WLS after age 60?

After at least 5 years of toying with the idea of WLS, I finally put my name in the hat! I haven't finalized the surgery type, but I am leaning towards the VS. I've made all the initial meetings with psychiatrist, NP in surgeon's office, nutritionist and will meet with the surgeon in two weeks. 

I manage to "forget" I'm 63 98% of the time :)) So far, none of the clinicians have brought my age up, but I will ensure that the surgeon and I discuss it. I am in very good health, so I believe I am a good candidate.

That said, am I crazy? Have I waited too long? I have been at least 15-20 lbs overweight in college and forward, but my weight steadily ballooned.  At 220 and 23 years ago, I went the MediFast liquid diet route. I lost 90 lbs, kept it off for a year, and managed to allow it to creep back on. I was very physically active, long distance walking and cycling, but as I have gained more weight, I am much less active -- but want to be again. Like so many of you have written, at 275, I'm tired of being the biggest person in the room, the one who dreads the first 10 minutes in the plane in case I can't manage to get the seat belt closed ... I work as an executive in a busy hospital, and I want to look and be healthy.

Enough said, I'm so interest in knowing if there are other seniors and your story. 

i had RNY at 60.  My story is simular to yours.  i did fine and have had no problems.  I have regained 20 pounds in the last year.  (Husband was very ill and was in the hospital for 15 weeks.  I stayed with him and lived out of vending machines.)  I am working very hard to get it back off.

Ruby

3/2005 RNY

262/128/147

hi/lo/today

Hey Rudy....come join us don't just be a lurker. We love to have new members and look forward to meeting you.

We try to help each other in any way we can. Please join us regularly on our morning thread. 

HUGS....connie d

Connie thanks for the invite.  To be honest, I do a lot of lurking and only post a little.  Maybe I will jump on board.  I walked my usual two miles this morning.  I need more exercise.  Thinking about going to the gym and signing up for the Silver Sneaker program.  I think that may be a good place to start.  I used to go to gym--even had a personal trainer.  I have not been in a couple of years now.  I have had several days of no sugar or bread, so I am off to a good start on my getting back to the program plan.  I get a lot of protein and take my vitamins.  I sure would like to get back into the 10/12's hanging in my closet.  I am only 5'1" so every pound makes a difference in my bottom.

Ruby

RNY  3/2005

262/128/144

hi/lo/today

There are plenty on this board who are older than 60; in fact, a good friend of mine just had the sleeve done last week and she's in your age group. She is very happy. I had my RNY at age 49. I have had some regain and need to get my butt in gear and get it back off ... long story of how it was regained, but I've had a rough three years. I hope now after my left knee replacement, I can get going again.

I too was often the largest person in the room at 355, so you haven't hit the ceiling yet (I worked with a woman who was even larger than I was ... and our insurer kept denying her ... we had our choice of two insurers and she was denied by the other one, while Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which I had, approved me with no problems.)

Hope you will stick around ... you didn't tell us your name, though. Welcome!

'so good to hear from you all. I'm Linda btw, I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself.

I feel sure that this forum will be wonderfully supportive.

Good morning everyone:

I am a lurker.

I was 66 when had my surgery in 2011 and can relate to being the ' biggest ' person in the room.  I too was very active walking etc. etc.

It took 13 months but lost 141 pounds.  Have been going up and down 2 pounds ever since then.  I would like to get quite a bit below goal for more wriggle room.

It is not that I feel ' better' because I really never had any issues before WLS but my stamina is way up and am more limber.  

The biggest surprise is that I  don't throw a hissy fit when  have to  have my photograph taken and that the seat belts on the planes actually fit, as do the seats.

I stuck to the letter of the law pre and  post op and was fine.   

Each one of us has to make that decision and I am so glad I did.

All the best.

Hey Apple...quit being a lurker and join in....we would love to get to know you. We are here to help each other no matter what the reason.

I look forward to getting to know you!!

HUGS....connie d  

I'm so appreciative that you took the time to share, Apple -- from what I read, I know you have experience, knowledge and wisdom that I will need. 141 lbs in 13 months is inspirational to me.

Thank you, Linda

Good morning Linda....YOU are not too old!!! I wish you the best of luck!!

Please keep us updated. I hope you become a daily poster her on OFF (Over Fifty Forum). We help each other in all areas of our lives. We are not judgmental and dislike the drama of the other boards. We truly care about each other and are always willing to help in any way we can.

HUGS....connie d