Question:
will i still qualify for wls

I have had a hystorectomy,gall bladder & hernia operations over the years,i'm 59 & want to have this surgery Thank you for any answers ...    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 2, 2001)

September 2, 2001
I am 58. I have had a hysterectomy and a Gall bladder out as well as some other surgeries. I have not had a hernia repair but I think you can still have the wls if you meet the other criteria. For some Dr's 60 seems to be the cut off although I think there are some people over 60 who have had the surgery. When I saw my Dr he mentioned my being older "excessively" or at least it seemed that way to me. I don't feel old, I just feel fat. I hope you will continue to look into the surgery and that everything works out for you.
   — kathleen S.

September 2, 2001
I will turn 60 tomorrow (and think like a fat 30-year old). I came through the surgery fine---9 days post op and have lost already 17 pounds. Dr. David Provost from SW MEdical School in Dallas was my surgeon and he teachers other doctors the surgery. His cut-off was 65, so go for it. I had plenty of medical complications, like congestive heart failure and they knew exactly what to do. In fact, in just one week, I've already cut my meds in half.
   — Sue G.

September 2, 2001
I was 54 years old when I had my surgery, and had an absolutely picture-perfect, uncomplicated surgical and post-op course...2 day hospitalization for my lap RNY and back to work full-time in 8 days. My surgeon's general "cut-off" is age 65, but he evaluates each patient on an individual basis and has performed WLS on patients close to 70 years without problems. I previously had had a "traditional" gall bladder surgery as well as 2 C-sections and an abdominal hysterectomy. Any "lower" abdominal surgeries generally will not present a problem with WLS since it primarily involves the upper abdominal area. My surgeon found some significant adhesions (scar tissue) from the gall bladder surgery, but removed them with no difficulty. I feel that experience and expertise on the part of the surgeon are key factors to consider, particularly when age, high co-morbidities, and previous surgeries are issues. Find an experienced bariatric surgeon, and look forward to a wonderful new life. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

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