63 Year Old Man: 'Year of Action'!

After literary ages, talk w/my primary for two years, finally having initial consultation next Thursday. I'm 350lbs. Told all my life by my Dad I was fat. Did a mental job on me I kept inside. I look at old photos and, darn it, I looked good. Been through Optifast, Weight Watchers, fad diets. Have had two scents, arthroscopic knee surgeries. Enough!! Been reading the posts and feel greatly encouraged that I'm now doing something for me. I'm sure I'll be filled with questions or inquiries down the road. But Yeah, my initial consultation coming up. Look forward to knowing more and meeting on line all you beautiful people.

I had two heart stents.

The photos show my weight increase over the years. The one sitting with a dear friend most recent. Beyond horrified. Yet as I add before photos, after being told I'm fat all my life, that mental psyche has worked me over. Now, time for my 'Year of Action'. Keep you posted. Thanks!

Just finished with the program coordinator and two 'interns'. A lot of question. She has a dynamic personality. The program/process - or the Journey - as I like to call it has begun Anxious to view the animated clips they sent. Will look on YouTube for the actual procedures. I love watching. Afterwards met with Dr Agos. With the Dr and Team, spent a lot of time together. I'm very positive of my Journey. The discussion of the proper option to choose. TOOK THE FIRST STEP!!! Got inside the door: had a thorough discussion and then met with the doctor. Now, to view, read and schedule the appropriate appointments. The JOURNEY has begun.

Got initial lab results. Correcting Vitamin D, adding Fish oil and a Vitamin B complex. I initial medical supervision a week from the upcoming Tuesday. Set up Sleep study consult. Will be calling for psych evaluation. Wondering, any home exercises anyone can recommend? Starting treadmill, but, coming off short term disability for knee surgery, the strength is still weak. My Journey is building, Also, need to find a support group to attend. A lot in the first two weeks of 'Walking in the Door'. That was a HUGE STEP. Welcome any comments or suggestions.

Still haven't picked out psychologist. How long of a process so I can arrange around work. My manager very supportive: insurance company coverage all set. On this Journey in My Year of Action. Then, start the dietician sessions. My mind is so Positive., One step at a time. Still pondering which procedure, now leaning from lap band, to sleeve. Welcome any comments. Thanks, Everyone

Meeting with sleep doctor on 03/27. Due to a number of issues last year, stopped using CPAP. Just filled with distilled water for restarting tonight.

Meet medical supervision very early tomorrow morning for first of monthly visits. Still need to pick out psychologist. Then, dietician is weeks to come. Oh, need to contact primary to write recommendation letter0 Making good progress Thank you

From last and initial medical supervision, told to download apps, LOSE IT.! Keeping a daily diary of what I'm eating and exercise. Seeing sleep consult this Thursday morning and awaiting callback for appointment for psych Evaluation. April meeting with support group and missed Informational session also for April with second medical supervision,. Drinking more water than ever. Had egg white omelette at work today with veggies. Cottage cheese and boiled eggs for lunch - probably not too smart. Down already to one diet coke a day, even with months to surgery. Thinking of scheduling a dietician appt prior to the schedule. I feel working with dietician only helps and greatly assist with my monthly medical supervision! Makes sense to me. That may be out of my pocket, but money well invested.

Met with Dr Joya for my required sleep consult0 I brought my CPAP unit, hoses and nasal pillows. Her Nurse took the recording chip card out and brought in the readings. Due to a rear end accident, pain and discomfort, physical therapy and severe whiplash set in, I discontinued CPAP. But, from my very initial bariatric evaluation was informed to go back to using the unit now until surgery and weeks afterwards. Great news, it was weeks prior to seeing the sleep doctor and my card readings, compared to my previous results from 2012 were extremely good. NO NEW SLEEP STUDY IS NEEDED. See her again in six months.

Next appointment will be my psych evaluation on April 14th. Very next day attend a bariatric information session. Following week, 2nd monthly medical supervision and weigh in.

Purged my refrigerator of all bad food. Have carton to pack up items from cupboards to donate to food pantry.

Using the LOSE IT Android application. A daily diary of food Intake and any motivation I E., exercise. Will show monthly supervision doctor my entries. Watching labels for the pertinents: protein, sugar, fat and carbs. Quite an education and discipline in keeping track.

