Newbie, waiting with many questions

Hi to you all!  Sorry, but this is long.  My ability to rattle on endlessly is matched only by my waist size :) I am still in the "waiting for my first contact" with a potential surgeon mode.  My PCP has scheduled me to attend a cattle call with a visiting surgeon from California on July 16th.  I live in Alaska.  We have a very good surgeon, Dr Grant Searles, but he has virtually NO aftercare.  I've heard great things about him but I've also heard that once you leave the hospital, you aren't given any guidelines on what or how much to eat.  No aftercare,. The visiting surgeon is Dr Wittgrove from Scripts La Jolla.  He was the first surgeon to do laparoscopic RNY and has a stellar reputation.  I'm not even sure if Dr Searles does Laparoscopic or not.  I guess a phone call will answer that.   But here I sit, 5 weeks out, with no information except from what I can glean from the internet.  This web site has been a wonderful source of information.  I don't know if I'm going to need a medically supervised diet.   You'd think that should be something I was started on already to get ahead of the game.  But no, my PCP just has me waiting. And she is on vacation for two weeks.   I like the idea of going with Dr Wittgrove if my insurance allows it. He has great aftercare and visits Alaska periodically through out the year to check up on you.    OK, here's the main reason I'm writing.  Since I virtually have NO information at this point, everything I read is new to me and often confusing.  I am 53 years old and a lightweight at 36 BMI, 5'1" 192 lbs. I do know about the light \weight forum but am more interested in hearing from this surgery from someone my own age. Age related issues have priority over size related issues in my mind.   I have diabetes and other co-morbids  and this is the main reason for the surgery.  Besides the fact that I have been overweight all my adult life and have repeatedly failed at weight loss.    I read so many statements about how much they LOVE having had the surgery.  I hear your desire for food goes away and you are not hungry.  Then I read that "I am starving" or "I am craving" etc.  I read about how sick everyone is, perhaps people post more when they have negatives.  I have read that there is a serious mal-absorption issue and that you can not absorb your medications. This is serious for older patients because of increased need for meds as we age.  But then I notice how many of you are on medications and do not seem troubled by absorption problems.   Basically I am conflicted.  I agree that I need to lose weight and control my diabetes, I have been trying this for 12 years with no success.  I saw the 60 Minutes show about diabetes and bariatric surgery that leaves you 100% sure that this is the way to go.  Bypassing the duodenum cures your diabetes almost instantly.  Ok, where do I sign up!  I have the support of my doctors and family.  My insurance covers this, if I can qualify.  They also pay for the tandem gall bladder removal, but ai'm not even sure why you need this.     But then I read so many bad things.  I don't even know for sure what you are allowed to eat for the rest of your life.  To some of you, I may not be fat enough to garner any sympathy.  But we all have our individual stories and needs.  I know I NEED this if I want to live.  My Endocrinologist told me that this was my ONLY hope.  I know he is right. But I hardly know where to start.   Please, any of you who have a minute, I need advice.  What are the negatives as this relates to us older patients?  What about the mal-absorption issues?  Are you happy? or miserable?  And what can I do while I sit and wait?  I can't even begin the insurance approval , as far as I know.  I can't compare doctors because the local one here in Alaska wants you to have all kinds of lab tests complete prior to you first appointment. He has no aftercare, but I have a wonderful PCP.  And he would be less expensive since I do not have to travel to California.  I have read his reviews here on this website and they are good.  But Dr. Wittgrove is renowned as one of the pioneers in this field,.  His reputation is flawless.     I feel like this is the most important thing in my life at this time and I am sitting around with nothing to do but wonder what is to come. And surf the web until I can't focus anymore. I want answers from REAL people with REAL experience., not just test book facts that consist of a picture or two and a paragraph or two and that's all folks!   So any help at all is appreciated.  I Thank You all in advance.  This forum is a wonderful tool.  I hope it becomes a wonderful part of my life in the future.  Just having someone to vent to, who understands where you're coming from is priceless. Peace and Smiles! CCEE, aka Cynthia

