oldest patient yet

[jackson]

Hi there I am new to this support group but I will hopefully come on line and present my case.
I am 73 years old caucasian male with a slew of co morbidities including 6'2'' 280 frame . sleep apnea, hypertension under control, hypercholesterolima, spinal stenosis due to severe osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( never smoked).
I am scheduled for lap banding on this thursday at the Atlanta Medical center. My surgeon is Dr. Titus Duncan. I have read a lot of the literature and believe I understand the general procedure but if Anyone can provide assistance on the eating habits and procedures that have helped them I would appreciate any advise that you can provide.My problem is that I love eating and eat too fast and have done so for all my lifeI hope I do not have to vomit to slow down.

Also I am hoping that Medicare will pay for the procedure but if they do not I will pay for it myself.I have talked to them and they indicate that I would be eligible

[Kathy]

Welcome Jackson! Good to have you here! You came to the right place for the type of advice and support you are seeking.

You will have great success with the band when you (MUST!) develop new eating habits such as smaller, slower bites, excellent chewing skills, and slower eating. I don't know if this is good news or bad for you!

I used to shovel food at record rates. I, too, loved to eat. Thing is, I still love to eat! I just taste it now, and savor it, and enjoy it in a new way.

I suggest you read and read and read, ask questions, (and no question is a dumb one!). You will get a good picture of banded life here on the board.

I'll pay close attention to you, because my father is 68yo, 6'1" and about 290. What he wouldn't give to drop some major poundage! I'll tell him about you. I hope Medicare comes through...please keep us posted!

[PhotoNut]

Greetings Jackson! And welcome to b2g! We have several older folks here who are banded. It's never too late to work on quality of life. Getting your weight off could possibly extend your life and increase its quality a great deal, so you go for it!

The band will slow you down once you have restriction. NO question about that. And you might "throw up", which we call a PB, but you'll learn quickly. It's a painful experience. One that I successfully avoided for 9 months.

Anyway, I 'm glad you found us. Get comfy here, meet folks, ask lots of questions, share your hopes and fears with everyone. You're in the perfect place!

[Firefly]

Welcome Jackson! I agree with P'nut, never too old to make your life even better than it is already.

[Tricia K.]

*waves to jackson* :wave: Welcome to B2G!!

[NurseTeresa]

Welcome Jackson! You have found the right place. Great support for the banded and those of us not banded yet. Lots of experience and knowledge all rolled up into one.

[tattooedsuess]

Welcome Jackson! It's always so encouraging and inspiring to me to see those in your generation take control of their health.

Feel free to ask any questions that you have, and we'll all help you out the best that we can.

I just have to add how cool it is to see people my grandparent's ages on the internet. Surf on!

[Stitchy]

:welcome: Jackson. Yep, you are one of the older ones, but so am I. I am 60. My friend, who is also newly banded is 67. One of the things I like so much about this forum is that age isn't a requirement for support. We are all in this together. Just keep reading, and asking questions.

[JoyceGA]

Hi, Jackson! Good to see another Georgian in B2G.

You'll find lots of information and advice for living with your new lap-band. Also, this is a great site for friendly support.

What's all this "age" chatter? Goodness, you are only as old as you feel. A year ago, I felt 90. Today, I feel 25. (in truth, I'm 49).

[MiaHalliwell]

Welcome Jackson I am so glad that you have joined us. You will have to let us know how the procedure goes.