How old is to old?

How old is to old to have surgery? My mother is thinking of having surgery at 69. Is that to old?

Jim

The way that I see it is that if there is a reason why she shouldn't have the surgery such as health problems the surgeon will be the one to tell her. If she is healthy then I feel that she should have the opprotunity to do it and change her life. This is only my opinion and she should talk to her doctor about it. I hope that she will come on board and share with us. We would love to get to know her.

That's a question for the doctor. I know some stop at 50 and some stop at 60 and some do it no matter what the age as long as the person is healthy enough to go thru the surgery. Talk to the surgeons they all have different protocols

Some doctor's seem to have an arbitrary cutoff age of 65.  I think a lot of physicians evaluate the patient's physical and mental condition and then make the decision on whether to perform surgery.  I had mine at age 60 and I'm doing great.  I think there are some others on this site who have been a little older when they had it.  It really depends on the person.  Good luck with it..

My surgeon said he doesn't have a cut off age, that he has patients he operated on in their 70's.  (I was 60 when he did mine.)

Three cheers for your mom!!!  Too old is when they put you 6 feet under.  Until then, she is alive and kicking and finding new ways to define herself.  There are doctors out there very capable of evaluating her physical and mental condition to be sure she is a candidate.

Had my surgery last year at age 68 and had absolutely no problems. My surgeon says he has operated on some folks in their early 70's, but it depends on their physical AND mental conditions.

Pat R.

Jim, I am 65, and my doctor said that as long as your health will permit there is no problem.  I do know one woman on the over 50 board who had her surgery at 67.  I am on schedule for surgery at the end of this summer.  Tell your Mom to talk with her doctor. Cris

I had RNY at 70. Have done very well and am so grateful to be more healthy with all of my co-morbidities gone. Some doctors do have a cut off age, but others look at the patient's general health. Luckily, I was basically healthy. For your Mom's information, I went from a size 22 to a 4/6 and I am 14 months out. It's so nice to be able to walk up stairs, pick up a grandkid, walk fast with my husband. She will get all sorts of wonderful support from this board. Best of luck to her.
Rudie2