50 years old and need surgery

 Anyone here over 50 yrs old with a BMI over 50..Thats what Im dealing with and wondering how surgery went for you??

I just turned 50 last month and had surgery in August.  I feel great and have had no real issues.  My starting BMI was around 51.  I exercise 6 days a week and love it.  I'm getting ready to run in my first race in less than a month.  Last year I couldn't even walk more than 100 yards without having excruciating back pain.

Good Luck,

Julie

I am not 50 but I know plenty of people in my support group who have had the surgery very successfully when they follow their doctors program.  I also feel when you are older you appreciate the WLS more and therefore more apt to follow instructions because of the road you have already been on. 

Welcome!  BTW- I am 45 and was 39 when I had my RNY.

I had my surgery almost 3 years ago right before turning 60 with a starting BMi around 58.  I had the Duodenal Switch which they had to do as a full open due to scar tissue from prior surgeries.  Other than that everything was textbook. Before my DS I had high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, arthritis, high cholesterol, was borderline diabetic and today all of these issues have been resolved.  Prior to surgery my doctor put me through a lot more pre-screening medical tests than a younger patient would have had just to make sure they knew what to expect. Today my BMI is around 26 (200 lbs+ loss) and I have maintained this for a little over a year now.  Because I had the DS I eat a high protein, high fat diet with limited carbs and like all good WLS patients I take all of the recommended supplements.  My 3 year bloodwork has just been done and everything is perfect.

Good luck to you as you consider this. If you decide on surgery I highly recommend that you research all the possibilities before making a decision on which type you have.  If you want to learn more about the DS please check out www.DSfacts.com

Do your research, go to seminars, talk with your doctor, meet surgeons.

Main thing, find out how physically able you are to have surgery.  The cut off is usually around 65 years old (give or take), and BMI is usually anywhere between 40 - 60 BMI (again, depends on how fit you are).  Join support groups, there is a better way to get your information - face to face!

There are different options, consider what YOU can work with.  Ultimately, it is a long journey, so stay positive!

I sent you a personal email - I hope this helps you a little.
Brenda  : )~

When I finally decided I could have surgery I was 385 lbs, 58 years old and had a BMI of 66.  I began losing (due to illness) and was down to 344 lbs, when I first saw the surgeon.  I had surgery in 9/10 and am down to 246lbs (134lbs from that 385 lb day). I had my surgery laproscopically, not open.   I had some pain initially, but not uncontrollable, a fixed stricture at 1 month and smooth sailing ever since. And I don't exercise yet.   I am now 59 and took 2 of my grandkids to lunch yesterday.  The greatest thing is hearing my 19 year old grandson say " I am so happy how you can walk so much further, breathe sooo much better and are getting so much healthier". He also measures my distance from tummy to steering wheel, when we get in the car(it is getting to be a wider gap).   They almost lost me to cancer in 2007, so to be hearing that today is a miracle.  

You can do this, keep looking till you find a surgeon who will work with you.  Research all the many surgery options and find out what is best for you, which surgery or non-surgical approach.  We will be here through each step, so step forward to your new future.  Hugs C

I'll be 51 in July...I had my WLS 5 1/2 yrs ago...My BMI was 76.9...My highest weight was 465...I have lost over 300 pounds, but battle up and down with 20! God bless you!
Cindy