Complications

Have you had WLS after 50 years old? Is being over 50, with doctor’s clearance, a high risk for complications for the DS?

I had my WLS when I was 53. 

My surgeon weighed the benefits over the risks.  With my co-morbidities (BMI at 67 at my heaviest, edema, back pain, knee pain, depression, asthma, fatigue, horrid chloresterol, and the biggest was severe sleep apnea where I measured sleeping an AVERAGE of 2 hours a night), my quality of life as well as length of life were being threatened. 

There are so many blessings that I have received with my surgery that when I went to my one year follow up, the PA showed me my before picture for the first time.  While I waited for my surgeon, I cried because I realized how far I came.  

I don't know about complications with the DS although with any surgery there is a risk of complications.   All I know is there are so many things I can do now that I couldn't two years ago:

1.  Walk without having excruiating pain after 25 feet
2.  Being able to breathe
3.  Being able to give back my CPAP machine after a year
4.  Cutting down on medications
5.  Not having to shop in Roamans catalog and being able to go to a store and purchase 
     something and have it fit
6.  Being able to exercise in classes like Zumba and other classes
7.  Being able to exercise period
8.  Starting to feel like the rest of America trying to get the last 40 pounds off.

There are women on this board that have had WLS at over 60 and they are doing great (Pat R is an example).  Age should not stop you--weigh the benefits versus the risk of what could happen if your weight is not addressed.

Best to you.

Sylvia 

Thanks a lot for your reply and for the confidence boost.  Keep up the great work!

Hi!

I agree with the other posters.  Most of my health problems have disappeared.  No more type 2 diabetes.  No more high blood pressure.  No more celulitis in my legs.  No high cholesterol.  I can walk over a mile. Not wonderful yet, but I am working on doing five miles a day.  Before, I couldn't walk to the mail box. 

I had my surgery at 57.  Not one, complication.  Nothing!  I can eat everything and never dumped.  Don't know if that is good or bad.

The worst part of the process is a stall.  But if you follow your doctors plan it will come off.  I think that when we are older, and don't have that  much weight to lose, we tend to lose slower.

I have never regretted my surgery.  I feel good and my asthma has gone away too!

Good luck on your decision.  I am sure you will make the right one.

I had RNY not DS.

Peace

I'm very grateful for your response.

This board is littered with people who have had WLS after the age of 50 and have nothing but good to say about it.  Don't let age stop you.

Thank you so much for your words of advice.

Hi,

I had my RNY at the age of 57, just last August.  No more meds - just vitamins and supplements -- and I haven't felt this good in over 20 years!  It was the BEST thing I could have done for myself.  I'm walking on the treadmill vigorously for 40 minutes at least 5 days a week and loving it.  I used to hate exercise and now I'm hooked on my treadmill workout.

Good luck to you! 

Debbie

Thank you so much.

I was 66 when I had my RNY....lost 120 pounds 18mths ago and have maintained at 10 pounds below surgeon's goal for me. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Never felt better or younger in my life.
Sandy