wow! welcome a-board i am not even going to attempt to answer some of your questions-there are folks here on this board with much more knoweldge than me..i know the stuff but tend to not get it all straight and never had diabetes so cannot speak to that aspect. my experience is with the "lightweight" aspect-- how tall are you? i am 5'1" so my pre wls 233 # put me 106 # above what i should be-at 5'1" and 233; i had great difficulty with personal hygiene issues and could not run and play with my grands etc...i also was disagnosed with sleep apnea and diabetes was rampant in my family history even tho i didn't have it..it was a sure thing in my future! as a lightweight often we are frowned at that we don't "deserve" wls--to that i say don't speak til you walk in my shoes! so ccee, don't fret--just put your armor on and you'll be alright!  be prepared , tho, for your weight to not come off as drastically fast as those with mucho more to lose.....we all lose differently but traditionally lw's lose less quickly. what can you do now? take some before photos-take measurements and write them down...start a journal-online or on paper...set some goals...( there was something else that left my mind when i got up for a second!)give up smoking...give up soda...be prepared to get off caffeine aka coffee -at least for awhile- and then with moderation if you go back to it.... if you enjoy reading - i suggest barbara thompson's book ( "finding the thin person inside you" is i think the title- you would think i would remember!) it's not just stats and has a section for spouses as well.... you may wish to order some samples of proteins-vitalady.com is good and bariatriceating.com---GNC will let you bring back opened containers of protein if you don't like what you got-(do you have GNC stores?)--i buy my protein at walmart or rite aid. your taste buds may/will change after surgery so i would suggest not loading up on any proteins now--sample sizes are about $1-1.50 per and adequate for a bit....a blender or magic bullet will become your friend. a pill splitter /crusher...chapstick in the hospital.... i used unflavored whey protein in baking and in puddings and soups early out- a tub of that could be a safe purchase. i am not familiar with dr wittgrove's aftercare program so i cannot speak to that as far as foods-some docs do not want patients using any protein powders- many of us find it hard not to get enough in -specially at first when we cannot eat a lot of dense proteins. i would suggest getting vitamins-B complex  and even some biotin (for hair and nails) -most ppl 's bodies take a hit in the hair dept after about 3-4 months --protein needs and some say anesthesia from surgery--i think it's the shock to your system and the protein. malabsorption-B12 should go sublingually or liquid ccee; i am only touching the surface-i do not profess to have all of the answers.....i am a trained chapter leader for support group-tho not certified- i ran a support group for awhile- but i do not hold all of the answers....and i am hurrying this morning before work... age issues? more in the emoptional aspect-and the good sense hopefully not to go out binge drinking or eating a few weeks out from wls!!!! wls is a major life change-you know that already! and it encompasses your whole life from now on.....too many youngsters do not realize that! do you/can you exercise? keeping your body as fit as possible helps for aftercare. when can we eat normally-never! that's what got us into this mess--go look at linda's thread of what are we eating for some ideas of what ppl eat after they get past the initial 6 weeks...maybe the question should be what is normal! nope-won't go there! which dr to pick....wow- only you can decide that...i would go to the dr wittgrove thing and i would pay attention--as for the other guy-even without aftercare-how does he stack up in patient care pre surgery? how accessible is he pre? what is his mortality rate ...etc...if you would be happy with his proximity to you then he should be your guy-if you feel better knowing taht there is aftercare-which i would- then- oh-gallbaldder-many docs take them out- but not all--we don't need them-wish mine had been removed cuz i am having some issues now and have no health insurance--- is there a support group nearby???? real ppl support is awesome! this board has been a lifesaver for me -and is like family to me after being on here more than 4 years! do you go to the alaska board/ is it at all active? being out in nowhere land; it might help to have that local board which can speak to local issues.....my ohio board is quite inactive now.... i must go to work -hope that i have helped in some way....you will get many answers and you need to weed thru what you need to kow and come back for more!!!!

Welcome Cynthia Your first step is to look for a dietician to help guide you along. They will be a vital part of your life before, during and after WLS. The book WLS For Dummies is an excellent resource too. Each person is different. We may be similar, but each will be unique in the foods they can tolerate. Sugars seem to give the most problem - 'dumping symdrome', yet several folks report eating sugar with no trouble at all. In 19 months I have tried 3 bites of a chocolate chip cookie with a violent reaction. That was good for me because sweets have always been my downfall. Sugars are the only food item I can't tolerate. My daily menu seldom varies, by choice. Protein first then a veggie or fruit. I never feel deprived. I am off the 10 medications I took for years but have discovered if I need an antibiotic it takes a longer regimen to get rid of the illness. Might be from WLS, my age or just ME.  Due to large weight loss the gall bladder often gets bad. Mine was removed eons ago after I dieted and lost 100 pounds - all of which I gained back and then some. A couple of odd complications have happened. Some probably would have occured with or without WLS. They didn't feel like complications, just annoyances.  The hard part?? Constantly having to buy new, smaller clothes. That is time consuming and gets expensive too. You may be leaning towards the 'lightweight' category but your diabetes is hard core. So ... educate yourself 100%. Good luck Annette

i remembered dexa scan---get one done pre wls--as a benchmark for future--there are many who say that we are not in good shape as wls patients-and some of us aren't! i was a lucky one to be of good bones pre and so far post surgery however-that doesn't mena i don't be mindful of my calcium needs! calcium-CITRATE!!!!!! a great article- jruski posted af ew days ago  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/over_50/a,messageboard/act ion,replies/board_id,5364/cat_id,4964/topic_id,3633633/

