Hello Over 50's!

I just joined up here a few days ago and have been furiously reading many posts.  I have my initial appt. at UVA on July 14th.  I've started on a low-carb diet this week.  I'm hoping VA Premier insurance will pay for this - so far I haven't heard that they won't.  My BMI is 52.5 right now.  I was glad to find this group and hope to have something positive to contribute as time goes on. 

Anyone else using Dr. Hallowell at UVA?  I'm feeling nervous about doing this.  I used to call it barbaric surgery, but now I see that it's the only way I'm ever going to get this weight off and have that opportunity to experience a truly healthy life.  The many posts I've read are helping me look forward to getting started.  I've even read posts from people who have gone through the most difficult complications, and I'm amazed that even they say it's still worth it.  So, I'm trying to trust that this is the right path for me.

I'm 55 and have a 12 yr. old DD.  She is also overweight and I want to be there for her as she grows up and I need to do better at modeling a healthy relationship with food for her, too!

Thanks for reading!

Welcome!  This forum is awesome!  It is full of information and ideas and is a very supportive environment.  Feel free to post any questions or even to just vent :)

Welcome.  I have never regretted my decision to have surgery.  Hope things go smoothly for you in your pre-surgery process.  You'll find people willing to share information they have gained along the way on this journey.

  Welcome to the club house!

Thanks!  I finally got in touch with a "Health Educator" at my insurance co. and she explained to me that I don't really need to focus on losing weight right now because the countdown begins at my orientation seminar.  From that point I'll need 6 mo. of nutritional counseling and any other tests they think I need.  Then once that 6 mo. mark is met and I've lost 10% of my weight (which doesn't seem like too much), then the Dr. puts together a packet to send to the ins. co.  Then the insurance approves and then they can schedule the surgery.  Also, if down the road I need skin revision surgery, they'll pay for that too.  So, that was some good news today!

Welcome, I was 52 with a BMI in the 60's when I had WLS.  It is like taking a giant leap of faith.  Be sure to ask lots of questions.

Ouch 6 months and 10% is brutal, I thought me having to wait 3 months sucked. Get the ball rolling ASAP! Once you have it done and are past it you will regret any delay. Having a VSG done was the best decision I ever made in regards of my health! Good luck!

Oh yeah, I started at 52.5BMI and I am currently 35.3! Not out of the woods yet but I can see the edge of the forest!

Thanks for the support! I'm working on getting my sugar #s under better control right now.  The challenge for me right now is I'm traveling to see my Mom in a few days and I haven't told her anything yet.  I'm hesitant to say anything right now because she could start to 'pick at me' about everything I eat.  She used to do that, but we had a few talks and she's stopped.  I don't want to giver her a new reason to judge me.  However, she loves me a lot, and I know she'll be THRILLED over the MOON to hear that I'm doing this.  I think I'm going to wait until after I do the orientation meeting to tell her.  That way I'll be a good distance away and she'll have to nag me over the phone.  Plus then I'll be doing everything the Dr. says I need to. 

Is a 6 month wait unusual?  I think I've seen other posts of people who had to wait that long.  It is going to be hard, but I'm going to be counting on y'all to help me get through it.  I don't want any delays in getting my surgery!  I'm sure the insurance will try to do everything they can to delay or avoid paying for it, so I'm gonna try to be very careful to do things right.

I feel confident in the surgeon.  He has a great reputation and he's really my only choice anyway-the only one on my insurance plan.

I had a 9 month requirement -- and frankly, even though it was hard to wait, I think the time was really good to learn what I needed and to prepare for a pretty dramatic lifestyle change.  WLS is a tool that help you to achieve wonderful things !! -- that said, it isn't a magic wand that suddenly fixes what caused us to become obese in the first place.  I've had to work hard to really change my relationship with food, my coping mechanisms and how I handle what I see as an addiction to eating.  That 9 months helped me to focus on myself and my health -- to establish a good support system both in my immediate surroundings and professionally.

That said, there is not one bit of regret in my case.  I had an RNY -- and thus far, I have had no complications.  (Knock on wood) ... but I also have followed my plan 100%---

I started with a BMI of 57 (super morbidly obese) and now am 24.99 (normal) -- but I am still working on losing 15 to 20 more to protect against bounce back.  

Welcome.  I wish you a wonderful experience!