Question:
Surgery over 50yo

Im not seeing many people over 50yo having surgery, Im 51 and would like to hear from over 50 WLS persons regarding their experiences.    — mommyof5 (posted on March 4, 2008)

March 4, 2008
I'm also 51 and just had lapband. Are you considering this kind of surgery at all?
   — loisdierlam

March 4, 2008
HI I AM OVER 54. I WAS VERY NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING SURGURY, I NEVER HAD SURGURY BEFORE. I HAD THE OPEN RNY. I DID VERY WELL. AFTER GETTING HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL I WAS MORE COMFORTABLE AND DOING OK. FIRST TWO WEEKS OF LIQUIDS, DID OK. WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING SOMETHING MORE SUBSTANCIAL AND THEN THE PUREED FOODS. THAT WAS LIKE A FULL MEAL I PUREED ALOT OF HOMEMADE SOUP. VERY GOOD. I EAT ALL KINDS OF FOOD NOW. JUST ABOUT 3- FORKFULLS AND I AM DONE. I DONT DRINK WITH MY MEALS I WAIT AN HOUR AFTER EATING TO DRINK ANYTHING. HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE DOCTOR INSTRUCTIONS TO DO WELL. I THINK AS LONG AS YOU LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR YOU WILL DO JUST FINE. I HAVE LOST 40 LBS SO FAR, I HAD MY SURGURY ON JAN.28TH 2008. I HOPE I WAS ABLE TO HELP YOU I DONT KNOW WHAT KIND OF INFO YOU WANTED, YOU CAN WRITE TO ME ANY TIME YOU WOULD LIKE TO. GOOD LUCK!!! LINDA
   — changingmylifelinda10

March 4, 2008
I was 55 when I had my lap RNY gastric bypass. I am 5'9" and wore a size 26. I am a size 10 now and I am off all medications except the supplements, of course. I was running out of options on blood pressure medication and arthritis (DJD) medications. I feel great. I'm working two jobs, just put in for a promotion, go to the gym three times a week, and eat pretty much what I want except in small porpotions and under 8g of sugar. I had some hair loss, but when the weight stabiized after 121 lbs lost, the hair started coming back in. I also started 5,000 units of biotin and a concentrated fish oil capsule and that helped alot with the hair loss. I turned 56 in January and feel good. I have cramps if I eat too much, eat things too spicy (gall bladder removed last month) and when I am not sure about the sugar content. Other than that, I am glad I had the surgery.
   — Anna C.

March 4, 2008
I post all of the time. I was 59 when I had surgery. My story is on my profile page. I see many other 50+ year post ops in my monthly support groups.
   — Dave Chambers

March 4, 2008
I was 65 years old when I had RNY surgery and would do it again tomorrow. I have lost over 100lbs. and feel so much better. I am off all my diabetic medications as well as high blood pressure medications. I take two flintstone vitamins each day and 5000 mg of biotin. Mamash
   — Mamash

March 4, 2008
I'm 56 and had my bypass on Jan. 14, 2008. I've lost about 40 lbs. and feel great. I had no comorbidities other than sleep apnea and my bmi was 41. I was scared beforehand because it is such a big step to take. I'm still happy that I did it although there have been a few rough patches. I went on vacation to Mexico last week and it was hard accepting the fact that I just don't enjoy food anymore. I get hungry, and start imagining eating something, and then order it, and then take a couple of bites and I'm done. Well, THAT's why I'm losing weight, but the mental part is still hard. So I just think about all the many, good reasons Ihad the surgery and then I feel better. Your heaLth is way more important anyway. Good luck. Chris
   — cjjordan

March 4, 2008
I am 55 years young and hang out on the Over 50 Forum. There's alot of great support there.
   — azreggie