Good Morning Cynthia and WELCOME to OFF (over fifty forum)!! Margo and Annette have given you great information.  I feel that my choice of having this surgery has been one of the best things I ever did for myself.  My diabetes is gone as is my high blood pressure and acid reflux. I was only months away from a wheel chair. The only thing that hasn't improved completely is my COPD and that will never go away. My Arthritis and Fibromyalgia are so much better I rarely ever even take a Tylenol anymore. I was living on Vicodin for years!! I can run up and down stairs, get up and down off the floor with litle effort. I can walk for miles!! I too was considered a lightweight. I was 242.2 pounds at 5'3" tall. I am now at 125.8 pounds and feeling awesome!! I went from size 20 pants to a size 3 in juniors.  I also think WLS for Dummies is a great book.....hope you get a chance to check it out. As far as your surgeon goes I would definately pick the one that provides aftercare. That is so important for so many reasons. Following doctors orders is very important too. Eating....I eat very well and don't feel deprived at all. I don't eat rice, pasta or bread. I am sure I could but I choose not to. I prefer my protein, veggies and fruit. I have snacks such as nuts, sugar free pudding, beef jerky, popcorn ocasionally. I do not use protein powder. I get my protein from the foods I eat. Once in awhile I will have a protein bar if I need protein and am on the run. Life is good.....my family loves the new and healthier me and so do I!!! I wish you the best of everything. Good luck!! This is a life changing experience and so worth the ride!! Hugs, connie d

So many questions! Get yourself to the public library & read, read, read.  There are many good books out there.  Buy yourself a copy of "Wegihtloss Surgery for Dummies" I had my surgery as a "lightweight" at age 59.  It's one of the smarter things that I have done.  As my weight kept increasing due to early menopause, my PCP kept warning me that I was going to need meds for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blah, blah.  I started on some & felt like I was the walking dead.  Joint problems and injuries, few places to buy clothing, you know the drill. So I had the surgery as I really felt I had no choice left but a world of meds.  Dieting/exercise just plain out didn't work with my low metabolism & almost constant hunger.  For most of my life I had been "normal," sometimes even thin! Having the surgery was the best decision I've ever made.  I feel great, lose weight slowly, & only take meds for my Gerd- but half the amount.  Few aches or pains, more energy, & health concerns gone.  Even my sleep apnea has improved.   I can eat anything- but very small amounts.  The constant hunger pains were gone as soon as I had the surgery.  If I am busy, I have to remind myself to eat.  Post surgery I take vitamins & increased my B-12  due to a shortage.  I now am low in Iron, so my surgeon increased  my amounts & added a once weekly vitamin D pill to my regimen. I see my surgeon every few months after extensive blood work.  I have lost more than half of the weight that I need to lose & have ? 40 lbs. to go.  I lose 1-2 lbs. week.  Slow, but consistent.  I certainly don't gain! My sis also had the surgery (she was my guinea pig).  She had always been heavy since puberty done her in.  She's had few issues either- just take your vitamins.  What persuaded me was the alternatives that I had.  Few & none good. Hope this helps you!

Welcome to the Over 50 forum. First off I'd like to share this link with you. Her name is Sherry and she is a certified and trained OH Support Group Leader in Alaska. Visit her Profile, add her as a friend, etc.....she can be very helpful to you in this journey. http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/akflurry/ The reason they get pre-approval to remove the gall-bladder is that most of us have sluggish and stone laden ones. Rapid weight loss will trigger the gall-bladder and therefore shortly you will be in for a second surgery to have it removed.  The surgeons manipulate it and feel around it to check it out. Dr Whittgrove is one of many great surgeons. I must have missed something in your writing, what are you 5 weeks out from?  What surgery are you opting for? RNY? Band? VSG? DS? your profile is sparce on info. As far as negatives? we all have our own issues. But there is usually something that can fix them. Not all but about 90% of them can be fixed. I have critical Vit D issues. I have now full blown osteo. I have re-grain.  My surgeon did a lousey job on my tummy tuck and left hideous dog ears.  Those are the physical things I deal with, but there are also mental and emotional issues as well..... On the up side, I can do lots more things. I can breathe. I can walk. I can play with my grandkids and you will find hanging around here that my grandkids are my life. I am recently divorcing so I have my little dog and grandkids left in my life. Would I do this again? yep, but I would follow the rules more closely. I would fight off the monsters of the carbs and hope they don't win. This is my daily battle. These foods are less expensive. I can afford them, they fill me up and out. I have been un-employed since last Sept. and things are mighty rough....it's not cheap to have weight loss surgery. The supplements can be expensive.... Hope I haven't scared you off. Read some of the ladies profiles here. There are many of us on the Over 50 that are OH Certified Support Group Leaders......ask away, some of us will answer......

