Almost 60. Is it worth it?

I stumbled upon this forum today and am I glad I did.! I have been wondering if maybe I should just say forget it to the surgery because I am almost 60 and been fat for so long why go through all of this? But after reading your posts I am thinking maybe I should go for it. Is it really hard for everyone in this forum because we have spent so many years eating the wrong stuff or too much of it?  I wonder about my social life which seems to revolve around friends and always food. How does that work?  I wonder about what people will think of me having this at this age?  My children are accepting, but not enthusiastic,you know, the old,"Why don't you just go on a diet, Mom?" response.  Well, duh! I never thought of that in all these years..thanks for the advice, children.  So I guess I am asking you all..Are you glad you did it?  Would you do it agan?  Did it change your life in ways you didn't expect?  How did your friends react, or did you tell them.  I know, I know...lots of questions, but you all seem so caring and helpful to each other that I am glad I found you. Mary

  Absolutely!! It has been and is worth it.  I no longer have severe pain in my back and leg.  I feel so much better .. and have worlds more energy.    Everyone in my life has been amazeing in their support.     I tell everyone about it.  Probably even people who don't really care.   I will be 64 in August.  Had the surgery when I was 62.  Would have it done again in a second. Only wish that I could have had it done years ago.  Good luck to you in your journey.  And do stay here. These folks are so inspirational, and helpful.. I mostly only lurk but their info and careing has been my life line.  Thank you All!!  Alice

Aloha Mary.....Welcome to the OFF (Over fifty forum)

I have a feeling you are going to get a landslide of responses to your post because we have all been where you are and made the decision to go ahead, and there are as many different experiences as there are sisters and brothers in here.

My age is almost 65, and I am two years out from surgery. It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. This is not to say that there have not been challenges, for there have been, and continue to be, but the rewards are SO IMMENSE that the price paid is pennies!

At 319 lbs. I could not climb stairs without huffing and puffing....I now almost run up stairs. I could not get down on the floor and back up...wouldn't even try for fear of being stuck down there....I now get down and up, almost without thinking...easily. I barely could fasten the seatbelt on an airplane....now I pull through 18 inches!! These are just a few of the miracles that have happened to me. You will write your own story....and if you choose to share it with us, we will be right here cheering you on.

Good luck to you!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

mary; i was only 50 when i had my surgery-however-i really would think that quality of life should be your concern...there are folks who think fat ppl are jolly ppl--they don't know what we suffer inside-heartache over fitting in chairs/airplane seats/ clothing...walking! breathing!!! there is so much more--i was having problems cleaning myself after toileting due to short arms and huge midsection... there are so many reasons to have wls...you need to decide.... btw -i am seeing that 50 and 60 is the new 30 and 40 so you have a lotta life left to use--use it wisely!!!!!!!! you should do what you feel is right for you --what comorbidities, if any, do you have? again-quality of life...about your kids- yes--if we could simply diet and keep it off-life would be good-eh?!!!!! and increased quality of life should increase quantity-years left to live--you would like to lengthen your life wouldn't you??? yes; you will see changes in your social life in re everything revolving around food--it's hard..you will lose friends possibly--but it will be their loss... do not be afraid to ask questions--there are lots of folk who will hopefully chime in on this topic...ask away and read and be informed--be prepared for naysayers- we all get that.... i will support you in whatever decision you make so long as it is an informed one! hugs! and welcome a-board

Mary, I had WLS at age 54, have 2 friends who had it at age 53, and all 3 of us are SO glad we did!  I started out with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglyercides, sleep apnea, stress incontinence, and joint pain.  I have lost 86% of my excess weight (and am still losing).  My blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyercides are all normal now and I'm close to getting rid of my CPAP machine.  The incontinence and joint pain are gone. You are definintely not too old for WLS or too old to change your eating behavior.  Who cares what other people think of you?  I told everybody and their brother I was having WLS because I was so thrilled about it and never got a negative response.  If I had, I would've chalked it up to ignorance on their part. If your social life revolves around food, you can easily prepare healthier food when you entertain, bring healthy food to potluc****asions, or order healthy food in restaurants.  Most bariatric surgeons have their patients work with a nutritionist to get meal planning advice.  And as you lose weight, you will probably find non-food related activities creeping into your schedule because sports, exercise, amusement parks, musical events, movies, theatre, etc. will be so much easier and more fun when you are smaller. Jean

Oh YES, you are so worth it.  I am sixty one years young and feeling younger, I had my gastric bypass 17 months ago and I am now at 137 from 260 and lovin it.  I feel so good and would do it in again in a heart beat.  My only regret is that I did not have it done sooner.   Good luck on your journey and tell your children to be happy for you that you made your dicision and your sticking with it, they too will be glad that they  have you for alot more years to come.

Welcome Mary. It took me 3 years of research to make the decision to have WLS at age 59. That was 19 months and 205 pounds ago. I would do it every year if necessary. My skinny daughters suggested to try yet another diet. I had already tried every one and invented a few new ones with no success. My physical health was rapidly deteriorating and walking was becoming impossible. I was on 10 different medications and felt horrible every minute of the day. No meds at all now, just the daily supplements. Today I can walk, run and jump on a trampoline. Life is a joy. I did tell friends and they have been a great support for me. My husband attended the support groups and has also been wonderful. This has impacted his life too but in GOOD ways. The biggest surprise was how quickly I would go through clothing sizes. Beginning in a tight 26 - 28 I had only dreamed of seeing a maybe size 20. That was stretching my imagination. I now wear a size 2 or 4. That blows my mind. Ask tons of questions and feel totally comfortable with your decision. We will gladly share our experiences with you. Annette

Mary: I can only answer a part of your question and I'll try to be brief. I am over 60. I am a tenured college professor who should be looking toward retirement but I'm not. I'm looking toward intellectual stimulation and finally, fun. I found out about WLS through my therapist. She suggested a doctor, who suggested WLS as an alternative to the depression and feelings that the happy part of my life was over. I began attending seminars in Chicago by Dr. John Rabkin of Pacific Laparoscopy in San Francisco about DS surgery. He carefully explains the differences between all the surgeries and I knew the DS was right for me. I attended the seminars for several months while I decided if I was too old, too vain, too foolish and worse, trying to recapture youth. My decision was made for me when I was diagnosed a few months ago with type II diabetes, severe sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. I also have a family history of cancer. Soooo, I could wait for the million tiny deaths to overtake me or risk the surgery and get my life back from testing, meds, and fear. After DS oftentimes diabetes disappears, as do high cholesterol, apnea and many other co-morbidities. I had my DS only ten days ago so I can't tell you what the cosmetic or psychological results will be but I can tell you that physically I am feeling close to normal already and excited to join the throngs of normal sized people who ride the bus, go to the beach and walk to the grocery store. I am in charge of my body again and that feels good at any age.

Thanks Marrs- Our lives seem to parallel each other. I am three years out of being eligible for retirement at my college and was thinking I would go for it because I am so tired after a day with my students. I truly love what I do ,and would do it much longer, but I was diagnosed with Diabetes, high blood pressure...the usual complaints. If there is a way I can keep doing my life's passion-teaching ,with this surgery, it will all be worth it.  Thanks for responding and good luck.  I would love to hear how you do on your journey. Mary