I am 60 years young...........
(deactivated member)
on 2/17/11 1:52 pm
on 2/17/11 1:52 pm
I am new here and I was wondering if there is anyone here 60 years of age and older who has had this surgery? I got my Optifast yesterday and now I am waiting on the doctor to call me and tell me when to start using it. I have heard that Optifast for 3 weeks is the pits! How ever I have yet to see anyone my age who has had this surgery and has posted here. My question is easy. How hard is this surgery on an older person? How long does it take to get back to "normal" right after the surgery? I have had several surgeries but I was way younger at that time. I realize that an older person will not loose as much weight as a younger person. I now weight 265 LBS. Just how much of that can I expect to loose and how much of it will hang on to me? For younger people it take about one years, more or less to loose 100 LBS. Does one year equals 100 LBS for someone my age or am I dreaming? Thanks a bunch.
Hi Moi
I'm 58...just a few years behind you. I had the open procedure. I weigh much more than you do, and have severe sleep apnea so I had a few complications with my oxygen levels post op, but they were ready for what might come and watched me closely. I had my gall bladder taken out at the same time. I actually did a lot better than I thought I would. I was delighted when my doctors let me go home a day early!
Post op wasn't too bad at all...my DH was a big help. I can't tell you much about total weight loss, because I'm a newbie, but I can tell you your body will feel a lot better when it feels lighter. I've lost about 40lbs in 2 months.
Yup, the liquid and blended foods weeks weren't my favorites, but they will be over before you know it.
The hardest thing I think is fighting bad eating habits we've built up for many years...but you will be surprised how much the surgery helps...at least I was! ;-)
Good luck on your journey!
gi
I'm 58...just a few years behind you. I had the open procedure. I weigh much more than you do, and have severe sleep apnea so I had a few complications with my oxygen levels post op, but they were ready for what might come and watched me closely. I had my gall bladder taken out at the same time. I actually did a lot better than I thought I would. I was delighted when my doctors let me go home a day early!
Post op wasn't too bad at all...my DH was a big help. I can't tell you much about total weight loss, because I'm a newbie, but I can tell you your body will feel a lot better when it feels lighter. I've lost about 40lbs in 2 months.
Yup, the liquid and blended foods weeks weren't my favorites, but they will be over before you know it.
The hardest thing I think is fighting bad eating habits we've built up for many years...but you will be surprised how much the surgery helps...at least I was! ;-)
Good luck on your journey!
gi
RnY (open)
12/21/2010
12/21/2010
Hi Moi,
Welcome to the OFF board and there are a number of folks on here who've had their surgery over the age of 60 with good results. You did not state whether which procedure you are having done, but the truth is if you do your part, the results will be what you want them to, the key thing is following your surgeons directions and being realistic for the long-term success.
I was 52, but as I said there are many who are older and I am sure they will chime in.
Again welcome, we look forward to giving you support along the way and getting to know you.
Laureen
Welcome to the OFF board and there are a number of folks on here who've had their surgery over the age of 60 with good results. You did not state whether which procedure you are having done, but the truth is if you do your part, the results will be what you want them to, the key thing is following your surgeons directions and being realistic for the long-term success.
I was 52, but as I said there are many who are older and I am sure they will chime in.
Again welcome, we look forward to giving you support along the way and getting to know you.
Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
Welcome Moi R.
How hard is this surgery on an older person? I was 51 when I had my surgery and it was open and a revision to RNY, I was up and walking right away then back to the gym 2 months later. Everyone is different. So listen to your body and your surgeon.
How long does it take to get back to "normal" right after the surgery? 6 weeks for me but again I had open surgery with lots of adhesion's and scar tissue. Back to work at 6 weeks, did okay but I took my naps when I got home then it was out for a walk.
