why now?

 I got asked the other day why I wanted surgery so late in life-I am 54 but dont consider myself over the hill yet. I also got asked why I would want to go thru with it after loosing 40lbs on medfast-I told them its because of that i lost it and would gain it back otherwise. With the health issues of being so overweight I think and hope im doing right thing

You are absolutely doing the right thing! You are never too old to take charge of your life and make changes for the better - I applaud you for being so courageous to initiate the change. Some people are so scared of change that they are willing to just sit back and let their weight send them to an early grave. You are going to have a new lease on life after your surgery - I wish you the best of luck on you journey. And besides, when is 54 so OLD???? Puh-leze, that is just the beginning of middle age!

Donald1953.... Hello & Welcome to the board/family. I know you will findlots of unconditional support here. First email me off list I have a wonderful PDF file entitled "Dealing with difficult  People" It relates to things such as this (I just can't post it here in that form....) [email protected] I appreciate the topic thanks, I know for myself age had nothing to do with it, of course I was 29 going on 30...I know people in their 60's and 70's having RNY ...It is about living helathfully for most of us at any age! I will say the more I researched and was educated/informed the less I felt theneed to defend myself or prove I was right. Accepting others lack of knowledge and lessneed to be right allowed me to let go of their guilt/shame/judgments (believe me I can do that for myself). Afterall this is about us not them! :-) http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/patients/benefits.htm Bariatric Surgery is known to be the most effective and long lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions, but now mounting evidence suggests it may be among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea…. (read more http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/resources/press_release_820200 7.pdf (PDF)) SADLY It is common for healthcare professionals, strangers and even close friends/family memebers to respond to "OUR" choice to have surgery in non-supportive ways. There are many reasons, LACK OF EDUCATION/INFORMATION, jealousy, fear, concern etc; because what we do effects those closest to us. They may be uncomfortable, frightened, unable to adjust easily.  We can choose for those closest to attempt to include them in our process so it may be beneficial to us both, educating them but ultimately if they accept/adjust is their choice and beyond our control. We can assist in asking clearly and directly for what we need (it is then their choice to give it or not); ultimately this is our process and all we can do is be self responsible (w/ or w/o their support) for our journey. We can keep the lines of communication open, letting them know our feelings, as well as appreciation when they can offer support. Best case scenario is over time they can see we didn't take the 'easy way out', can assist us in our success and believe in our ability to make the tool work for a lifetime despite its limitations, and deal w/ their own feelings vs projecting them onto us if they are upset, angry, fearful so not to sabotage our efforts.  We do not need police or critics, we need supporters/cheerleaders and empathetic listeners who can truly be there for the good/bad/ugly. It is not a competition but many friends/famliy can see it that way as quite threatening indeed. We ultimatley can surround ourselves w/ positive energy and support or negative energy. It is a beautiful journey one that can assist us in loss of wt but growth in self esteem and personal growth to a healthier way of communicating in relationships, it may invlove leaving sabotaging and unhealthy relationships so we can fully blossom, no longer being a victim of our cir****tances, many times our self worth can keep us positve and enable us to choose healthier coping and healthier choices in communication and relationships. WLS can give us so much more than our physical health if we work at it!  Our significant relationships can thrive and benefit as we get helathier, as we learn to love ourselves from the inside we will have so much more love to give others, vs the old self loathing and hate many had....As we work on the sabotaging relationships and any efforts those around us make to instill us with Fear (of abandomnent/punishment), use of obligation or guilt to revert to old habits, make us feel selfish for our own wellness/self care. Learning to identify these emotional blackmail techniques and ways to use boundaries, communication, negotiation either from some self help reading on the topics or therapy can be our best tool to deal w/ the changes WLS may bring to our lives/relationships, challenging yes, impossible no...Sometimes distance or leaving a relationship is our only choice but better than regain due to sabotage, NO ONE has any intention at regaining wt after WLS, sadly it happens and all to frequently relationsip stressors can be a major trigger to old emotional eting patterns, slowly they can resurface, afterall we used them for years, it is not so easy to change (for ourselves or others). For me I try and listen to what they are really saying before I get defensive, "I hear you are sad because or you seem angry because," Somtimes a simple acknowledgment (not agreement) is all anyone needs/wants. Offer that and agree to disagree, or finally use the "I feel, or I statements taking 'blame/judgment' out of the scenario which can escalate a situation. Be well! It is a glorious journey one you can always come here for assistance on, we can ask others but sometimes we do not get, but we can get thru it! Support can come in many forms, online, in person support groups, places u may of never thought! Happy New Year! ~Jamie~ PS just in case you haven't seen this info (3 yrs old or more now) here is a great article (I know you are not this age but hey like I said those older have surgery as well!)

