59 year old having RYN/need feedback

Hi, I'm new to this.  Have made my decision to have RYN.  I have been reading and noticed most people are quite a bit younger.

Can I have some feedback on going thru the procedure, recovery and afterwards for an older person? Any comments are welcomed. Karen

Hi Karen, I was 55 when I had the surgery in March and other then complications from an infection that I didn't know I had (in my spine)  things went real well.   I also have emphysema and as far as surgery and initial recovery I was right on track for the average hospital stay ect ect. There is also a board for older folks that are having surgery at the top of the page where it says Fourms (underlined) click on other Forums and scroll through.   Actually here is direct link. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/over_50/ Good luck!

hi karen, i was 55 when i had mine and just fine. i am down 100lbs. on only on 1 pb now off insulin. good luck with yours .   barb

 I was 55 when I had mine almost a year ago.  They operated on Friday, let me go home on Sunday and I was out riding my bike by Tuesday because I felt so good.  I haven't really had any problems except for being lactose intolerant and sensitive to sugar. 

Hi Karen,                    I am 53 and had surgery last tues. and I can't beleive how great I feel from the day I had surgery! The only thing to you I can say is I would do it it all over again! Just follow what doc and nut say!  Good luck!! I was only in Hospital untill thurs. morn.                                                                                                    Hugs, Suzie

 Karen, I was 58 when I had my open RNY last year.  I had no problems at all and am enjoying the hundred lb. weight loss. Jeanne

Hi Karen, I had my surgery last Oct.  I was 63 at that time.  I had lap RNY everything went great went home  3 days after.  The only regret I have is not doing this a couple years earlier because by time I'm ready for a TT I will be close to 65; to me that's a little old for all that surgery. God Bless...........Kathy A.

Hi Ladies, Thank you all for your comments and experiences.  I hope that I come thru the procedure as well as you all did. If any of you had high blood pressure, diabetes before, have you been able to get off meds for those?  I'm hoping that I can eventually be off some of the meds I currently take. Also, I live alone.  Should I have someone stay with me my first day home from the hospital or will I be able to do for myself.  Assuming, I don't have complications, etc from surgery? I would appreciate any comments you can give. Thanks, Karen

Hi Karen

I had my open RNY when I was 49. Three months post op I was officially granted permission to stop taking my meds for blood pressure and GERD (reflux). That was almost 6 years ago!

 

The only meds I take today are my vitamins and Fosamax. Let me say that many of us do develop calcium deficiencies from our malabsorption, but I have always been faithful in that area. My osteoporosis is partially because of that, but most likely because I went through menopause so early.

 

People ask if I have ever had any WLS regrets and truthfully my only regret is that I spent the most precious years with my 5 kidlings as an obese mom. WLS was just taking off, but what I would have given to feel the way I do now during those years. My regret? That WLS wasn’t around then!

 

You didn’t mention if your surgery will be open or lap. If you have it open I would suggest having someone with you for the first few days. Many lap patients are up and around much faster so you may not need the help.

 

Today I am almost 55 and 3weeks post of from my 1^st round of reconstructive surgery. Like you, I kept wondering if at my age I should pursue it, but I am excited to complete the transformation that began 6 years and 120lbs ago.

 

So let me take this opportunity to send you lots of encouragement and best wishes. The days ahead of you are full of great possibilities. Accept my very best wishes as you begin this amazing journey. Denise Wright

It  took me 4 months to get completely off the diabetes meds but they cut them way down the 2 weeks before surgery.  I would suggest you have someone at least come in and check on you the day or 2 after you're home from the hospital.  You won't feel like entertaining someone but just having them there might make you feel at ease.  I know you'll do well and by the time you're a couple months out, you'll be saying why didn't I do this years ago.  I know I sure did.