Honestly, had my 15th Anniversary at my company on Thursday, 03/27. Decorations, but, no goodies. They took me out to an extremely fine restaurant. As I informed my team of My Journey, they all pitched in and bought me small containers to transport my meals They bought smaller plates, seven baby sized looking spoons and forks. Bought two different sets of measuring spoons and containers. I felt the Love. As I buried my entire family, their support has been immense!!! They state they won't bring in junk food. Though I'm not asking them, they all are supportive and said it would be healthy for them, as well0 As I say on Facebook I use a phrase: ' I'm Blessed Beyond Measure...' I have not revealed my WLS decision on Facebook. Told my peers and manager and four close positive friends only. That's all I'm telling.

Thanks for listening. Sending Mikey Hugs.

For my 15th Anniversary with my company last Thursday, my team took me to lunch. I had fish w/ mashed potatoes (bad, Michael). At the table they gave me a bag of goodies from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Measuring spoons, measuring cups, small plates, baby sized spoons and forks. I'm Blessed they are supporting me so positively and with Love. Need to get on the treadmill now. Just sharing my reflections as I think of them. I am down to one diet coke months out. Bought chocolate Whey protein powder. Need to look into high protein substitutes, no doubt the dietician will greatly help so I can buy product and stock up. Using my LOSE IT app. Oh, oh, anyone with pets??? I have a white lab, Joey. With being hospitalized, as I have no family, thinking of a Dog walker or hate to say, even kennel for up to a week. Not sure will I be able to walk how soon after surgery. Do you rest most of the first week? Any thoughts and suggestions most welcome.

Any men, welcome your pre and post op experiences, feelings, concerns.

Good Saturday morning. Starting on my own, in having two protein shakes as meal replacements on weekends. Though months away, anything to get me and my mindset on track for anticipation of liquids prior and after surgery, Grocery shopping for stocking up on my protein, vegetables and fruits. Skim milk. Have been on 2%, but, they want me to switch. No problem. Oh, this weekend, will probably buy a food scale and a blender. Truly welcome thoughts on either the scale or blender. They're going to be my best lifelong friend.

Wishing all who had surgery continued success: for those a short time away to remain Positive:, and, or those like me months away glad I found this site to chat and read your reflections and stories and thought process. It's been a privilege and look forward to continue to write, read and, reply. A great social media forum. HAPPY SATURDAY!

Got a hand held immersion blender. Comes with a bowl with blade to mince or puree. I'll try that this week to see how it works. As first few weeks will be liquids, followed by purees added, want to ensure I got the right unit. Also, looking at the NutriBullett and the NinjaMega. Have a regular blender in the garage. Was going to put in a garage sale, but, will look at the buttons0 May have already what I need. Welcome thoughts on units folks have been using. Thanks. Continued Success and Future Success to those N this dynamic Journey. Michael.

Keeping a daily diary on LOSE IT app, is disciplining me to my intake. Need to increase my protein. Drinking more water and other liquids. Bringing my Yogurt and 4oz Breakstone Cottage Cheese. Eating more bananas and apples. Checking out nutritional information on food if not on labels, from Google to enter in my LOSE IT app. My manager using a pedometer from Verizon that works with an app. Amazing. Need to look into it. Tough day at work but need to get on treadmill tonight for 10-15 minutes. Recovering from knee surgery and just returned a few weeks ago. Wearing knee brace. Will be fantastic when loosing the weight and realize the benefit on the knee joints. What a Win-Win benefit. Love reading and responding to fellow Journey partners. Continued Success to all who've had the surgery and those like me, that are learning, educating and absorbing ourselves from your stories. Yes, we are all individuals, but, soaking in all the knowledge we soak up like a sponge. Thank you all.

Today met with the psychologist. Great young doctor. Filled out numerous pages upon signing in. Only paid normal co-pay, not specialist Co - pay. I did state that my PPO States a higher fee to be honest. Then, she came out and we talked for over an hour. One episode, over my life, I honestly welled up with tears. But, How refreshing to express it. After our chat, went to the room next door and read and answered 334 questions on the PAI - Patient Assessment Inventory. Quite interesting. Being a Positive about Upbeat individual, after being a caretaker to two family members before they passed, to two heart events afterwards, two knee surgeries, this was my "Year of Action". Now, time to take care of Michael. Told her my process currently. Starting to eat differently, more liquid protein substitutes already. I'm so ready. Tomorrow night Information Session and Thursday my first Bariatric Support Group, ironically hosted by my surgeon and bariatric coordinator at one of the three hospitals I'm utilizing.
Meet for second monthly medical supervision next Monday or Tuesday - have to recheck. Bur, Psych Evaluation was very good and a healthy part of the process. Before taking the PAI, she saw no reason not to have surgery. I'll await the results. A great day today along my Journey. Wishing you all a great evening. Love reading and learning more evrrytime I log on. God Bless. Michael,.

