Older VSG'ers

Hello Everyone - 

I hope the topic does not offend anyone, but I'm searching for someone who's maybe in their late 60's or early 70's who has had the surgery.  I'm trying to convince my Aunt to have it.  She's maybe 240lbs, will be 70 years old in May and she's only 5'2".  The surgery has changed my life dramatically and I'm hoping that she'll look into it.  She's had a hip replacement that went wrong, constantly gets cramps in her legs and toes and the weight isn't coming off as she has attempted to follow a low carb diet.  Any thoughts or suggestions would help?  Thanks in advance.

I had the surgery at 64.  But I was much heavier (385 pounds) , and it was clear that I needed to do something or the quality of my life was going to diminish significantly.  My surgeon wasn't concerned about my age, and I came thru it very well. 

There is a woman in my support group who had the surgery at 70.  She is doing great - no problems. She said the surgeon told her that the issue with being older is that if there is a complication, it can hit you harder when you are older, so there is more risk. 

I used to get a lot of cramps in my legs but I started eating a piece of a banana every day, and I haven't had a cramp in months.  I think it might be a potassium deficiency as banana's have lots of potassium. 

best of luck,

Carol

it seems that older people loss slower and tend to heal slower

I had my surgery in November and I am 61.  One of the things that made me do it is thinking of the next 30 years of my life (my Mom is 91 is still healthy). Women live long lives now- IF they are healthy.  Tell your aunt she is not too old, it's never too late to get healthy. 

Got my sleeve at 71 1/2 years old.  That was over 5 years ago.

I was at about 284 lbs then, currently about 180.  I have been lower, but had no stamina and tired easily at lower weight.

My medical support team felt I should put on a little weight, and I feel much better now.

HTH, Phred

My dad had RNY at 65, lost almost 200 lbs, and says it's the best thing he ever did for himself.  He encourages everyone who is obese to look into it.  Also, he had one knee replaced before surgery and they wanted to replace the other.  Since losing the weight, his knee has improved so much he hasn't needed the second replacement.  Having the surgery may help your aunt with her joint replacements as well. 

Because of his age and health problems, Dad did have to go through a lot of pre-op testing, and he was referred to a large teaching hospital several hours away for the surgery because the surgeons closer to him didn't feel comfortable performing surgery on him.

I was 63 when I had my surgery. I am now 64.  I have not had any problems- no post op pain.  I missed 4 days of work.  I say do it and really enjoy the rest of your life.  I could sit on the floor and play with my grandson- priceless!

Nancy

I had my surgry in Dec, 2013.  I was and am 68, considered a "lightweight".  Started at 224, went to surgery at 208 which is still 100 lbs overweight because I am only 5'2".  I have never had a problem with any surgery.  It was only a little tough after surgery this time from the anesthesia and pain meds.  I wanted off the meds asap and never took any when I got home, the next day.  the surgery was a breeze.  Didn't have any gas pains or anything.  Only problem was in my head, with the "what the heck did I do to myself" thoughts but now at five weeks out, I am feeling good, happy, only wish I would have done it 20-years ago.  I thinking re-learning how to eat is a little harder on us aging beautiful people.  We are pretty set in our ways, but we have to keep our eyes to the prize.  I am weaning off of blood pressure pills, I am no longer pre-diabetic, incontinence gone, back pain gone, can tie my shoes again, losing inches.  First time I have been able to look in the mirror at my whole body instead of from the neck up, in years.  I think the weight loss goes a little slower for us. 

So I would say except for the learning a new way to live, I am happy I did it, but wish I would have done it long time ago.  It helps to have a really good support system, which I did not.  Hope this helps!