Hi Cynthia! Welcome to the best place - OFF.  I'm not too much help in your quest for information as I just had my RNY surgery last Thursday.  I guess I am a "lightweight" even though it didn't seem like it to me. I did, however, read and research for almost one year prior to my surgery.  I learned so much from books and people's experiences here on Obesity Help.  More here than from the surgeon's office and support groups really. I adopted the diet guidelines the WLS person follows -- protein, veggies, fruit, w/restricted carbs -- and lost 49 pounds from where I started at my highest to the day of surgery.  But, it took one year to lose that weight and it had slowed down dramatically of late.  I am sure without the motivation of surgery I would have given up once again as I'd done with every other attempt.  I wanted to know, before I did have surgery, that I could live with the restricted diet and tolerate higher protein consumption.  I found I loved eating this way! Don't have any information to share with you about choosing the doctor but I was directed by what my insurance would cover and I had excellent surgery and hospital care.  Time is still out on the aftercare.  Good luck and keep posting! Kathi

Welcome to the OFF board.. and yes you have come to the right place. There is many knowledgeable people here. If you have a question they can answer it and if they can't they will find someone who can. I was 53 when I had my surgery last October. I have lost 91 pounds and what is even better is the way that I feel. It seems to me that weight loss becomes a second to the better health you get.  I approched my endocrinologist that I was seeing for my diabetes. I mentioned it to him and he told me that it would be the best thing that I could do for myself. He offered a referal to Dr. Stanish who is my surgeon. I mentioned it to my cardiologist and he told me the same thing that my BS doctor told me. In fact all of my doctors said that it was the best thing I could do for myself. I now totally agree with all of them. I am very grateful for their encouragement since that is so important.  I had several co-morbidities before surgery. I have diabetis. I consider myself still a diabetic but it is now under control with diet and exersize. I had been on 5 shots a day along with oral meds for it. It was still out of control. I finally got a insulin pump but I was so insulin resistant I couldn't use normal insulin for the pump. I had to have U500 insulin for it. It is 5 times stronger. That was the only thing that would help. If I used the regular insulin I was refilling the pump every day. My A1c was at one time either 11 or 13 I forget. It is now 5.6 and I am off all meds for the diabetes. I no longer see the specialist for it either. My heart problem is cardiomyopathy. There is no cure for that eccept for a heart transplant. Right now I am absorbing the meds that I take for it. That is a good thing. My tests show that right now I am in the normal range for how the heart is working. That is amazing to me. I have to realize as my doctor told me that if it comes to the time I do not absorb the meds anymore then we will go with what we have to work with. I know that my heart is working better now since it no longer has to work so hard. My back problems are something else. I fell about 32 years ago and broke my tail bone. That was the start of the mess that is called my back. I now have degenerative disc disease, arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms, and 2 herniated discs. There is nothing that can be done for that but since surgery pretty much the only thing that bothers me now is the muscle spasms. My sleep apnea is better but I need to have that tested again.  As for the things that you can do before surgery is to stick around here and get to know us. You will learn a lot from that too. Participate and start your eating plan. It will be different from ours but Kathi is the one to talk to about that since she did that while waiting for her surgery. Linda posts a thread everyday about what we are eating, and that will help. Linda is another good one to help you with your eating. She is very knowledgeable. She suggests and that is good.  As for the doctor the choice is yours. I would perfer the aftercare since that is important to me. But we are all different and with different needs in a doctor. I had my gall bladder out before surgery but I do know that wls can increase the gall stones and also kidney stones, which is what I am fighting now. I had a stone before surgery and another one since. I am now on meds everyday to help to lengthen the time between stones. My doctor told me that if I got one every year it will lengthen it to about 5 years. I told him that sounded like heaven to me.  I better get off my soap box before all my sisters and brothers push me off. I am short too (5'1") and if I am up on the soap box to long I get a nose bleed from being up to high. Please feel free to join in with us, post often so we can get to know you and you can get to know us. If there is questions, which I am sure there will be just ask.

Thanks to all of you OFF Sisters! I am overwhelmed with you wonderful responses.  Each of you had so much more to say than I had ever hoped for.  I will read and re-read these posts and learn from them.  Of course the biggest thing I have learned is how special this forum is and how much a part of my life it will become. Thanks again!   I will write more when I have time. I just wanted to stop and let you know how much this means to me.  Peace and Smiles! CCEE