WLS at 55, As effective as at 25?

Welcome!

I think we older folks have an equal chance at success as the younger ones.  I spend a lot of time on the lap-band forum with members in their 20's & 30's.  Just because they can exercise a lot doesn't mean they do exercise a lot  The 2 members (besides me) I can think of offhand who exercise a lot are in their 40's.  At least once a week, a 20-something posts a thread titled something like, "Can I lose weight without exercising?"

It seems to me that older people are generally better able to follow instructions and to persist despite setbacks.

I was 54 when I had WLS.  I had been a couch potato for many, many years, but my surgeon made me promise to exercise (at least walk) 30 min. a day.  When I first started, all I could manage was a few 5-minute walks a day.  Gradually I built up to one 40-min. walk a day.  I found that as my weight went down, my energy, flexibility, and general mobility increased.

If health problems limit your mobility, it's still possible to exercise.  A physical therapist or exercise physiologist could work out a routine for you.  At my health club, there are fitness classes for seniors (55+) and most of the participants do the whole class sitting in a chair.  At least they're doing something!  You don't have to become an Olympic athlete, you just have to move!

Good luck with your surgery.  If you're excited and happy about it, why cool your jets?

Jean

You have been given some good replies so I will just say.........Welcome to OFF!!!!!

Hugs....connie d

I had my surgery on 7-16-09.  I'm 57 and felt wonderful for the first few days after surgery.  Therefore, I overdid things.  Now I think I'm paying for it, because I'm feeling weak and a bit light headed.  I'm not getting in enough calories during the day, but believe it or not it's hard.  It took me two sittings to eat a Weigh****chers Smart Ones turkey and mashed potatoe meal.  I just can't put too much in, and frankly don't want to.  Right now I'm drinking a chocolate protein shake with two scoops of protein (52 gms) and two cups of skim milk so I've gotten in 433 calories so far today.  They want me to have 700-900 per day and I'm averaging 500.  I know things will even out for me, and I have absolutely no regrets.  My insulin is already cut by 3/4 .  Amazing what good nutrition can do.
YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IF YOU WANT TO BE.
Jan

Hello,

I am 57 years old and had my WLS when I was 54. I now teach Zumba classes 5 times a week as well as swimming lessons at my local Y. I never taught exercise classes before my WLS surgery.

Diana

You folks are awesome!  I asked what I thought was a silly question and got some really thoughtful and inspiring replies.  Thanks so much.  I contacted a health club today (?!? Did I really do that?) and they have senior aqua classes, so I am going to join the club so I can do those classes.  Thanks for lifting me up!

I'll be 52 in October and had my revision from lapband to RNY 2 years ago this month. I got all the way down (I'm 105 pounds and a size 0). I think we can have better success than some of the younger people to be honest. We are more aware of our own mortality and tend to take things more seriously. I think we are also better equipped with the wisdom of years to change our lifestyles. We also don't have to deal with feeding young families and can take good care of ourselves. Be excited! I lost just as fast as the younger people. Lost all my weight in the first 16 months and have been maintaining since. I'm thrilled for you!

Welcome aboard!! I was 50 when I had my RNY & now 55. I was one of those that
did not get below 200 lbs, but, have kept off over 100 so am still considered a sucess.
I believe your only regret is waiting till 55 to have this surgery. As you start to lose you
will get the energy to start walking & I bet within a few months you are walking like you never have. Your health will overall improve & that is why we do this in the first place.
Congrats & keep posting & learning that helps with being successful.

I am not a doctor and don't play one one TV, but I consider WLS at 55 just as successful, if not more successful than 25.  One of the reasons is the amount of weight to reach "goal".  The older you get, the more accomodating the doctor is in adjusting his goal weight for you (again, in my opinion).  Take into consideration also the maturity level of a 25 year old vs. the maturity level of a 55 year old, in accepting the life changing decision being made.

Honestly, I see a lot of people doing things the doc says is a no-no.  And if you look at it, I honestly believe the violators are moreso the younger ones, who know-it-all.

Aloha and welcome to the OFF.......Whenever I see a question like yours.........wondering if you can lose weight at 55...I almost laugh. I feel like the tutu (Hawaiian for grandma) of this group. I was 63 when I had my surgery just three years ago, and have experienced the older people like me doing wonderfully. My motivation was getting the news that I was going to be a tutu just over five years old and at 320 lbs.....there was no way I was going to be able to get down on the floor, go swimming, snorkeling, boating ,etc. at that weight. I now have THREE grandsons...the youngest just one, and the oldest five....and this tutu DOES all of those things with my grandsons.....except we haven't snorkeled yet, but I have the equipment and as soon as they are old enough, we'll be out there in that ocean.

I think I lost my 165 lbs. in about a year and a half.....and have maintained for another year and a half. My surgeon did a bang up job on my plumbing because I seem to be able to eat a lot and it just goes right through. I do NOT eat junk food very often...in fact rarely.....but I can eat a bagel, a whole sandwich, a big bowl of soup with french bread easily. I let my pouch (Gracie) tell me when I've had enough.

So, enjoy every minute of the anticipation.....you are headed for health, fitness and freedom in your body.


Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

I already knew I wanted the surgery, even though I'm an old lady, but after reading your replies, and seeing some of your gorgeous pictures, I am even more relaxed about it not being a waste of money, and even more determined to make it succeed.  I am regretful that I didn't look into it 10 years ago, but at the time I still felt like I should be able to lose the weight on my own.  Obviously, after trying every diet to come out, I have done nothing but GAIN weight.  Now I am to the point where even if I don't eat I stay the same weight.  Again, thanks everybody for letting me know there is hope for these old bones!