 

 

Weight Loss Surgery Safe for Seniors Older Patients Can Benefit From Gastric Bypass Surgery, Researchers Say By Miranda Hitti WebMD Medical News   Reviewed By Brunilda  Nazario, MD on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 Feb. 22, 2005 -- Gastric bypass surgery isn't just for the young, says a study in February's /Archives of Surgery/. The weight loss procedure has soared in popularity. Gastric bypass was performed 10 times as often in 2001 as in 1987. In the procedure, surgeons bypass the stomach by closing off a section of the stomach, leaving a small pouch that accommodates a few ounces of food. That drastically reduces the amount of food that people can eat. The pouch is attached to part of the small intestine so that food bypasses the rest of the stomach to reduce absorption of calories and nutrients. *Obesity Boom Drives Demand* Interest in gastric bypass has grown along with America's waistline. Nearly 20% of the U.S. population was obese in 2001, compared to 12% 10 years earlier, say James Swain, MD, and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dramatic weight loss stories from celebrities and other obese people who've undergone the surgery have also fueled interest. Less invasive procedures have also become available that avoid the large incision normally made during the bypass procedure and cut down on in-hospital recovery time. But some headlines have noted the dangers that can occur. Last October, two studies showed that the short-term dangers may be higher than previously thought, although the long-term benefits of shedding extra pounds could make the surgery worthwhile. Does Age Make a Difference in Gastric Bypass Surgery? *Does Age Make a Difference in Gastric Bypass Surgery?* The risks apply to everyone. Weight loss surgery isn't done casually; it's a last resort for overweight or obese individuals who have tried other methods and have been unsuccessful. But age alone doesn't rule out the procedure, say James Swain, MD, and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. Provided that older patients are healthy enough to have the surgery, "patients of advanced age can safely undergo [gastric bypass]," write the researchers. That goes against some providers' policies, they say. Since so many people are obese and Americans are living longer than ever before, Swain's team took a fresh look at gastric bypass surgery and age. *Gauging Health Before Surgery* Study participants were 110 people younger than 60 years old and 20 people who were older than 60 years old. All were morbidly obese and had other medical conditions related to obesity. The younger patients were about 45 years old on average. The older patients had an average age of 65. Before surgery, both groups weighed a little over 300 pounds (305 pounds for the older group and 301 pounds for the younger group). The younger group's body mass index (BMI) was higher (48, compared with 42 for the older group). Which Age Group Fared Better? *Which Age Group Fared Better?* Judging by the scale, the younger patients did a bit better. They lost more weight and had a greater drop in BMI. The younger patients lost nearly 97 pounds, lowering their BMI by 15 points. The older patients shed about 86 pounds and dropped almost 13 BMI points. The younger patients also unloaded an average of 2.3 obesity-related medical problems such as sleep apnea. While the older patients also improved their health, they dropped just under two health problems after the weight loss surgery. But the older patients fared better in another area. After the surgery, they were able to reduce the number of medications they normally took. At the last follow-up, they took an average of 2.7 medications, down from nearly five. The younger patients also cut back to barely one prescription per person after surgery. That's a significant decrease, but it's less than what their elders achieved. Both groups had similar rates of complications and stayed in the hospital for roughly the same number of days (about three days for the older patients and 2.5 days for the younger ones). "Patients older than 60 years can be considered good candidates for obesity surgery," say the researchers. They plan longer follow-up to track survival and health cost savings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOURCES: St. Peter, S. /Archives of Surgery/, February 2005; vol 140: pp 165-168. WebMD Medical News: "Studies Weigh Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Gastric Bypass Surgery Overview." News release, JAMA/Archives. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I have been asked the same thing with regards to the Medifast, but I have been told it also shrinks the organs to make the surgery easier for the doctor , if we were able to lose the weight and keep it off we would not need the surgery - people are not open minded at all and can be very very negative those are the ones I stay away from.   And at 54 life is just beginning for you! ....

