Question:
Am I too old for surgery?
I am 56 years old, disabled and walk with a cane. Will I be OK with the surgery? Seems everyone is in their 30s. Anyone near my age had the surgery. — Georgia H. (posted on June 1, 2002)
June 1, 2002
I had my lap RNY at 54, 7 months ago and have done great. I have had no
complications and have lost 119lbs. I don't think age has much to do with
it although some Dr's do. Our skin has less elasticity but what the heck. I
plan to enjoy the next 20-30 years!! I spoke with another woman this week
at the Dr's office and the first two Dr's told her she was to old at 57.
The third one in the group didn't find it a problem. Good luck to you.
— Pam K.
June 1, 2002
When I first saw your question the first thing that came to my mind is ..
Are you to old to live? Well you arent to old to live, so why should you
be to old for surgery?
— Diane Rhoads
June 1, 2002
There is an "oldies of weight loss surgery" group. If you e-mail
[email protected] she will add you. It is loaded with more wisdom and
information for us oldies. Fay Bayuk
— faybay
June 1, 2002
I had the surgery 2/11/02 age 57. Had a lot of mobility problems, taking
lots of pain meds, although not on a cane. Now am not taking any medicines
and feeling fantastic. Do water aerobics 3X/week. You go gal!
— Linda V.
June 1, 2002
I will be 50 in 12 days. I have not been sorry at all for having the
surgery, and feel younger than I did at 40. There are several people in
our support group in Portland who are past 50 and thriving. Don't let your
age scare you. Rock on!
— Spunkwoman S.
June 1, 2002
I am 65 and having surgery on June 18th. I found a wonderful surgeon that I
am very comfortable with. I went through a battery of tests and feel very
confident. No you are not to old go for it. Good luck.
— Leah S.
June 1, 2002
My doctor, Marek Lutrzykowski, MD in Bloomfield Hills MI, operated on a 69
year old man who has done very well and is now expected to live another 20
years instead of 2.
— merri B.
June 1, 2002
Hi! I am 57 for another 27 days. I had an open DS on 12/17/01. I was on
blood pressure meds, meds for incontinence, could walk very short distances
without stopping to catch my breath etc. At 5 1/2 months post-op I am down
99 lbs. I came out of the hospital off of all medications except synthroid
for thyroid. I've gone from 32 to 22 pants and can be on the go all day
and feel great. Don't let your age stop you. I also second Kays
suggestion about the oldies group.
— grammie5
June 1, 2002
Hi, I was 52 when I had an open RNY on April 6th, 2001.
I am doing fine ! Go for it ! God Bless you !
— kountry
June 1, 2002
I turned 60 on December 27,2001 and had the surgery on 1/29/02 and am
feeling better than I have in a long time. More energy and able to do
things I haven't in years. Good luck!
Pat
— Patricia M.
June 2, 2002
Well, I doubt it very seriously - I'm 52 & having the surgery June
14th. At the last counseling seminar I met a lady in her 60's and she
looked FANTASTIC and said she had never felt as good as she does since
having the surgery. Oh - she has it 1 1/2 years ago! Good luck to you -
— Can9603
June 2, 2002
I am 55 and had Open RNY November 29 of last year. The last six months
have been the most exciting I've experienced in a long, long time. I have
lost 116 pounds and have about 80 or so to go. It has been fantastic. Not
all my problems have gone away - I am still facing knee surgery - the knee
pain isn't getting much better but everything else is. No medications for
anything (except vitamins and calcium). My cholesterol was 368 pre-op and
is 198 now and all other levels are normal. I belong to a Yahoo support
group called the oldies of wls and it is for people over 50 and believe me,
I'm one of the youngest.
— Patty_Butler
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