Today attended the mandatory Info Session. Lasting an hour and a half, lead by one of the five bariatric surgeons of the North Shore University Health System and the Bariatric Coordinator, went over much of what I have heard and read already. Well attended, it was interactive. Going over the types of procedures, explaining each one : percentage of weight loss over the first year if you adhere to the Rules, pre and post surgery. Types of insurance coverage differences and waiting periods. Glad I have a PPO. How long a stay in the hospital to how long you will possibly be off work. To when you can drive again to that we will be receiving a binder from the dietician for guidance. What to stock up on before and after surgery, as you'll not b feeling that hot in doing any shopping. A great overview.

Thursday evening, will start my first Support Group Session. Meet fellow folks who have or will be starting their Journey, to meeting actual patients that have gone through one or more of the procedures. Really looking forward to hearing from post surgery patients: likes and dislikes. Hearing their 'wise counsel' on preparation for pre and post periods. Why they choose the surgery they did. Why one over the other. Their emotions of, did they make the right decision. Again, one of the mandatory steps along my Journey. But the continued knowledge I'll gain is Priceless.

Wow met five post surgery patients. ALL had the Y-Bypass. Ruled out lap band: barely gave thought to the sleeve. Needed that total restrictive so they couldn't cheat, as lap band and sleeve eventually allows easier than the Y. Anxious to hear from others on why you choose the Sleeve. Understand I have to make up my mind when I meet with the dietician, as each surgery has their own requirements. All looked great, very happy with their choice. They are more restrictive in what they can eat, more vitamins for life, but, like many here already, are full and content. Two - only once each - ate too much or ate dry chicken that got stuck. Felt like hell for hours. Meet with 2nd medical supervision on Tuesday morning. Love to hear from you! Thank you...

Happy Easter to those that Celebrate. Serious question if I may. Went to my first Support Group meeting. We met with five post op individuals. ALL had the Bypass, none the Sleeve. I love the Sleeve concept, my question or inquiry, do you find it is enough restrictive enough? Do any Sleeve post ops believe they should have had the Bypass instead of the Sleeve??? I love this group of the Sleeve community. Learning a lot to help me along my Journey. Welcome your wise thoughts and counsel. Thank you andhhere's to a great week ahead

Well, disappointed didn't loose or gain. Been doing daily diary on the app LOSE IT. Changing food choices, more protein NOW. Cut out my diet soda Already. She gave me a listing of good food choices. We really should see dietician a couple times before surgery, would help so much in monthly medical weigh in. I believe. Still a few months away, and, need to get my ass walking now, too. Any suggestions always appreciated. Will have to next Support Group mid may. Good to hear and see the stories behind their surgery. Hoping a Sleeve patient was present. Thinking my doctor - though my choice - leans towards the Y surgery. Told could loose up to 60% of excess weight with the Sleeve and 75-80% with the Y. I'm still leaning towards the Sleeve.

Good evening. Was at Target for new t-shirts and socks. Stopped by appliances and wondering do I need a new blender. I have an immulsion hand held device. Comes with a separate mixing bowl. Believe I have a new older blender in the garage for a pending garage sale. Need to check it out for its operations type modes. Was thinking of The Bullet or the Mega Ninja for the purees I'd eventually be making. Am I fine already, or, did some of this group buy something new? Welcome your thoughts. "Continue Thinking Positive".

May 20th, will be my third of four monthly supervisions. Hoping to meet with dietician between third and fourth monthly supervisions. Awaiting my primary Letter of Support. Then, will be awaiting insurance approval.

Bought a food scale Friday. And, a FIT BIT Zip step tracker and more. Syncs to your phone or laptop. Need to setup tomorrow and wear it all the time but sleep time.

Met with five post op individuals and a room full - like myself - various stages of pre op. Three were bypass and two the Sleeve. All looked great: Great personalities and most helpful in their own individual Journey. The bypass were for total discipline. You cheat, you pay! Is that not the same with the Sleeve??? I heard Sleeve is very restrictive and bypass TOTAL, almost total discipline. Welcome your feedback. These groups are most helpful an most informative. And, will be after surgery. I like that social environment of people having had gone through the procedure, and, be spokes people for those researching or beginning their Journey.

