Re: just starting the process, have questions

[Guest guest]

First, Go to Obesityhelp.com. Then Read responses from people who have had

the surgery. Then look at the before an after pictures and ask tons of

questions. That's what I did and then I joined this group.

In Columbus, Ohio

Mom to 7 beautiful children

RNY Open 6/26/02

Weight 435,180 Goal

Dr. Choben, Surgeon

God is on my side!

[Guest guest]

i did this for me so i could be around for my granddaughter. before i

couldn't run around sit on the floor with my ankles cross did i say that i

have thin and plump friends i was 42 i am now 50 feel great i joke with the

Drs. i have one thing fix then something else go i ask is there any warranty

on the parts lol so do for your self and you will be a little more heather i

still try to learn how to work the scanner so i good show you the of

biggggggggg me and medium

me these lady are get i read everything that comes my way i was doing things

wrong thank lady and gent just remember you are your on person good

Michele g. 50 east Boston mass.

god blessyou

isent you the angel copy my chanel did age 11years going on 35

[Guest guest]

Becky, welcome from a fellow newcomer. Since deciding to pursue WLS, I've

read the profiles of hundreds of folks, both youngish and not-so-youngish,

and I can tell you the enthusiasm in every story is contagious and

inspirational.

I am forty-one and sometimes think why didn't I do this sooner, but that

rusty old adage " There's no time like the present " resounds loud and clear

each time I doubt myself and makes perfect sense. The way I see it, we are at

a far greater risk without the surgery, as our weight continues to burden us.

Just my two cents. Take care, Becky.

in Louisville, Kentucky

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Welcome! I'm 47 and had my surgery three months ago, so............... I

think you're just the perfect age There is a lady on this list who had it

done at 62, I believe. You are going to get so many opinions. You need to do

your research and decide what's best for you.

Yes, there are risks with any major surgery. There are many risks to staying

obese, too! We can't decide for you, but are happy to try and answer any

questions you have. If you want to chat, email me anytime. I'm not an

expert, but I can share my experience with you.

Best wishes!

in California

Open RNY - 03/29/02

272.5/222.5 - as of 06/22/02

just starting the process, have questions

This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

someone in my age group.

[Guest guest]

Hi becky I had my surgery 10-24-01 at age 63 and I would do it again in a heart

beat. To date I have los 103 pounds and feel soooooooooo much better. My

starting weight was 314.5 and am now 211.5. Do what your heart tells you to do.

Bev L

[Guest guest]

Becky (You didn't sign your letter but your address has Becky), I am 52 and

have gone thru all the testing leading up to surgery. Now I am waiting for

approval and a date. Also, my mother had this surgery the first of the year

and she is 72 -- she is doing great and looks awesome. She hasn't had any

problems with her surgery. NO you are not to old and neither am I. I can't

wait to have my surgery and join all the wonderful people in this group who

have already crossed over. Do not let your friends and family scare you off

-- do your homework and learn as much as you can and then do what is best for

YOU. If you have any questions ask, someone out here will answer. God Bless

you on your journey.

in Sacramento

Dr. in Burlingame

Pre-op, waiting for insurance approval

380/330

[Guest guest]

Dear Becky, if it helps, I had my surgery (lap) Feb. 14th and I will be

53 in Nov. I have lost 65 lbs and have never felt younger. I have gone

roller blading with my grown children, and bowl, I go to the gym 4-5

days a week, swim and enjoy life more now then I have in the last 15 yrs.

Suzanne in Ca.

becky5148 wrote:

> This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

> bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

> information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

> mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

> thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

> friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

> I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

> tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

> weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

> someone in my age group.

>

>

> To Subscribe to 's weekly FREE Newsletter send an email to

> GBCookbook-subscribe@...

>

[Guest guest]

Had I not done it at 44, I would not have lived to see 50. I'm approaching 53

now, and wish I'd done it years ago. But this was fine By being so very ill

before surgery, maybe I trasure/value it more than I would have. I dunno.