March 4, 2008
Hi, I turned fifty last april and had my surgery on last thursday. It was the best decision for me to make at this time in my life. I am 5'3" and weighed 254 lbs. I have bad scolios in my spine and will hopefully have some relief to my poor back. I look at it this way- at the rate I was going things were only going to get worse. This is the start of a whole new life. I had breast cancer at 39. Was glad to see 40 and 50. Can't wait to see what 60 is like!!!!!!
   — sueannel123

March 4, 2008
I am 61 years old and had my surgery (RNY) on Dec. 10th. I have lost 60 lbs. so far. I will not lie and say it has been a breeze. It has not. It took me much longer to recoup than I expected. I have had problems with constipation (finally have that licked, I think). I had almost a month that I didn't loose a pound. Finally my primary care said you are in starvation mode you have to eat something even if it's mashed potatoes (my surgeon says NO carbs for 6 mo except fruits and good veggies) Well, I began to eat a little more and things that would go down easy and guess what? I began to loose weight. And, I feel better. I try to get my protein in every day and not eat very much carbs - but I am eating some carbs. And....the weight loss is great.
   — Caroline Garber

March 4, 2008
Hi Kim - I'm 53 and had my surgery 16 months ago. Oct '06 I use to weigh 233 lbs. I am not 118 as of today. I did everything exactly as instructed. I had my surgery at New England Medical Center in Boston, MA. They have a very intense program. I had to see the MD., Nutritionist, Psychologist, Surgeon, and exercise dr. The first 6 weeks are tough having to follow first liquids, puree, etc for a total of 5 stages. Had to keep track of the in take of protein and fluids to make sure I was getting enough. I am off all of my blood pressure meds. (was on 3 a day) Fybromyalgia & arthritas all under control. I have never felt better. I walk every day. Also, having support is definately a plus. I told everyone family and friends. ONly a few did not like the idea but hey, I wasn't doing it for them and now they see how much this surgery has imporved my life. I wish you all the best. Niecie
   — niecie54

March 4, 2008
Hi! I am 60 and had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on Oct. 25, 2007. The first three days were really rough for me but since then it has been a dream come true. I am thrilled with my sleeve and I have had absolutely no problems what-so-ever. Good luck! Pat
   — pjennjr

March 4, 2008
I had lap RNY 22 months ago at age 53. I was uncomfortable for 4 days, but nothing unbearable. I lost 100 lbs. the first 7 months and then 20 more since then. My BMI is 23 now. Seven months ago I began my plastic surgery journey and the results are wonderful. After a lifetime of morbid obesity I can honestly say that weight loss surgery is the most wonderful gift I've ever given myself! Good luck.
   — oppatty

March 4, 2008
Make sure your doctor does all the required tests before hand. chest xrays blood work endoscopy ekg. I know someone whos dr didnt do it and she paid the ultimate price. Not to scare you but it is a must in any kind of surgery
   — Joanc

March 4, 2008
I am 59 and had my surgery almost 2 years ago at 57 years old. I started at a weight of 321 and am down to 152. I was tired after surgery as most people are. Went back to work after 3 weeks. I no longer have sleep apnea, or take meds for high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholesteral or gerd. I feel I would have been in a wheelchair by now and would not have lived to see 65. I love the way I feel and am in the process of planning plastic surgery for a tummy tuck. I would do this surgery monthly--yearly, whatever it took to keep me healthy and feeling this great. Julia
   — Julia W.

March 4, 2008
Kim Brown... Happy to meet you Ms. 51! Good Luck with whatever decision you make. Have a wonderful day. Laxi
   — 502Laxi

March 4, 2008
I will be 60 this year, but I was 59 when I decided to go for the lap band, My only regret was that I waited so long. The extra weight keep me from enjoying a lot of things. I was having trouble climbing stairs, I didn't enjoy the clothes that was in my size. I never cared for flowers or prints that most of the larger was made in. I had good health and is getting ready to retire and I wanted to enjoy my retirement. It is the very best thing that I recently done for my self. So far thank the Lord, I haven't had any problems and is looking forward to enjoying my future.
   — cajeal

