Brandon D. Varnell, MD

I don't see many stories about women in their 50's or 60's listing their reviews so I wanted to give another perspective. Most of the stories I read are for women in their 30's which I always read but I wanted to know how women my age recuperate and fair after surgery. That's the main reason I am posting. And, of course, the support. So join me for my new adventure.
Out of curiosity I was reading about different procedures on RaelSelf and how many people would recommend the treatments they had. I think I was looking at some facial treatments. I was blown away about the satisfaction rate for weight loss surgery. I read many reviews and started doing my own research. This search led me to the Bailey Bariatric Center. They have been so professional and have walked me through all the necessary steps to complete the insurance requirements. They tell me when and where I need to be and my guidance counselor has been wonderful and she provides prompt answering all of my concerns and/or questions.
I am supposed to have my surgery in March but the date has not been determined yet. As of yet I don't have any nervousness or feelings of trepidation about the procedure. I've been practicing my eating protocol and getting down the liquid/water requirements so hopefully I'll be better prepared for what faces me. I am not looking forward to the two weeks of liquids before the surgery. I asked a gentleman at the support group about this part and he said he's rather put out a fire with his face. LOL I started this journey weighing 321 pounds and am currently 296 so I have lost weight using the information I've been given. I would like to get down to 150 with anything extra being a bonus. I have to start working out more but lack of motivation has been a hindrance for me. I know part of being a compliant patient is exercise so I am going to have to bite the bullet.
I gained most of my weight after my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was such a difficult 3 year process and when he got really sick I took a leave of absence to be his caretaker. The stress of watching him waste away and going through all of the stages of a terminal illness caused me to turn to food as comfort. Especially anything sweet. Then there was the inconsolable pain after he died that sent me into a spiral of depression that put on even more weight.
I now have a 10 month old granddaughter that makes me smile again. I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with her and play games outside. I want to be able to hike in the woods and not worry about loosing my breath when I go more than 1/2 mile. I am now retired and I'd like to travel without fear of trying to squeeze into an airplane seat. I want to give myself the present of living healthy and free from this weight. It has been a prison and kept me from doing so much. My Aunt and Uncle from London were coming to town and wanted to have dinner with me. I was so ashamed of how I looked that I lied my way out of the dinner. That's bad.
I don't see many stories about women in their 50's or 60's listing their reviews so I wanted to give another perspective. Most of the stories I read are for women in their 30's which I always read but I wanted to know how women my age recuperate and fair after surgery. That's the main reason I am posting. And, of course, the support. So join me for my new adventure.