I just know that we all die one way or another. I was going SOON, very soon. I

have a very radical procedure, the ne that's sposta malnourish you.

All I can say is: you do not have to be ill post-op. Things hapen, but most of

them can be fixed. And being malnourishd does not have to enter the picture.

just starting the process, have questions

This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

someone in my age group.

To Subscribe to 's weekly FREE Newsletter send an email to

GBCookbook-subscribe@...

[Guest guest]

I was 47 when I had my open RNY. I am approaching 49 in a coupla months. I

couldnt walk without extreme shortness of breath, severe pain in my knees,

ankles and feet, had high blood pressure, was developing diabetes, had chest

pains constantly, etc.

Since my surgery, I have a life.. I did have many complications and had to

undergo surgery twice more in 14 months. I have lost 188 pounds and no

longer have any of the above mentioned problems.I feel good for the first

time in my adult life.

I had my surgery revised in Feb due to a major complication that was

causing me to be malnourished. I now am able to take my vites and drink my

protein shakes each day adn feel great. I even went back to work recently ..

after not working for 20 plus years

I would do this surgery sooner if I had known that it would give me my

life back.. I recently went to a theme park, walked all day, rode roller

coasters, bumper cars, etc .. had a great time and had energy left to do

shopping at night..

Take care

Hugs,

from GA

open RNY 12/12/00

Revision 04/18/01

Revision 02/07/02

St wt.... 392

Cw........205

Wt loss... -187

[Guest guest]

Becky, I'm probably going to be 56 before my surgery comes around. At

this rate I'll be almost 60 before my plastic surgery <G>. Don't listen

to the thin ones, they don't know ANYTHING. After all, why would they?

They haven't had to research it. I think I read somewhere that they

decline the surgery for those over 60, so you have 10 years before you'd

be " too old " - I wouldn't delay, why wait before you can enjoy life? I

weigh almost 100 lbs less than you and getting up in the morning is a

nightmare. Weeding the lawn makes me SOB or causes reflux. Exercise....

*enjoying* exercise? Uhhhh - not in this body at this time. And for me,

that's no life. I think the only reason I'd consider not doing the

surgery would be if my love of food was so great that the idea of eating

a couple of tablespoons for a meal caused more distress than the

physical discomfort - and that's not the case here. I would gladly eat

less if I could feel full and satisfied.

Good luck!

Pam

Becky writes:

This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

someone in my age group.

[Guest guest]

Gosh, for all those over 60 having surgery, I hope I didn't offend you -

it was just something I read somewhere - maybe the philosophy of that

particular doc.... obviously there are a number of people over 60 who

have had the surgery and done very well. My mistake....

Pam in Niceville

[Guest guest]

Becky - I am not exactly in your age group, but I do know there are many around

the age of 50 who've had this surgery and are doing well. It's usually after

age 60 that the surgeon's say you're too old. You have a lot of life left to

live, and this surgery will allow you to live it as a healthier woman. Without

it, who knows when you might die from heart disease or other obesity-related

problems. Don't let those thin people talk you out of it. They have no idea

what it's like to live in your body. Just tell them to mind their own business,

or to try carrying around an extra 100 pounds of weight for 24 hours, and then

see how they feel. We will be here to support you through the process. Where

are you from?

Jeanne in WI

Age 38

Open RNY 05/21/2002

314/ 287 /150-175

5' 8 "

djgraves@...

[Guest guest]

Pam i will be 57 Sun. and even if it takes me to 60 to have plastics

done i may have it ,since us

baby boomers are not on SS until 67 that means 10 more years on my feet

to work so

anything that helps works for me ETHEL in Pa.

Pam Gotcher wrote:

> Becky, I'm probably going to be 56 before my surgery comes around. At

> this rate I'll be almost 60 before my plastic surgery <G>. Don't listen

> to the thin ones, they don't know ANYTHING. After all, why would they?

> They haven't had to research it. I think I read somewhere that they

> decline the surgery for those over 60, so you have 10 years before you'd

> be " too old " - I wouldn't delay, why wait before you can enjoy life? I

> weigh almost 100 lbs less than you and getting up in the morning is a

> nightmare. Weeding the lawn makes me SOB or causes reflux. Exercise....

> *enjoying* exercise? Uhhhh - not in this body at this time. And for me,

> that's no life. I think the only reason I'd consider not doing the

> surgery would be if my love of food was so great that the idea of eating

> a couple of tablespoons for a meal caused more distress than the

> physical discomfort - and that's not the case here. I would gladly eat

> less if I could feel full and satisfied.

>

> Good luck!

> Pam

>

>

> Becky writes:

> This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

> bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

> information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

> mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

> thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

> friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

> I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

> tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

> weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

> someone in my age group.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Hi Becky, Sorry for the same advice, but I agree with everyone

else. You need to do as much research on GB surgery as possible and

then decide what is best for you ---- to have this major surgery or

to stay obese. The decision has to be up to you, just take your time

and research. I had my surgery 6 weeks ago, and do not regret

having it for a minute. (I also researched this for over a year.)

This group has helped me so much, so just ask any question you have

and someone will answer it for you. GOOD LUCK!

Nan in Ohio

5/13/02

Open RNY

264/226

>

>

>

..

>

>

>

> just starting the process, have questions

>

>

> This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

> bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for

general

> information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to

meeting

> mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

> thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few

close

> friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me

like

> I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

> tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so

much

> weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

> someone in my age group.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Gee Ethel, I hadn't thought of it that way. I have 20 more years to work!

Just another reason to have this surgery.

Thanks (I think, lol),

in California

Open RNY - 03/29/02

272.5/222.5 - as of 06/22/02

Re: just starting the process, have questions

Pam i will be 57 Sun. and even if it takes me to 60 to have plastics

done i may have it ,since us

baby boomers are not on SS until 67 that means 10 more years on my feet

to work so

anything that helps works for me ETHEL in Pa.

[Guest guest]

You go, girl!!!! I agree, I'd like to look as decent as possible during

my work life. Not just for the beauty of it, but for the all kinds of

things, like not being downsized, etc.

Pam

Ethel wrote.

Pam i will be 57 Sun. and even if it takes me to 60 to have plastics

done i may have it ,since us

baby boomers are not on SS until 67 that means 10 more years on my feet

to work so

anything that helps works for me ETHEL in Pa.

[Guest guest]

Pam no apologies needed.

Bev in Sebring

RE: just starting the process, have questions

Gosh, for all those over 60 having surgery, I hope I didn't offend you -

it was just something I read somewhere - maybe the philosophy of that

particular doc.... obviously there are a number of people over 60 who

have had the surgery and done very well. My mistake....

Pam in Niceville

[Guest guest]

Becky I am sure if you go to www.obesityhelp.com you will find many ladies

there that are your age

TN

just starting the process, have questions

> This is my first time here. My physician has recommended gastric

> bypass ( current weight 325lbs). I'm on the waiting list for general

> information meeting with a local surgeon, should be going to meeting

> mid-Aug. However I'll also be 5o years old mid-Aug, and my family

> thinks I'm to old. I've shared my plans with a family and a few close

> friends --- most heavy ones say go for it, thin ones look at me like

> I'm crazy, either recomend some diet (which I've probaly already

> tried), or tell me I'll end up in a coma on a vent, or lose so much

> weight I'll have to be fed by IV. Help ! Would welcome info from

> someone in my age group.

>

>

>

> To Subscribe to 's weekly FREE Newsletter send an email to

GBCookbook-subscribe@...

>

[Guest guest]

just got my surgery date for my chest it will be August 14 still take the

iron and b-12 i want it to stay high for my big day also my granddaughter

Chanel is an alter girl and she told me to tell you all she is lighting

candle and ask Fr. Kennedy to pray for everyone

take care shell

[Guest guest]

becky5148 wrote:

However I'll also be 50 years old mid-Aug, and my family thinks

I'm too old.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Becky,

I just turned 50 on May 18 (How can that be??? I'm still 28 in my

heart!) and had my bypass on May 23rd. As of yesterday, a

month out from my surgery, I had lost 35 pounds. Whooooo hoooooo!