Meet for third of four medical monthly supervisions next Tuesday. Can anyone tell me when I should be meeting with the dietician? Best wishes for all who recently had surgery : Continued Success to those on their way after surgery:, and, to those pondering the procedure in this great post site.

Disappointed. Gained 3lbs. Bariatric Coordinator saw my diary on the LOSE IT app I now have a pedometer linked to my smartphone and computer. Need to loose 4-5 pounds by next visit. Use treadmill 20 per day for 4--5 days week. Hoping dietician soon thereafter. Then, insurance approval and pre op liquid diet. Feeling great. Had an egg omelette with mushrooms and tomatoes and, I'm full. Off from work for four days. Will try protein drinks most of the weekend. Need to get my body moving. Will bring tennis shoes and socks to WALK at work for my half hour lunch. Eat my Yogurt and cottage cheese while working. Drinking my water and decaf coffee.. WALK WALK WALK

Good evening. Had my monthly supervision, and, it was a tough month. I was I'll, peers and being short handed at work for last 3-4 weeks. BUT, kept true myself, keeping me food diary on the app, LOSE IT religiously. I LOST SEVEN (7) POUNDS. My face getting thinner, doctor noticed loose dress shirt and looser trousers! YES! One more supervision. Given OK to meet with dietician any time I want now. If all goes, and I loose five more pounds, insurance coverage for surgery will be applied for. Looking at surgery in September now! I AM PSYCHED.
One thing I brought up was doctor thinking the Y-BYPASS instead of sleeve may be best for me. Coming up on age 64, maybe better for me. QUESTION: Have my sleeve friends here advised to have the "Y", but, you decided to go with the sleeve. I was informed that the "Y" is reversible, if need be. We know the sleeve isn't as majority of stomach removed. Sure Welcome your comments and counsel. Seven pounds - YES!

At 2nd to last me monthly supervision, given OK to now schedule dietician meeting. This is great. Coordinator states believe the "Y" procedure would be best for me. Has anyone had their decision based on the doctors office, or, presented with one option,but, you choose the Sleeve
instead? I'll call today to schedule the dietician, hoping I don't have to give my decision over the phone. Really looking for YOUR thoughts and comments. Thank you.

Well, finally met for my only preop appt, and, decided after all on the Rous-en - Y Bypass surgery. Met for an hour forty five minutes. Got on scale, lost 7 pounds since 7/1. Talk about being PYSCHED. Last monthly supervision on August 5th. Get insurance approval and then schedule surgery. Im so ready to get my life and healthy lifestyle again. Off many meds, being more physically active. At 63, plan my next 30 - years. Got my book and a lot of reading. Prepping for both pre and post op meals. Planning on taking four weeks off Welcome any comments or thoughts. Thanks

Lucky to be alive. Suffered massive heart attack unloading laundry from dryer. Able to get upstairs, gathered items to take with me, opened screenddoors for Paramedics Had a four Stent placement early Sunday morning, accompanied by a couple blood clots! Very lucky to be Alive. Any WSL postponed for a minimum six months. Got home early afternoon today. Very weak, exhausted. Great to be Home. As I wrote from that old song : "Knock, knock, knock on Heaven's Door.." Guess I didn't know the correct password to get in. Funny now Please keep me in your prayers Sending Mikey Hugs

In my first followup visit after my heart procedure, the intern and doctor both informed me I dodged a major bullett- I SURVIVED the WIDOW MAKER of heart attacks. I Googled the term, and, glad to be alive. Most sobering!!! My Journey has been put on hold for 6-9 months per the cardiologist. The month prior to my event I lost 14 pounds and since home from hospital, have lost another 8 pounds. Neighbors buying my grocery list, as too weak to walk the aisles. I get to exhausted and very tired. Eating healthy to keep the momentum going. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you!

Friday, 19 September, was my two month anniversary since my Acute/Massive Myocardial Infarction. Four stents and blood clot. Certainly derailed my WLS if not for the next 6-9 months, or, longer, or if it now ever be done. Up in air. Cardiac rehab is helping me loose weight now. Has anyone else have a major setback and had their surgery postponed or made the decision or had the decision made for you to not have your surgery? Welcome your feedback. Thank you, everyone.

I've dropped off the gastric bypass, and, due to two more heart attacks, in particular The WIDOW MAKER in July 2014, I'm now concentrating on have my right knee replaced. Looking to reading and learning more about this procedure.