I have had several surgeries but I was way younger at that time. I realize that an older person will not loose as much weight as a younger person. I now weight 265 LBS. Just how much of that can I expect to loose and how much of it will hang on to me? You can expect 80% weight loss or about that, some lose more again all of us are different. I got too thin at one time, down to a size 4/6 because I exercise about 3 hours a day (not all at once). I'm fighting regain and am getting the weight slowly off. Here's something to think about. After 3 years really it's all you keeping the weight off...so are you going to diet and yo-yo again or are you really going to do lifestyle change. That means exercise and watching what you eat. Hanging skin? Hell that never bothered me one bit, never even thought about hanging skin pre op. Of course I have a belly but wear support panties, shar-pai thighs but I exercise and it's not so bad and angel wings, do I care? Nope and I wear swim suits in public and wave may arms in sleeveless tops. Being older, really I'm at peace with my body and I'm not doing plastics...where would I start? LOL Having a sense of humor is a plus. And I'm knocking anyone that has plastics either. If they need it and can afford it and dealing with post op pain and swelling good for them. It makes them happy...and I say go for it!! We have to love ourselves. So if your unhappy with certain parts of your body then save up for plastics. I was just excited to get my BP under control, Gerd, Reflux, Sleep apnea...all gone.
How hard is this surgery on an older person? I was 51 when I had my surgery and it was open and a revision to RNY, I was up and walking right away then back to the gym 2 months later. Everyone is different. So listen to your body and your surgeon.
How long does it take to get back to "normal" right after the surgery? 6 weeks for me but again I had open surgery with lots of adhesion's and scar tissue. Back to work at 6 weeks, did okay but I took my naps when I got home then it was out for a walk.
I have had several surgeries but I was way younger at that time. I realize that an older person will not loose as much weight as a younger person. I now weight 265 LBS. Just how much of that can I expect to loose and how much of it will hang on to me? You can expect 80% weight loss or about that, some lose more again all of us are different. I got too thin at one time, down to a size 4/6 because I exercise about 3 hours a day (not all at once). I'm fighting regain and am getting the weight slowly off. Here's something to think about. After 3 years really it's all you keeping the weight off...so are you going to diet and yo-yo again or are you really going to do lifestyle change. That means exercise and watching what you eat. Hanging skin? Hell that never bothered me one bit, never even thought about hanging skin pre op. Of course I have a belly but wear support panties, shar-pai thighs but I exercise and it's not so bad and angel wings, do I care? Nope and I wear swim suits in public and wave may arms in sleeveless tops. Being older, really I'm at peace with my body and I'm not doing plastics...where would I start? LOL Having a sense of humor is a plus. And I'm knocking anyone that has plastics either. If they need it and can afford it and dealing with post op pain and swelling good for them. It makes them happy...and I say go for it!! We have to love ourselves. So if your unhappy with certain parts of your body then save up for plastics. I was just excited to get my BP under control, Gerd, Reflux, Sleep apnea...all gone.
I was 55 and am now 6 years post RNY. I know several who were over 60. I'm sure they'll pop in and say hi. We are each individual. Try not to compare yourself to others. It's hard but if you do what you're supposed to it will come off in due time. Hang in there. I actually am one of those who lked Optifast and I still like my protein shake each morning. You'll be amazed at how fast the time goes. Before you know it you'll be able to see and feel the difference in your body and your overall health.
Karen C
Hi Moi, I'm 60 and just had the RNY on1/11/11. I had someone tell me that I wouldn't lose weight fast or as much as "younger" people. I belong to several support groups in my town and on line. I'm losing just as much if not more in some instances than others. But the MOST important thing is I am following my doctor's rules and schedules. I want to be the healthiest I can be. My Dr. said he thought I could lose 80 pounds in 6 months if I follow his plan of action. I do fall a little behind on the exercises because I walk w/ a walker. (bad knees and bad balance) But that said. I'm glad I did it and believe we of any age can find the success we are looking for. Mag P.S. Tell me about the dog in your picture. Sure is cute.
Forgot to mention that I did great after surgery. Was up and walking w/ my walker and sister just a few hours after I arrived in my room. Two days after I came home people were trying to slow me down. Yes, I did need to rest and I did take naps but overall it was much better than I had expected. Mag
Most Active
Recent Topics