March 5, 2008
Congratulations, Kim! I'm hopefully having surgery soon, and will be 57 in July. OH has an over-50 forum - come join us! If you want to chat or have any questions feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
   — obeseforever

March 5, 2008
I am a 62 year old male and I had surgery on my 62nd birthdate. It was harder for me then the 30 year olds, and I realy felt old when they release the to other people that had surgery the same day as I did th enext day, and then the three that had surgery the following day were released and I was still in the hospital. I was in a total of 5 days, but it was because my doctor wanted to make sure everything was fine before sending me home. I took 6 weeks to get to solid food rather than 4, but overall I would do it again today, as it has been the best experence of my life. I fell great and I work out at the gym every day. I now play golf, and swim regularly. Its been only three month tomorrow and I am down 70 lbs. Go for it and you will never regreat it. You still young. There ate people on Medicare that are getting the surgery,
   — William (Bill) wmil

March 5, 2008
I'm 55 and had RNY bypass 4.5 months ago. I am fortunate to have had a good recovery and now am ecstatic about the results. Because of diabetes, high bp, etc. I was READY for this -- and, incidentally, all of those problems stopped, without meds, within a couple of weeks after surgery. My surgeon was very strict about requiring pre-surgery evaluations which included cardiology, kidneys, pulmonary, gastro-enterology, and psych. He always says these were not to disqualify people, but to make sure he and other med staff are prepared during and post-op.
   — Cathy 1.

March 5, 2008
Hi Kim, I too had the laprascopic RNY and I am 51 this month. I had it last September. You can go to my page for my story as it is long. I had a stomach stapling 23 years ago. This surgery has been so good for me. I have lost 82#'s but am at a standstill for 3 weeks now. I think it is suvh a good surgery but you do have to change your eating habits and you do need to exercise. Good luck, join me on my profile! Lori
   — reretheplaylady

March 5, 2008
HEY WELCOME TO THE OVER THE HILL GANG THAT CAN HANDLE ANYTHING THEY WANT TO.I'M SOON TO BE 59 AND WOULD DO THIS SURGERY OVER& OVER AGAIN!!!!I WAS ALMOST IN A WHEELCHAIR.I WORK OUTSIDE & THUOGHT MY LIFE WAS OVER.6/26/08 WAS THE FRIST DAY OF THE REST OF MY NEW LIFE.MY KNEE'S ARE DONE & NOW I CAN WALK .I WIEGHTED 311 NOW 186.JUST DO WHAT THE DR.TELLS YOU AND ALL WILL BE GOOD. LEHIGH
   — lehigh

March 5, 2008
I had my RNY on 19-22. I was 57 at the time and turned 58 in January. I wish I had done it sooner but to tell the truth I have always taken care of everyone else and ntot myself. I feel great. The surgery was not bad at all, mainly left side abdominal pain was about it.. Not unbearable at all. I had plenty of pain meds left over. I went from a 2x to a medium. in 4 months. I am going to make my goal at 150 and that is about 25 lbs away. I feel better than I have in years. I say go for it if that is what you want. Choose your surgeon wisely. I am going to have a tummy tuck and that will be about it for me. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
   — t_roxus

March 5, 2008
Me too.. I joined the ranks of the 50 plus and for me its been great@! I love the extra energy of being able to keep up with the grandbabies...
   — babesintoyland

March 6, 2008
I was 58 when I had my RNY 02/05/08. I will be 59 this month; have lost 34 lbs. I read about this 10 years ago & decided then that it was too risky. Almost wish I HAD done it then instead of gaining another 50-60 lbs & having arthitis pain. It's never too late to do what is best for YOU.
   — el_kniepo

March 7, 2008
Was 63 and had RNY by-pass, no problems and doing excellant, have loss 90 lbs in 10 months with few problems.
   — blossman

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