Hi everyone! I would like to introduce myself.

I am Pam and have been lurking at the over 50 board for a while.   The members here have given me the strength to continue with this journey and for that I would like say THANKS!

I have been pondering bypass surgery for years.  My age has been the biggest obstacle, since I keep worrying about what effect this surgery will have on future medical conditions which seem to happen late in life.  

I have completed all my requirements and am now waiting for my insurance approval.   I am hoping to hear something by the end of this week - the waiting is so hard.  I go to bed so often wishing I had a surgery date that I could have wished myself healthy and thin by now.   I keep praying that God will grant me 20 - 30 good years to enjoy this new me. 

Following this website and all of the stories, goals and questions has help me prepare for this process.  Thanks again!  Pam

 WELCOME  PAM,

Glad you decided to stop lurking.....    I sure understand the age thing.  I feel so much better now that I've had surgery.  A whole new lease on life and a future of fun things to do.  Yup, no more  "I can't cause it hurts" or " will I fit in that" or "I get worn out too easily".   

Food is just as much an issue as before but in a good way.  I know I can still enjoy eating but I eat so much differently and enjoy it just as much.

Here's hoping you get your approval soon.  We'll save a  place for you on the loser's bench.

Millie

Hi Pam,

Welcome to OFF.  This is a great forum.  Please let us know when your surgery date is going to be.  This is one of the best things I have done for myself.  No meds at all, and that was one of my biggest goals.  Can't wait until you join us on the loser's bench.

I used to live in Forest Hill on Sharon Acres Road 35 years ago.  I have a cousin who has a farm on Bailey Road.  Lovely place to live.

Welcome again to this forum.

Debbie

Welcome, I don't post much, but am trying to do better.
Nan

Hi  -  welcome to the over 50 board! 
I just recently read a post from a 71 year old woman who had just had WLS - I think that it was a VSG.  She felt and looked wonderful!
I hope that you are approved and have the surgery that you're wanting.
Margaret

Welcome also. I had my surgery at age 54. It was the best thing I ever did, No more medicine. The things I can do is unbelievable. Good luck.
Cathy

Welcome to the board, Pam. It's a great place to be. I had WLS 5 years ago, and I believe it saved my life. I still have some issues (mostly arthritis-related, but that's a progressive disease ... however, my pain specialist said today that without the weight loss, my back would have been much worse; because of the weight loss, I have slowed the disc compression and actually regained a half-inch in height ... from 5-3 1/2 to 5-4. He was the doctor who encouraged me the most to have the surgery.)

I truly believe without this surgery, I probably was heading for diabetes (it runs in my family) and heart disease and an early death. Now, I may still have an early death ... we never know ...  but I don't believe I'll be dead at 60 now (unless something happens that I can't control). I have done everything I can to improve my health.

And through this board, I've found the best friends. And that's the best reason to join this board.

Pam im 3 years out and feel so wonderful , all except my joints which i ruined from being heavy on them for so very long.   I have had one knee done and going for the other other on the 3rd of Dec.
Im off all meds.  can work all day long shoveling and digging in my 3 acreas of flowers. and veggies...oh i was 65 years old when i had my surgery, thats right 65....i so fantastially happy that i would have this surgery over every year again and again if i had to ....go for it you wont regret it at all. good luck.   Jan

welcome a-board

Welcome Pam,

Waiting for a date was one of the hardest parts of WLS. Getting off 10 meds and constantly buying smaller clothes was a pleasant event.

Annette