Has anyone here had a revision *over 60 *??

Hello everyone,

I'm 62 and will likely be 63 by the time I get my surgery date with Dr. Pop.  I need a revision from vbg 15 yrs ago, to RNY.  Also, my BMI is now at 60 and I have MANY co-morbs.  I would love to talk to others who've experienced a revision in my age group.  I'm thinking the challenges may be greater?  I want to be well informed and prepared.

I'll be posting this on the 'over 50' board, but thought I would try it here as well.  Hope to hear from someone.

I'm sorry to hear that you have gained weight back.  I am 60 and had my RNY in December 2005.  May I ask what happened to cause the weight gain?  Good luck. 

Hi Linda,

thanks for writing.  That first surgery 15 yrs. ago was not successful for me and many others who had it done at that time.  I only lost 50 lbs. in all then gained it right back.  In those days, there was no support like we have today.... pretty well left to our own resources which sadly was not good enough for some of us.  Also, the surgeries have greatly improved in the last 15 years and revisions are mostly very successful now.  Still, I know that I have to participate in the process and make changes to my lifestyle and eating.  I'm very determined to do that.  How about you?  What was your starting weight and what is it now?  Was it hard for you to make the changes necessary early on?  Do you still have struggles with food?  Hope to hear back,

I'm pulling for you to be extremely successful with the RNY.  I wouldn't change a thing.  I started at 260 and weigh in the 140s now.  I have been maining for about two years and I don't really have much trouble.  It is work, though. I have to think about everything I put into my mouth but it is so worth it.  I love protein shakes - would drink instead of eating most of the time.  But, I eat because I think you need the variation and the nutrients from veggies, fruit, protein, etc. 

As far as your age, go for it.  If your surgeon thinks it's OK, then I wouldn't worry about the age. 

Good luck to you.

Thanks Linda.  I think I'm on the right track.  I'll keep in touch.

Hello and I had an RNY April 12th, 2007. I had a stomach stapeling in 1980, I'm 53 years old.

Best thing I did. I was an open RNY, surgery was longer due to scar tissue and adhesions. I lost 50 pounds b/f surgery. I was exercising and had a great recovery. I woke up in my room post op, was in the hospital for 5 days. I had a NG tube, and 2 drains and a foley cath. I was sent home with my Jackson Pratt drain in for 10 more days.

My bariatric Dr. Verseman said I was a challenge. He has been wonderful to me and his staff. I also work at the same hospital I had surgery in.

Hope I answered some of your questions, feel free to PM me if you want. I'm at goal 137 and size 6!! My goal was to be a size 14 or 16. Good luck in your journey. Was my challenges greater? I don't think so. I chose exercise as my "cross addiction". I made sure to get involved in 2 bariatric support groups and fill in for the leaders when they can't make it. I exercise everyday. I have learned moderation. I have embraced lifestyle change. I am not on a diet.

Hi Debbiejean,

Thanks for your encouraging words and words or wisdom!  When I read:  "I chose exercise as my 'cross addiction' - and - "I have learned moderation"..... I almost got excited at the prospect.  Of course, its a decision that we make, isn't it?  At the moment, I am addicted to food and my eating is out of control.  I can only imagine the FREEDOM I would feel if I could turn this around.  The surgery will be a tool but my success will ultimately depend on my ability to make these changes... to embrace the new behaviours and to love them in the process!  I never thought I would ever say this about exercise and moderation, but I'm really willing to do this.  Its all in the attitude.

It looks like you're in Michigan.  I'll be going to the Barix Clinics in Ypsilani.  Are you close to that?

Also, what was your original weight - how much have you lost - and in how much time?

thanks again for taking the time,

Susanna
Port Hope, ON

P.S..... I don't know how to PM.... What is that?  I never got into a lot of the new techie stuff available now.  Personally, I'd rather talk on the phone or send emails if that's o.k. with you.

Hi Susanna, If you hit the contact button the message will come directly to me. On top of the screen when someone PM's you there will be a little red number on how many messages you have, click on that and it will bring up your screen.

Now for your revision, you have your head on straight this time. You will have lots of support this time and you will be a success. It took me less than 21/2 years to lose all my weight. I lost 50 pounds before surgery because I embrace lifestyle change and exercise. Yes I exercised before surgery. My recovery time was excellent.

Now because you are a revision, you will lose slower than most. We do not have a "virgin gut" so to speak. I was open and they did do more work on me but I was ready for it. I had plans for me made out way before surgery. You should too. Everyone here is addicted to food, we eat when we are happy, sad, angry etc... Now you won't be able to do that after surgery so what are you going to do when emotional eating is knocking on your door? Well I go in my hot tub, take a walk, call a friend, paint my toenails, go to the gym. Have a plan ready just for you.

It really is in all of the attitude. Exercise and learn moderation. Don't be afraid to try new foods. I'm down from 300 pounds to 137 and a size 6. I just got to work, went to the gym this morning at 5:45am to do weight lifting class. Make exercise part of your daily job. You can do this. Good luck and keep posting.