Question:
over 50

In the process of getting everything done to have gastric bypass. I am 50 years old. Will weight loss be more difficult because of my age? Also, I was wondering if anyone found that they wore a smaller size shoe after weight loss?? Thanks so much!!    — need2dothis (posted on November 7, 2009)


November 7, 2009
Hi I cant answer your question about whether the weight loss will be more difficult because of your age because I'm not getting my surgery till 12/28/09. I am 59 years old. Everything I have read from older people getting it done say they lose weight just like everyone else.
   — cuppaloopy

November 7, 2009
Hi Cindy,I dont know if it was easier or not to lose the weight at a younger age. But I had my RNY at 56 and that was 16 months ago and have lost 135lbs so far. I do have other health issues that have slowed the process alittle but Iam fine with that. If you check everything out and your DR is okay with it...do what you are most comfortable with. My reasons where to be healthier,live longer and enjoy my life to the fullest. Best of luck in what ever you do.
   — tootsie52

November 7, 2009
Hi there,I,m 50,and I,m getting the duodenal switch,I choose this wls because I didn,t want to puke,get food stuck,stomas,and I like to drink with my meals ! Please research all your options. ( Ds facts.com )Rny and bands are not real good options for older folks,puke,in can cause problems with the heart,and if you have arthritis you can not take meds and nsaids.Plus it cures a lot of other problems.
   — rebecca W.

November 7, 2009
Yeah, I wore a 7 1/2 and now wear a 5 1/2 or 6. It also doesn't kill me to wear heels, so I can wear cool shoes! I have always been a shoe freak! Losing weight was not harder, though, but the skin issues I think, are a little worse for us than the younger gals, but it was still worth it. We don't go around in bathing suits after-all! The right clothes hide a multitude of sins! good luck! (I just turned 51)
   — lesleigh07

November 7, 2009
Cindy, I had my surgery July 1, 2008. I was 55, now I'm 56. The surgery was not any worse for me than for friends who have had it and are younger. Just be sure to follow your doctors orders to the letter. And yes you may lose a shoe size or two. I lost a shoe size, plus I now have to wear a narrow shoe whereas before I was and extra wide. Welcome to the losers bench when you have your surgery and enjoy the changes you will see happening to you. Marcy
   — ohwegoblues

November 7, 2009
Cindy, I was 60 when I had the RNY in January of the year. It has been worth every second of discomfort. I don't think I had it any worse than the younger women. No more BP pills, no more cholesterol pills, no CPAP machine, no diabetic meds and I enjoy exercise for the first time in my life.
   — Nancy W.

November 7, 2009
I am 57 and I had my RNY surgery on August 13, 2009, so far I have lost 60 lbs. Like the other gal's post, follow your Dr's orders to the T. I have had some rough days, but no more HP pills, my knees do not hurt and my mental attitude is great. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

November 7, 2009
I was 57 lost 112 in 5mths and yes my son in law lost 165lbs and lost 2 shoe sizes.
   — JAN M.

November 7, 2009
I think anyone of any age is able to lose weight. However I think some of us may have a harder time, or lose slower, because of previous weight loss attempts. I know I have yo-yo dieted all my adult life and I think that negatively affected my metabolism and makes it "harder" to lose. Once the body recognizes the starvation pattern I feel it becomes more resistant to weight loss. Resistant mind you, not impossible. I am 49 and sometimes I feel discouraged that I haven't lost more & faster like the younger people seem to have but I know comparing my journey with theirs is unreasonable therefore I don't let it get me down. We all have differing health conditions both pre and post op that can influence it also. I am determined and I will get to my goal, it just may take me a little longer because of a screwed up metabolism that I'm now trying to treat appropriately. I have lost 70 lbs so far with 70 more to go. I haven't lost a shoe size yet but I am wearing medium width instead of a wide. Many, many years ago I wore a narrow so that may still come yet unless my bunions stay in the way. LOL. Good luck to you. This is one of the best sites for additional help and sharing of information on the incredible journey you're about to undertake.
   — Arkin10

November 7, 2009
I was 52 and had the VGS (sleeve) done in July, by 6 months i had lost about 80 pounds, of course I exercised faithfully 5-6 times a weeks for 5 months and I only walk everyday now, but I think my weight come off easy. I have lost a total of 120 pounds, with no problems at all and this wls you don't have the malabsorption problems as you do with the other types, but this is what the doctor thought what was best for me. Welcome to the losers bench. I wear about a half size smaller in shoes.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 7, 2009
I am 58 and had my surgery (RNY) this past March, best thing I ever did. I feel so much better now than before it's unbelieveable. I also wear a smaller shoe size, went from EEE to D. Length didn't change.
   — rkurquhart

November 8, 2009
I was 69 when I had RNY over 2 years ago. I lost slowly, but even did when I was younger. I reached my goal weight after losing almost 80 pounds last yr. and weigh exactly the same now. I did have some problems, but not because of my age. It was the very best thing I have ever done. I feel young and sexy and love looking in the mirror at the new me. I wish you luck in this new adventure.
   — nanabana

November 8, 2009
Hi Sweetie, I'm 59 and I am losing just like anyone else that has had RNY. I'm almost 6 weeks out and doing great. Haven't noticed a difference in shoe size yet but ya gotta love what I have noticed: I can bend over and tie my shoe and my belly doesn't get in the way as much. LOL Congrats on making this great decision in your 50's. Us older gals ROCK. Hugs, Sue
   — TaylorsGramma

November 8, 2009
Yes, you will lose not only clothing size, in addition you will drop in shoe size.... I also found that I had to start adjusting the seat in the car! I lost the back side of myself... problem there was to remember to put the seat back so my husband wouldn't impale himself on the steering wheel!
   — Kathleen O.

November 8, 2009
Hi Cindy, My name is Mary Jane and I had my surgery May 24, 2008. I am now 52 years old. Each person has their own metabolism and issues to deal with. You need to trust in yourself and listen to your DR's and to your own heart and body. I had the full RNY and my story is that I went from 343 lbs to currently 180 lbs. That's is a total of 163 lbs. I do have sagging skin but as others have said it really isn't a big deal because of how great I feel. You can cover a lot up with clothing. I am getting counseling to deal with my new body image but you know what that is OK. God had His hand in my journey since my childhood. I know that just like a drug addict or alcoholic, each day I will live with my obesity but now I have the tool and mindset to face each day one day at a time. In fact I just got back from walking approximately 3 miles around my neighborhood. It's been great. My email address is [email protected] if you want to become email friends. I would be glad to share my journey with you as you proceed. But always remember that is each story is different and you need to always keep in your mind the real reason for taking this surgical step in your own personal battle. God Bless and You'll Be IN my Prayers! MJ
   — heartmjk

November 9, 2009
Hi, I'm 62, had the RNY in May, have lost 86 lbs. and wish I would have done it sooner, I feel fabulous! (my biggest problem is the hair loss, but they tell me it will grow back in about 6 mos. and this is my 6th month, so here's hoping) Yes, even my feet are smaller! I recently got rid of my C-pap, diabetes is gone! and the comments from people keep me riding high! Have a great journey! it is so worth it
   — aliclaire




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