Worried at age 65

Yes, I am a habitual worrier. I just don't see all that many people talk about the RNY when they are my age. I was wondering, does anyone have a problem choking or swallowing after the surgery. I have a real problem when I think about having something caught in my throat. As you can see, I am really uninformed at this time.

Coming here is a good place to ask questions. Sometimes our heads can take over and make us constant worry.

I am fifty and had my RNY four years ago. I knock on wood if I chew my food and make sure I take my time eating. I don't have a problem.

Thank you so much for the help! It is great to have a place to ask questions from people who have actually been there!

It has made my life a lot easier coming here.

Even if it is just to vent about someone who is not understanding WLS.

Everyone truly wants to help.

The vets here have helped me a lot. The newbies did also.

Support is so important when it comes to a life change.

I'm 64, and didn't have any trouble with choking or swallowing after the surgery, or since. For me, this has been a very positive experience. I wish you much good luck!

Do you have a problem with choking and swallowing now?

I never hear anyone talk about choking. People may have swallowing issues in The sense of feeling like it won't go down if they haven't chewed well enough, or eaten too much. You learn to prevent it, and not in any way life threatening

About 5% of RNY patients get strictures...You can look up stricture info if you wish. That is not many. It can be treated with a simple outpatient procedure. Since they make your stomach the size of a large walnut, you will have to retrain your mind on eating and drinking. Yes, you will choke...If you try and eat/drink too fast. But in the RNY there are built in measures that will aid your mind to let you know you've eaten too fast.
For many their nose will run. For others they will get the hiccups. If you've had the surgery and your nose starts to run or you get the hiccups...STOP!! Do not pass go, do NOT collect $200. Stop, wait a few (10-15) minutes...Then proceed slowly in eating or drinking.

But as you lose the weight, you can move better. This mean you can go father and exercise better. This helps you to loose more weight...Which in turn helps you to exercise better (building up your lung capacity). Instead of a cycle downward, you cycle upward. Also men lose the weight (generally speaking) faster than women. We have a larger muscle structure. The weight comes off more quickly. Yes, diet and exercise come into play. But in general that is the case. Good luck on your journey...Brian

Thank you Brian! I appreciate your help! Mark

It is not unreasonable to believe that a healthy person will live to close to 100 or beyond. Looking at another 30 plus years of living, wouldn't you rather do it in a slim, healthy body? I was 59 having surgery and have never choked or had problems swallowing.

Choking happens in your throat and swallowing in your esophagus. Surgery is only on your stomach and intestines. It will have no effect at all on choking or swallowing.

I'm 68 and _I had my surgery 8 months ago. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself!