I just made the decision to have WLS on Monday
I just made the decision to have WLS on Monday as I saw my sleep specialist/pulmonologist. When we were talking about all my my health problems that were related to my obesity, I mentioned that Iwas considering weight loss surgery. He told me that there was a great bariatric surgeon in the same building. I called the office as soon as I arrived home from the appointment andwas told that they had a cancellation for the following day.I spent most of that evening researching wls as well as the center that I would be going to.
I met the surgeon, Dr. Anthony McCluny on Tuesday and he flet that I was a good candidate for this and explained what I would need to do in order to get approval for the surgery. I checked with my insurance company and received great news. I began to get medical records and records from Weigh****chers and Jenny Craig. I had the psych evaluation yesterday. I have appointments to see nutritionist and nurse practicioner. Still need to be scheduled for stress test. I am excited about this process and am aware ofwhat to exprect after surgery. I have to lose 14 1/2 pounds. Am back on Weigh****chers. If you can suggest any other diet please let me know. I am turning 71 later this month and would like to hear from any other senior citizens. Am open to all help as I begin the mostimportant journey of my life.
I will be following your journey, Franzi. Having a BMI of 50+ myself, WLS has been suggested to me for the last 3-4 years by every one of my doctors (i.e. Sleep Specialist, Orthopedist, Internist, Gyno) as I have a boat load of comorbidities. Unfortunately, my insurance would not cover the WLS. I have been eageraly waiting for the past 2 years to hit the golden age of 65 so I could get my surgery and be covered under Medicare.
My 65th birthday was just 3 weeks ago so I asked my Internist for a referral to a bariatric surgeon. I got my referral and I now need to attend a required orientation meeting, held by the baratric group, this next Monday (7/21) at which time I "select" my surgeon. My internist recommended a specific doctor to me (Rosemarie Jones) so I will "select" her at the orientation. For the next 5 days I will be reading everything I can about WLS. You also being a senior, is there anything you have learned in your journey so far that I should ask about or be aware of?
I have just beung the approal process and am probably 3-4 months away from surgery. Will meet with the nutritionist in 2 weeks and have had my psych evaluation. That went very well.
I hae learned a lot from the internet as well as from these boards. Most importantly, the requuirements vary tremendously from surgeon /weight loss center as well as for each individual patient.
I have chosen to have the VSG and am very excited about it. I have to lose 14.5 pounds prior to surgery. I have lost 4.2 pounds this week and have managed to work my way to 15 minutes on the stationary bicycle. I realize that it is only a drop in the bucket but I am trying very hard.
I live with my husband and adult daughter and I make dinner each day. I am working on a plan for after my surgery so that I am not tempted by their food. I am putting together some simple dinner menues with recipes included. I intend to give them cooking lessons prior to my surgery.
I don't have any specific questions for you to ask your surgeon. I found that my surgeon gave me a lot of information during my first visit. Take notes, and as you do your own research, add to your notes.
Good Luck with this journey. Fran
Thanks. I have a major concen with the exercise part. I need to have a total knee replacement so my mobility is very limited. I don't know how to burn calories if even walking is a problem for me. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.I need the knee surgery but can't have it until after the WLS and I need WLS but can't exercise using my legs without having the knee surgery.
I can appreciate your situation. I had both knees replaced within the past two years. MY pulmonist was always on my case to exercise but my knees were painful and I had sob when I tried. I did manage on the stationary bicycle and also spent a lot of time in the pool. Maybe you need to talk to someone at the "Y" or local community college about aqua exercises.
I had mine done last June at the age of 62. I have done great. Mine was a revision from stomach stapling back in 1980. Being older, a revision and no thyroid....I feel I have lost slower...but I have lost over 100 lbs. 
I have bad knees also and have had shots in them for years...I want to lose another 50 lbs before we talk about knee replacement surgery. I go to the hospital here to exercise.....I thought at first that there was no way I was going to get in the pool (did not want anyone to see me in a swimsuit)....bought men's swim trunks and a t-shirt...then after awhile..I realized no one cares...we are all here to try and get healthy....it has been fantastic...I mostly walk the length of the pool back and forth....but I can and I am not able to do any walking with my knees. I drank a lot of Atkins Chocolate Royale for my liquid diet before surgery and afterwards.....try to follow a low carb diet be
Texas Lady, Thanks for the info. I am so glad that I had my knees replaced, first one in 2012 and the second in 2013. Rehab was difficult due to my excess weight but was doable. I spent several years going to an orthopedic surgeon and having shots in my knees. When I told him I was ready for a replacement, he said not until you have weight loss surgery, I was not ready at that point for the wls. I found a surgeon who was willing to do the surgery and who felt that my weight was not an issue. I am dong so well with the new knees. I have started exercixing(Stationary bicycle) and am slowly building up my endurance.
I am following the Weith****diet for now. I will see the nutritionist in two weeks and will follow her instructions.
You should be so proud of your wseight loss! Fran
