WLS

Hi my name is Sharon (wvgirl) and I posted on here a day or so ago.  I did not get an answer from anyone, I know it probably takes awhile for an answer I am just beside myself with worry and I wanted to talk to someone that is about to or already have had RNY.  I am 55 years old and have some medical problems.  I am afraid if I don't do something about my weight I will die.  I have talked to my pcp and she referred me to a surgeon.  I went to the surgeon and had an evaluation and seen the nut. and the Psych. the same day.  I am waiting for the surgeon to write a letter of medical necessity to my Insurance (bc/bs).   I don't know what to do while I am waiting for an answer.  Am I suppost to be dieting and trying to lose weight?  I diet and because I am a diabetic on insulin and I am on predzone for my venious statis and cellulitis in my legs it doesn't seem to help.  I know I really need this surgery and my husband is supportive 100%.  But, he works alot and Its just me and petey (my dog) and he doesn't say much lol...I appreciate any information you can give me and please keep me in your prayers? 

Welcome to OH!  I'm so sorry you haven't received any replies yet.  I'm so glad you have started the process to having your surgery and getting to the day when your health will improve more than you could imagine.  You might also want to visit the Surgery over 50 Forum on OH.  Just go to Forums at the top of the page and select more forums.  The next page has many different forums listed an you will find us there.  Many of us are regulars on OH that are over 50.  As far a dieting, I wouldn't want to give an opinion for no other reason than you are an insulin dependent diabetic.  The doctor that treats you diabetes can help you out there.  In my case I did make a point of losing some weight before surgery because I was told it would help decrease the size of my liver thereby making my surgery easier.  I am now 7 months out and have lost a total of 135 pounds.  This reflects the 35 pounds I lost before surgery.  Come here often.  I think you will find people to relate to and I know they have answered many a question for me.  I hope your journey will be swift and your surgery will give you the health you need and deserve.  Give your dh an extra hug for supporting you in this process!

Sharon, WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME !!!!   I couldn't believe you had no responses to your post, so I looked back and saw that your introduction was a reply to a post of another new member, Irene.     I suspect you will be overwhelmed by the support of this group now that you you started your own post!!!!    Re: what to do while you're waiting, here are my suggestions: Research, research & research - everything you can find about wls, health, nutrition, exercise, etc.    Write your profile here on OH.  I found when I wrote mine it really helped me to clarify my issues.  If you don't want to 'go public', you can still write your profile & make it private.     Re: trying to lose weight now, it may depend on your BMI & how much you have to lose - consult your Doctor for advise.    Read all the posts & post often yourself so we can get to know you.    You'll learn alot & it will help make the time pass more quickly.    Best Wishes to You!

I.m sorry I am new and have never posted before after I got your reply I checked and found out what I did wrong.  After your surgery were you in a lot of pain and did you throw up?  I'm trying to find out all I can so I don't do anything wrong and get sick and throw up.  I know after the surgery and I am back home I will probably feel silly for asking so many questions.  Thanks to all     Sharon

Hi Sharon,  you can't ask too many questions - it's not possible.  The more you know, the better prepared you are.    However, remember that everyone is different, so you'll want answers from lots of people.  Still, you won't know for sure how it will be for you till to have the surgery.      For me, yes I had pain in the hospital.  They had to stop the morphine drip because my blood pressure was dropping (this is not the norm).  By day 3, the pain was tolerable.  I took vicadin and/or tylenol, but the pain was tolerable and lessened every day.    It has been 7 months since my surgery and I have never vomitted or felt nauseous.    You can read my profile (and other people's too) for more information.    Hope this helps - keep the questions coming - this is a big decision & you should ask lots of questions.

Welcome Sharon! First, whether or not you should be dieting...I would definitely call your surgeon and find out what he/she recommends/requires pre surgery. All of us here have had success and many of us have different instructions from various surgeons, all good and all work, just depends on you and your doc. So that is what I would do first. Do what your doc says to do. As far as being scared, that is pretty normal. It is a huge step and major change. Huge. This is the best board and all the ladies here and our gentleman are kind, gentle and wise. Read the posts, ask questions, no worry here. No question is dumb and there is so much experience here you have come to the right place. It is wonderful that you were able to accomplish so much so quickly in regards to seeing the surgeon, the nut and having the psych eval. Yay!!! Those are hurdles that for some take lots of time. Again, welcome! Vent, worry, laugh, and ask away! Take Care, Cheryl

Welcome, Sharon! I'm about like you -- 55 years old and waiting to have my surgery.  I've been waiting for this since May 2007.  I had to endure a 6-month program of nutrition before being allowed to be referred to a surgeon.  I managed to eat high protein and very low carb during this time and lost some weight.   My suggestion to begin for you is to continue to read the OH message boards and learn from everyone's questions and answers.  I know I've done that and I've learned alot.  I've learned so much from everyone here on the Over-50 board especially.  Continue to ask your questions!

Again, welcome!

Kathi

Welcome Sharon!  My surgery is scheduled for April. And this site is where I found most of my information. I lurked for months before joining. But so glad I did. I've made friends and loved being a part of this board, over 50 and one other board.  And I will add you to my prayer list.  HUGS!!! Debby

Good morning Sharon and welcome to OFF. I had my surgery in October of 2006. I have lost 90 lbs. This was the best action I have taken to improve my life since I divorced. Prior to surgery I practiced eating on the post surgery plan. Portions on a small plate, not drinking while I ate, not drinking any sodas, and making vitamins a part of my daily routine.  I am assuming from your nick that you are in West Virginia. I am in Baltimore, Maryland. We are almost nieghbors. Keep coming back and welcome to the best of the best.

Welcome Sharon, Sorry but I missed your previous post. My surgeon refered me to a dietician from the beginning. Due to your health issues you may want to ask your surgeon for advice about dieting and a recommendation to a good dietician.. As you wait, do your research. Come here and ask questions. No question is silly or too small. WLS will change your life, your husband's life, and probably Petey's too.  If you have a support group in the area, attend meetings and take your hubby along so he gets educated too. I had RNY October 2006 and have lost 204 pounds. My life is completely changed for the better. The process to be approved was not easy, changing my entire life-style has been a challenge, all was well worth the efforts. Good luck and keep coming to us for support. Annette