My energy level has improved vastly and so has my health. I

had/have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol,

diabetes and osteo-arthritis. Lots of pills with those

conditions. I'm not taking meds now for any of those things and

that's just with 35 pounds gone.

I had the surgery because I want to see my children (ages 9 and

11) graduate from school, get married and have my grandbabies. I

also want to be around to harass my wonderful husband for a long

time. I figured I traded one month of misery (yeah, misery) for

an extra 20 years of life. Seems like a pretty decent exchange

to me.

If I may so bold as to tell you how to run your life.....Listen

to yourself. Listen to those that **support** you. Don't listen

to the naysayers.

If you really want to give the naysayers a wake-up call right

between the eyes, ask them why they want you to be satisfied with

a shortened lifespan. Sometimes it is just fear on their part

because they love you. Sometimes it is something else.

Bottom line, you are not too old for the surgery. I'm willing to

bet that there is plenty of life left in you. After all, we

survived the Monkees, ankle length business dresses and power

suits, and Tammy Faye's makeup.

Yours,

Candis King

Wheaton, IL

Open RNY 5/23/02

pre-op wt 342, bmi 60+

current wt 307

goal 127-140

[Guest guest]

Shell - What kind of surgery are you having on your chest? sorry if you already

said, I can't remember.

Jeanne in WI

Age 38

Open RNY 05/21/2002

314/ 287 /150-175

5' 8 "

djgraves@...

[Guest guest]

Not to old, i am 56, had surgery in march and down 61 lbs. and feel

good, not a biggy ,

my PCP wanted me to have surgery 2 years ago. ETHEL in Pa.

Candis King wrote:

>

>

> becky5148 wrote:

>

> However I'll also be 50 years old mid-Aug, and my family thinks

> I'm too old.

>

> >>>>>>>>>>>

>

> Dear Becky,

>

> I just turned 50 on May 18 (How can that be??? I'm still 28 in my

> heart!) and had my bypass on May 23rd. As of yesterday, a

> month out from my surgery, I had lost 35 pounds. Whooooo hoooooo!

>

> My energy level has improved vastly and so has my health. I

> had/have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol,

> diabetes and osteo-arthritis. Lots of pills with those

> conditions. I'm not taking meds now for any of those things and

> that's just with 35 pounds gone.

>

> I had the surgery because I want to see my children (ages 9 and

> 11) graduate from school, get married and have my grandbabies. I

> also want to be around to harass my wonderful husband for a long

> time. I figured I traded one month of misery (yeah, misery) for

> an extra 20 years of life. Seems like a pretty decent exchange

> to me.

>

> If I may so bold as to tell you how to run your life.....Listen

> to yourself. Listen to those that **support** you. Don't listen

> to the naysayers.

>

> If you really want to give the naysayers a wake-up call right

> between the eyes, ask them why they want you to be satisfied with

> a shortened lifespan. Sometimes it is just fear on their part

> because they love you. Sometimes it is something else.

>

> Bottom line, you are not too old for the surgery. I'm willing to

> bet that there is plenty of life left in you. After all, we

> survived the Monkees, ankle length business dresses and power

> suits, and Tammy Faye's makeup.

>

> Yours,

>

> Candis King

> Wheaton, IL

> Open RNY 5/23/02

> pre-op wt 342, bmi 60+

> current wt 307

> goal 127-140

>

>

>

>

> To Subscribe to 's weekly FREE Newsletter send an email to

> GBCookbook-subscribe@...

>

[Guest guest]

going from dd to b cup lol

[Guest guest]

good luck Shell

Re: just starting the process, have questions

> just got my surgery date for my chest it will be August 14 still take the

> iron and b-12 i want it to stay high for my big day also my granddaughter

> Chanel is an alter girl and she told me to tell you all she is lighting

> candle and ask Fr. Kennedy to pray for everyone

> take care shell

>

>

>