Goal reached, and maintained for an over 60 person
I had my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy done on September 15, 2008 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracted with Vanderbilt's Center for Weight Loss Surgery to do the procedure. I was literally offered my choice of the Lap-Band, the RnY or the Sleeve. I chose the sleeve, because of many factors, the most important one being that I have to take NSAIDS, and you can't take them with the other surgeries.
I can't speak highly enough about that program. They REALLY care about their patients. They absolutely insist on extensive pre-operative and post-operative consultations and support. They do very extensive blood work on a regular basis, and they support their patients. You HAVE to be in a support group before they will approve you for surgery.
I had been completely worked up by the VA prior to approval for surgery. This included being in their weight loss program, being worked up by a Pyschiatrist, a Psychologist (with extensive testing), a complete cardiac workup with stress testing, and participating in a weight loss program to lose from 412 pounds down to 365.
Vanderbilt repeated some of this as part of their pre-op protocol. Their post op support is as good as it gets, and I can't say enough about Dr. Williams and the rest of the staff. I don't praise many physicians or medical programs, but trhis one I do.
I underwent surgery almost a month past my 65th birthday. The surgery itself was a snap, as was the recovery. I followed my diet program fairly closely, but I did cheat. I had ice cream, candy, cookies, etc. from time to time (I didn't eat much of those things, and I didn't make a habit out of it).
I walked for exercise. When I began, I could barely walk 300 feet to my mailbox. I had to wait a few minutes before starting back I gradually increased my walking, so that today I can easily do 3 miles at my old Army marching pace. That is the ONLY exercise i have done.
I lost 185.5 pounds in 16 months. It was easy, not difficult at all. I had one major stall of 3 weeks, and several minor ones of a week or so, but generally I lost pretty steadily.
My weight has not varied more than 3 pounds since January. I still can't eat more than I could 4-5 months post-op.
The big difference is, I am back to wearing the same sizes I did when I graduated from basic training in the Army back in 1959, I feel great, and I am no longer killing myself with gross obesity.
So you can lose your excess weight after 60. And you younger folks can do it more quickly, and should experience even greater success that us older folks.
I can't speak highly enough about that program. They REALLY care about their patients. They absolutely insist on extensive pre-operative and post-operative consultations and support. They do very extensive blood work on a regular basis, and they support their patients. You HAVE to be in a support group before they will approve you for surgery.
I had been completely worked up by the VA prior to approval for surgery. This included being in their weight loss program, being worked up by a Pyschiatrist, a Psychologist (with extensive testing), a complete cardiac workup with stress testing, and participating in a weight loss program to lose from 412 pounds down to 365.
Vanderbilt repeated some of this as part of their pre-op protocol. Their post op support is as good as it gets, and I can't say enough about Dr. Williams and the rest of the staff. I don't praise many physicians or medical programs, but trhis one I do.
I underwent surgery almost a month past my 65th birthday. The surgery itself was a snap, as was the recovery. I followed my diet program fairly closely, but I did cheat. I had ice cream, candy, cookies, etc. from time to time (I didn't eat much of those things, and I didn't make a habit out of it).
I walked for exercise. When I began, I could barely walk 300 feet to my mailbox. I had to wait a few minutes before starting back I gradually increased my walking, so that today I can easily do 3 miles at my old Army marching pace. That is the ONLY exercise i have done.
I lost 185.5 pounds in 16 months. It was easy, not difficult at all. I had one major stall of 3 weeks, and several minor ones of a week or so, but generally I lost pretty steadily.
My weight has not varied more than 3 pounds since January. I still can't eat more than I could 4-5 months post-op.
The big difference is, I am back to wearing the same sizes I did when I graduated from basic training in the Army back in 1959, I feel great, and I am no longer killing myself with gross obesity.
So you can lose your excess weight after 60. And you younger folks can do it more quickly, and should experience even greater success that us older folks.
A former Army Medic (1959-1969), Registered Nurse (1969-2000), College Instructor (1984-1989) and a retired Rehabilitation Counselor. I am also a dual citizen of the USA and Canada.
High Weight 412 lbs. Date of Surgery 360.5 Present 170 lbs
High Weight 412 lbs. Date of Surgery 360.5 Present 170 lbs
I am very disappointed in my lapband - only 56 lbs in 15 months - 50 of them in 12 months. It's
been mostly willpower and fingers cross from adjustment to adjustment. I have 8.8 in a 14cc band.
I wish I had known about the sleeve. I wasn't told about all the adjutsments to the lapband. I thought that once the op was over I would have restriction - didn't find out til first group meeting with dr week after surgery that there were adjustments, fills.
I had gone to two seminars and read the lit, figured that was enough research.
Oh, well. I don't think it's stretching to say that the lapband for sixty and over, especially for a woman with a 14 cc band, may not be the way to go.
I bet the stats back me up, tho there are those who disagree with me. I would venture to say they have 4 or 10 cc bands which reach restriction faster.
been mostly willpower and fingers cross from adjustment to adjustment. I have 8.8 in a 14cc band.
I wish I had known about the sleeve. I wasn't told about all the adjutsments to the lapband. I thought that once the op was over I would have restriction - didn't find out til first group meeting with dr week after surgery that there were adjustments, fills.
I had gone to two seminars and read the lit, figured that was enough research.
Oh, well. I don't think it's stretching to say that the lapband for sixty and over, especially for a woman with a 14 cc band, may not be the way to go.
I bet the stats back me up, tho there are those who disagree with me. I would venture to say they have 4 or 10 cc bands which reach restriction faster.
I haven't had surgery yet but will within 2 months. I'm 60 with multiple comorbidities, so I look forward to joining the rest of you on the losers bench. I want the sleeve but my insurance absolutely will not pay for it bc BMI is 35.6. Because of osteoporosis it looks like a band is what I will end up with. No matter what I will work that tool HARD. I don't need to be skinny but I'd better get my health under control or I won't see 70.
Good luck to all of you.
BYW, it really seems good to see OH members on the higher side of age. I have underwear older than some of the "kids".
Good luck to all of you.
BYW, it really seems good to see OH members on the higher side of age. I have underwear older than some of the "kids".
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