Searching ages 50+ who had RNY

I had RNY surgery in August and was 53 at the time. I too was scared to death I'd have something go wrong or wouldn't be able to recover due to my age. I have diabetes and insulin resistance also which made it more risky. I weighed 230 on my surgery date. However I was amazed at how well I did and how fast I was able to get back on my feet. They did a great job in the hospital of managing my pain from the incisions and I had pain pills for home. I took Emend a few hours before surgery and had no nausea at all after surgery and was having clear liquids just a few hours after surgery. I was in the hospital only two days and then released the next morning. I was taking walks about two weeks after surgery. I took off work four weeks but three would have been long enough. The weight didn't come off at all at first and now it's coming off slow and steady. I'm mainly losing inches and body fat. I'm also post menopausal so I don't have to worry so much about bloating etc. I think you will do fine if you blood sugar is 117 and your blood pressure is normal. I think the most difficult part was sticking to the special diet the week before surgery. However I used clear fiber in my water and that really took the edge off the extreme hunger I was having. Even though it's hard you will fare really well if you stick to the pre diet to the letter. You can walk or do other activities to take your mind off of it. The time will go by fast and before you know it the surgery will be behind you and you'll be starting a whole new life. I'll pray for your success. These threads are awesome for moral support both before and after surgery. I read them daily and they have helped me tremendously. Good Luck.

My recovery time was closer to 4-6 weeks--tiredness more than pain. I took lengthy naps the first three weeks and short naps a couple of weeks longer. Getting the gist of things, having a follow-up appointment, and feeling healed takes time. Some WLSers are up and running sooner but am guessing you'll appreciate every minute of your time off. Intense emotional adjustment took months. I avoided a common complication called a stricture but wasn't spared bowel obstruction surgery. I will spare you the details of that other than to say I knew the risks, it happened, lived through it, and still don't regret a thing.

I just turned 60 last month, and had the RNY in April of 2013, when I was 57. Luckily, I have had no complications, lost all my excess weight (100+), and am maintaining a size 8 body for close to 2 years. It's the best thing I ever did, and instead of feeling like I'm in my 70's, which is how I felt at my top weight, I now feel like I'm in my 30's.

I'd encourage you to do it. It's amazing how much better I feel with the weight off and the quality of life is much improved!

Good luck!!

I was 62 nearly 63. I think everyone is nervous before the surgery. I was even thinking of jumping off the gurney thinking what am I doing! So glad I did it. Wish insurance would have approved it years ago. Love being at goal and am still being careful what goes in. Losing is not so difficult as long as you follow what your plan says. Maintenance is a bit tricky but mindful eating is what it's all about, something at 281 I certainly didn't practice. Only problems I have had were at first from anesthesia which always cause me trouble dry heaves dizziness but that eventually goes away. Easy recovery. Only other problem which is not unexpected is just got diagnosed with duodenal ulcer. Upsides are before surgery I was on cpap and also insulin. Got rid of both. Actually take nothing at all for diabetes which was the deciding factor in choosing this over vertical sleeve. I did have to go through a couple more tests before surgery because of age but obviously passed them. So it's okay to be nervous but if you are in good health generally things should go fine. Hope to see you on the losers bench!

I turned 52 last Friday. I had the RNY on 10/7, so I am 3 1/2 weeks out. I tolerated the surgery well. I only spent one night in the hospital. I had been contemplating surgery for a couple years and in July I decided it was time to get with it. I was 350# on my scale at home. I went to 2 different hospitals to listen to their surgeons talk about surgery. I got in to see the surgeon I wanted on 9/3 and fortunately got to have surgery on 10/7. I started losing weight on my own prior to even going to one of the informational sessions. On the day of surgery I was down 47.5#. Today I went in for my 3 week check up and I am down another 17#. I have been very fortunate and have not had any problems with any foods so far, but my surgeon is very strict on adding foods slowly. I already feel so much better and do not regret my decision. I have multiple friends that have had weight loss surgery and none of them regret it.

Hi! Before telling my experience with WLS, I want to say that I have read/scanned most of the above replies, and it is like a roll call of many of the most supportive, involved OH members, who I have learned so much from, and who I feel are such a support to me. It was something of an eye-opener to realize that this group of helpers is generally the 50+ crowd, and I think that might suggest something to you. Like another poster said, being older gives us life experience and possibly commitment and understanding that helps us.

I was almost 51 when I had my surgery last December. I was nervous, too, but: one year before WLS, I had a hysterectomy. I was truly terrified for that surgery, and I probably should have had it done years earlier. Even when it became almost a necessity, I kept putting it off because of my fear, delaying 8 months even at the most acute stage. Then, in spite of the fatigue of recovery, within a couple of DAYS, I felt so much better. Like, life-changing better, and it was like that changed my whole perspective. In fact, it was just weeks after the hysterectomy that I started considering WLS, which I would NEVER have considered before. I even remember saying to my husband, "Well, I have removed one body organ, and look how much better I feel! Now I'm willing to consider changing other organs, if it will help me live a happier, longer life."

Of course, the decision to have the WLS was hard. I was scared of dying. I was scared in general. My surgeon showed me statistics that WLS was less dangerous than a hysterectomy. He also told me one day that my chances of dying in my car, driving home from that appointment, were greater than dying of the surgery. I laughed and said, "But that is my only way home." And as I said it, it just hit me how symbolic that was: WLS was my "way home."

Honestly, my recovery went very well. I was fatigued, and I had some issues with constriction. Also, I still deal with some issues of self-control (head hunger issues). I also developed some mid-back pain from the surgery, and still deal with that a little. But I am so glad--so SO GLAD--that I did it.

One thing that really helped me, especially leading up to the hysterectomy, and then again before the WLS, was a recording of meditations--imagery and affirmations. I listened to it multiple times, but just listening to it once really had a profound effect on me and made me feel how the surgery, in the hands of caring people who would surround me, would be a great gift to me. It made me look forward to the surgeries.

I encourage you to try it (and honest--I am not selling this--it was just a profound help to me. It filled me with a feeling of positiveness wholeness, and well-being. It was a kind of spiritual experience, if you think along those lines):

Belleruth Naparstek, "Meditations to Promote Successful Surgery," on the recording label "Health Journeys." You can download it from iTunes, or buy from Amazon. Easy.

Best wishes to you!

It's funny, I think having a hysterectomy helped me get to the point of seriously considering this surgery. I had no choice in that surgery and I got through it, so I think some of the fear that I couldn't get through a surgery was gone.

I am 56 was 55 when I had the surgery. This surgery was no problem for me. I have fibromyalgia and everything tends to hurt but I stopped taking prescription pain meds the 2nd day after surgery and only used liquid tylenol for a few days after. Actually a previous hernia repair was more painful for me, this wasn't as bad. I am 11 months out and have surpassed my surgeon's goals and am almost to mine. I, too, feel that I appear more wrinkled than before but I'd rather that than obese. I was pre-diabetic, high bp and high chol which has all corrected itself. Plus I get to wear really cool clothes.

I had mine at 41 but am 53 now and absolutely no regrets. I fully expect to be a feisty old broad celebrating her 100th birthday