Never to old to do anything!

 

 

Hi, I am 55 and had my surgery in May...and made the best decision of my life.  My only regret is that I didn't get the nerve to have it earlier.  Keep your focus and do what's right for you! Rosemary

Oi!!!  I can't imagine that people 1. feel it's their business to question what we do for our health and 2. how they can't see the benefit beyond what insurance companies request we lose for approval!  It's your decision and it's an informed decision!  We certainly couldn't do it without the guidance of our docs!  Do not second guess yourself.  99% of us have lost great amounts of weight at various times.  Guess what, 99% of us also gained it back and possibly more!  That's why we have surgery.  It's statistically proven that the yo-yo'ing we do on diets is very taxing on our bodies.  Keep a positive attitude!!

Muah xo

Late in life?? I say better late than never!!! I know people mean well but geez, opinions are like a**holes... everyone's got one!!!!  I was asked about the medifast too & I simply stated that the minute I stopped drinking I'd be in line at Burger King!!! I needed something more drastic & life altering to get me to change my evil ways!!!! I think I had a bit of a "tone" in my voice so she got the hint!!! You are definitely doing the right thing for you!! Don't feel like you need to explain to anyone why you made the choice you did... let the results speak for themselves!!! Good Luck!!! Cece

Why now....WHY NOT? We are neck and neck in age and truthfully I do not feel it. I physically feel as if I am 28-30 years old. No kidding. Before surgery, I had so many problems with knee and foot pain that many times I needed help to stand up from a sitting down position. Although I am trying to get used to enjoying the physical appearance aspect of it, the health benefits are really what blows my mind. So I say go for it if this is truly what you want. Listen to your own internal voice. When I first questioned the "age issue" (for 1 second ), my daughter replied, "What are you kidding me Mom??? Don't even go there!" P.S. You are put on medfast to lose weight and shrink your liver to make surgery easier and less complicated.  Also, it is to prove to the surgeon that you are taking some kind of responsibility in your journey toward weight loss. It is certainly not a realistic and healthy life long diet plan...only temporary, in my opinion.

Hey tell them to mind their own business.... After your surgery you will feel like 25 again... Well after you drop some weight you will feel so awesome  that age does not matter at all. We can take charge at any age, it has nothing to do with that! I wish you all the best hun, keep us posted! Congrats on losing some of the weight!

HI Don! Don here, actually Don from Buffalo, born in 1955! So I'm alittle younger, but close enough. Are you making the right decision? Only you can answer that. I had my surgery on May 3rd and I've gone from 291 down to 178. From a 48 waist down to a 34 but more importantly, I FEEL GREAT! Like others my only regret is why did I wait so long. Like you I got all the dumb questions and even dumber comments, "gee, you didn't look that big, etc. My dad was 58 when he died, overweight all his life. Dad had 3 heart attacks, triple bypass, diabetic. Me, early stages of diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I'm married with 3 kids and I wanted to be there for them but most importantly, I did it for myself! To feel better, live longer but more importantly, to be ther person I wanted to be. I tried every diet under the sun and lost and gained. Tired of how I looked and how I felt. Accept the fact that some people love and care about you and they're afraid of the risks involved. Others are just ignorant. If  this is what you want, then its the right decision. Good Luck!