How Old is too Old?

I'm still at the scared/still thinking/ is this something I want to do stage. I've gone to a seminar at Abbott for doctors. Daniel Leslie and  Sayeed Irkramuddin. It seems to me to be a shot in the dark when it comes to choosing a doctor for the surgery. The nurse did the seminar so I haven's met or even seen either of these docs. So how do I pick one? Any one from any hospital? And, I'm 59 years old. What is too old for this surgery? I have a ton of questions but these are the 2 that I keep coming back to. How old is too old? And am I picking the best doctor?

 How old is too old is a personal answer, I think. If your obesity is robbing you of your age, then do something about it now. That's my take on it. I was 34 and felt like I was the oldest, most unhealthy 34 year old and I did something about it so that I didn't have to be 44 or 54 or 64 and WISH I would have done something about it.

Drs. Leslie & Ikramuddin are great surgeons. You should be able to personally meet them if you schedule an appt. with them at the bariatric clinic through University of MN Physicians.

For me, I went to almost all the bariatric clinics around the metro area to meet the surgeons and get a feel for their staff. I picked my surgeon because I felt he was "the one" so to say. I feel like if you've done your research, then you just know. Check their stats, ask your questions to them, and get a feel for how they respond to you. You will figure it out. Just have faith in your self!

Best wishes.

I'm 58, and had surgery in September.  My husband just had his a month ago (same age as me).  I asked the doctor the same thing.  My doctor is in his mid-sixties and had the RNY himself just a couple of years or so ago!  Depends on what you want to do and what the doctor says.  I did it strictly for my health (as did my husband) - it will improve our lives.  In fact, it already has!  Best of luck in your decision.

Mary

Spend your time researching doctors and procedures; don't let the age thing take too much.  I had surgery (open RNY) just after my 57th b-day.  Now, 10 months later, I feel better than I have in 10 years!   I am a half time caregiver to my 19 month old grandson and can roll on the floor and go for long walks.  I could NOT have done this without WLS and am so grateful for it.   Luckily for me, I had no complications, no choking on food, no dumping and easy recovery.  Meds and comorbidities are gone and replaced with vitamins and protein shakes.   I wish you the very best luck and will be happy to slide on over on the losers bench to make room for another chick my age!

Tuna

I think if you are willing to go through the process to get approved by your insurance and clinic that your age should not be too much of a factor.  I was 56 when I had my surgery (open RNY) and I'm almost to my first goal of 100 pounds lost in my first six months.  I love the "less" of me person and feel so much better.  I have not been at this weight since high school and that is NOT just a few years ago!!  So check out the programs, do what you think is best for you and you will be happy you did it too!!  Good luck.  Donna

I am 60 and had the surgery with Dr Drew at Abbott, I had lost 50 pounds before surgery and started to think I could do it without. I found the journey/process of signing up was worth it, but decided that I needed to put a mark in the sand, so I went ahead with the surgery. Unless you understand that this IS a "diet and exercise" program, delay until you get your mind wrapped around the idea that this is going to be the start of a new and different chapter of your life. Abbott and Dr Drew were great, some of your decisions will be based on insurance. Most important, find and attend group support before and after surgery. You need to keep on track and find help with issues along the way.

how old is too old?
The question maybe should be: Is it ever too late?  The answer is NO!

A surgeon and surgery type choice is a personal decision....Dr. I is an excellent surgeon and performs all of the ones out there including the DS.

Do your research and decide what you can and can't live with....but yes, Dr. I is great!
Good luck!

Hi !  I just had the surgery and I will be 63 in July, I am had surgery on March 18th so I'm 2 weeks out so I'm sure you will be fine...I have already lost 37 lbs....and am feeling better and my knee isn't hurting as much as before...so go for it.....Fran

 Thanks, everyone. Your replies have helped me a lot. Now I'm not worried about the age thing at all. I've decided to go to Dr. Leslie. I'm afraid Dr. Irkramuddin may be awfully busy and I won't get the hand-holding I might need going into and coming out of my procedure. Anybody know anything about Dr. Leslie?

which surgery are you going to have?
There are a few to pick from, VSG, RNY, Duodenal Switch (DS)......

if you are going for the DS - I'd go with Dr. Irkramuddin
if you are choosing the others, I think Dr. Leslie is a fine choice