walk/jog 3 mikes most days. The weight is just coming on line gang busters. I feel like where is it coming from is every calories eat is being stored to fat. My stomach doesn’t hurt but it just looks so big like it’s bloated. I’m getting so depressed. Just had another fill which I’m at 6.5 and still don’t think feel anything (possibly a little). Has anyone had similar body reactions? I’m not normally a gassy person and I didn’t have it after first slip but they didn’t take all out. I know I have or did have insulin resistance when I was at high weights. I am so sick of this body I said I would never go to again!!

Hello! I had my doctor consultation last Friday October 12. I'm still undecided about what I want but leaning toward Lap-Band. I'm scared about my GERD getting worse. I control it very well with a herb. Anyone else have issues with lap-band and GERD? My doctor says he takes out more lap-bands than he puts in. I don't want to have to take it out. Another thing I'm afraid of is extreme excess skin. I'd rather be a overweight than to have skin hanging and I don't have the money to do excess skin surgery.

Our insurance pays for it but we have very high deductible and will probably end up paying for most of it. My insurance won't let me have the surgery for 6 months. I have to see a dietitian every month, see psychologist and get an upper GI. I've been trying to lose weight since I was 13. I have a private trainer at my gym for 8 years and I've been going to a weight loss clinic for 25 years off and on. I'm very frustrated. Any suggestions or opinions would be much appreciated.

Edited October 17, 20187 yr by armartin98

Hi Armartin,

I have had the lapband for ten years, and am having it switched to a sleeve. The lapband resolved my GERD-- I had a small hiatal hernia and they corrected that when they put in the lapband. I imagine they would also do that for the sleeve.

Sorry about the insurance issues. But I had to go through a 4 month prep and they almost flunked me on the psychology test. I had to lose 10% of my weight, to prove the weight would go down with calorie restriction. Not all people can lose weight well with diet and exercise. One reason I'm glad to get the sleeve is I can't manage travelling to see a specific doctor every two months. Lapband doctors and hospitals that deal with lapbands are few and far between here in N CA.

My GERD has been bad when I was 120 pounds and when I was 220 pounds. I am 10 years out, gained some weight back but still glad I did it. I was a normal weight most of my life until my mid 30s...exercise nearly every day for 40 some years. Still, I got heavier and heavier. Like food too much and stay up late at night at computer and get hungry and eat too late! Have to starve myself to lose weight...always cling to weight and gain easily for 30 years. Had large hiatal hernia fixed when band was placed but its back somewhat. I am glad I had the band surgery but may change to a sleeve. I recommend the band, especially if you have been struggling and struggling with your weight for years. Its only a tool, but a pretty good one. I have probably stretched my band...that's my fault. I say do it but don't be surprised if you GERD eventually comes back. Good luck! Take the leap!

On ‎9‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 2:00 AM, c945105 said:

Hi,

I’ve been banded since 2012. It was slow at first with no restriction and needed allot of fill. I finally got to a good place but added a little more and it got too tight but I loved the rapid weight loss . I lost about 100 pounds and then starting to infill they found a slip took out most Fluid and weight started going up. Then they found another slip ( I had no idea). This was in May and they took all the fluid out and have been slowly filling. As soon as it was out my body’s digestion seemed different. I never had gas and as soon as I would eat anything I would have gas. I’ve been really watching what I eat and volume plus increased exercise to walk/jog 3 mikes most days. The weight is just coming on line gang busters. I feel like where is it coming from is every calories eat is being stored to fat. My stomach doesn’t hurt but it just looks so big like it’s bloated. I’m getting so depressed. Just had another fill which I’m at 6.5 and still don’t think feel anything (possibly a little). Has anyone had similar body reactions? I’m not normally a gassy person and I didn’t have it after first slip but they didn’t take all out. I know I have or did have insulin resistance when I was at high weights. I am so sick of this body I said I would never go to again!!

How did you like your doctor?

I’m way past 50. But glad to be here! Surgery: 12/11/06
Banded and healthy. 85-90 lbs gone (depending on if I go out to eat and drink )
Hope to see other long term older bandsters here
Not a lot of us chat...

I am 54 an have lost 42 pounds since 9/26 when I had my surgery.

Hello! Glad I found this thread. I am 52 and had sleeve surgery on 10/10. The first 5 days or so were terrible (vomiting and REALLY REALLY bad heartburn - like I thought I was having a heart attack!) Since then (knock on wood) I’ve been doing great! Any advise anyone would like to share with a “newbie” would be appreciated!!

I am 51 and about to have surgery on 10/30. I’m terrified.

On 10/24/2018 at 19:34, amiekinsRN said:

I am 51 and about to have surgery on 10/30. I’m terrified.

I’m 52 and had mine on 10/10. I was terrified too - but I did it and I’m glad I did!! Good luck!!

Thanks!

Amie.... like Tom Petty said:
The waiting is the hardest part!
I was truly scared the night before surgery, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life! Almost 12 years later.... still happy and healthy... best of luck. Push through it!!