Question:
Is 56 to old to have weight loss surgery?

I had WLS on 08-08-08. At that time I chose the Band. I still have the band in place but it is completely empty. I lost a total of 40 lbs. I have gained that weight back plus more. I am currently 285 lbs and gaining. I need the band removed and would like to revise to the sleeve. I was in a car accident in April of 2012 and have a back injury and neck injury. The weight is making this pain so much worse. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Is 56 too old for this revision?    — judy1163 (posted on February 8, 2014)

February 9, 2014
No its not too old! Provided you are healthy enough to survive surgery. Thats what my surgeon dr philp schauer always responded when asked this question. he was in pittsburgh but moved to cleveland in charge of the cleveland clinics center for weight loss. wls was the BEST DECESION I ever made in my entire life. 313 pre op in 2001, today about 220. i am a long term WLS patient. ;0
   — bob-haller

February 19, 2014
I was 60 when mine was done :)
   — jflack

February 21, 2014
I'm 59 and having surgery Monday 2/24
   — mikemac

February 22, 2014
I would certainly think you're fine for WLS. i'm 59 and my surgeon had no problems with my age at all. He did say that based on that, though, he would recommend the sleeve over gastric bypass, which was fine with me. I also have back problems due to spinal stenosis and am really hoping that losing weight will relieve some of the back pain. I also have RA (that is controlled), which is in a similar ballpark at fibromyalgia. Wish you lots of luck! Judy
   — Judy700

March 12, 2014
Absolutely not! I started the process at 59 but then changed my mind. I was afraid. Then about a year or so later, Dr. Lord came to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Once again I began the process, only this time I went the whole way. I had gastric bypass when I was 63 and now at 69, just had my birthday, I am still working the surgery. I started around 274 and am 5'5". Today, I am 165. I lost most of my weight the first 1-2 years after the surgery. I am not sure how much more I want to lose, but I have a feeling my body will tell me. LOL This surgery was amazing and life-changing for me. I am so thankful to Dr. Lord for his dedication to the practice of transforming the lives of so many people. And, by the way, I was so totally afraid that for some reason I would be denied, so I think this is a normal fear. P.S. I also have documented fibromyalgia by more than one physician, and this surgery has been a tremendous help with the fibro pain.
   — Sharon J.

March 15, 2014
I was 66 when I had my surgery a few months ago. I have had no problems and am losing well...go for it!
   — basilmk

March 15, 2014
I was 66 when I had my surgery a few months ago. I have had no problems and am losing well...go for it!
   — basilmk

June 15, 2014
Had my surgery two months ago at age 71 with absolutely no problems.
   — Tigboa12

July 18, 2014
You are not too old for the surgery, however, you might have more complications. I had the RNY 12 yrs. ago, and now I am almost disabled with problems. I have severe problems with both early and late dumping syndrome, where I try to avoid eating very much at all until late afternoon or early evening. After I dump, I have extreme problems with fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, mental confusion, shaking, sweating, and many other problems. This problem started about two years ago, and is making my life extremely difficult. I am trying to find someone who will treat me, but I am not very successful. The medical community believes that if you have the surgery, then you have to live with the symptoms even if you are not able to function. I also have had to deal with problems absorbing B12 and iron. I would not recommend the RNY for anyone.
   — Jane65

July 22, 2014
Good grief! Way to scare somebody! 56 is not too old. Riskier? Maybe. You need a good surgeon. I had mine at 51 with a revision at 56. Would do it again in a heartbeat. It can help you live longer and healthier and happier. Re. the other unfortunate person; no Dr. worth his/her "weight" would cope such an attitude. You need to find a caring MD. Try back at the bariatric place or go online at ASMBS and find some one who can help you. You don't have to suffer!
   — rtempes

August 8, 2014
I'm glad to see this question. My surgeon is being very thorough and having me obtain clearance with cardiologist and pulmonologist. The pulmonologist who also handles weight loss, was not very positive, meaning he recommended another approached based on negative effects the surgery may have.
   — sds0029

August 24, 2014
I was 64 when I had my surgery. It has been a life saver. I'm off all my medication for high cholesterol, my glucose numbers are normal, my blood pressure is actually low, my knee and back pain has substantially lessened. I lost 70 lbs. in a year and I've kept it off. My docs were not concerned about age, just health and being able to get through the surgery.
   — Patty129

September 9, 2014
I am 67 and am having the sleeve done October I feel very good about having it done. It is giving me a chance to live a better life Life is full of chances and sometime we need to take a chance. Good Luck
   — lindalue

December 17, 2014
I am 61 and just had my gastric sleeve surgery on 12/11/14 and doing quite well post op. Although the process is requiring more of me mentally and physically than any other of the numerous weight loss strategies I've been through over the years.... I am feeling hopeful to enjoy the rest of my life and believe it really was the right choice for me, I wish I had done it at 56.
   — Cowdog-Lover

December 28, 2014
I had my surgery at 70 and a revision at 74.
   — Fredannah

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