Aging and WLS

Hello everyone!  I had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery 6 years ago and lost a total of 255lbs including 15 from reconstructive plastic surgery.  Unfortunately, over the past year or so I have been gaining weight.  I have blogged about my concern but the underlying problem was degenerative arthritis in my right knee reducing my activities and adding to my overall pain/stress leading to emotional eating.  So...last month I had surgery and a total knee replacement.  This is the second surgery on that knee so rehab is going to be a challenge.  The good part - not going to work has allowed my to focus on my health including my diet and I have lost a few pounds.  I'm down to 191 from a high of 206.  I would like to get down under 180 if I can't get all the way back to my lowest weight of 170.  As I work my way through physical therapy and start-up my regular exercise routine I expect my weight loss to continue or accelerate. 

With this surgery I need to recognize that at 52 years old I need to take my age into account and maybe adjust some of my strategies.

I would love to hear from those of you who are also focused on the challenges brought on by aging after surgery.  How have you adjusted?  Are there exercises that are more forgiving as we age? 

I'm 55 and had surgery about 18 months ago. I try to get regular exercise but nothing major. My goal is 10k steps in a day which I often don't achieve. Some combination of basic walking, some limited jogging and biking. 

I also use a fitness tracker to remind me to get off my butt and work towards the daily goal.

I am 55 and I had the RNY 8 years ago. The exercise will make you feel better, but diet is the only thing that would help you lose the regain. 

At one time.I gained over 20 lbs. I lost most of it.... I am very slowly losing mtpy last 2 -3 lbs.. Adjusting the goal..(i am withing my original goal range now) as I get closer to it... 

It is a slow process.   Slower than right after RNY.  Fist 5-10 lbs it was sort of "easy".. But the last 10 lbs, losing and learning to maintain that loss - is challenging... 

The way I am managing it : Proteins and fat, some carbs.  Not too many proteins. Not too many carbs.  Trying not to drink my calories... Good night sleep. Some exercise - but not too much.  Too much cardio causes my BS to drop and cravings... Slow and easy is better for me. 

I am 58 - 59 in a month. In the past 6 months I have gained 17 pounds and I am not sure why. Since I had my RNY I have gotten 10k steps in 5 days a week and kept my calories 1,000 to 1,200 cal mainly protein some carb some fat that I track daily. I am having a small melt down over this. My dr checked all my blood work VIT D was low but all the rest was good. Looking for suggestions......

Hi there, I haven't had my wls yet, I'm scheduled for June 6th. I did however have a total knee replacement 6 months ago. I am 51. This is a very young age to have a knee replacement. If you want your replacement to be successful you have to do the physical therapy treatment faithfully. It's a really hard operation to get through but so worthit when your pain free. Good luck. 

I had both of my knees replaced 6 years ago, and it was THE best thing I've ever done.  Even better than my WLS, because it allowed me to function as a fairly normal person.  Now that I have lost the weight, I am even happier that I had them done, because now my hubs and I are walking and hiking almost everyday, and my life is just getting better and better!

I was 42 when I had RNY and am about to turn 50. I have not had to change any of my strategies as far as maintaining my weight goes so far, but I realize that could change in the future. I will say I have become much more active in the past year so maybe that has helped me maintain. I got a fitbit a year ago and that keeps me motivated. I do a lot of walking. Activity does not have to be strenuous to be effective. Walking or water aerobics may be good choices for you.

I have had several friends who have undergone knee replacement surgery. The first year was tough, but now they are all thankful and pain-free. I hope you have the same long-term results!!

I am going to be 59 years old and had RNY 6 year ago and all was fine until December 2016, the pounds started to pile on, I upped my steps to 10,000 with a little light weights. I am very discouraged I am up 22 pounds since Christmas - 5 months. I have protein first and little carbs and no refined carbs. I am looking for help I need these pounds off!!!! Ideas needed help. Melissa 

Unless you have inflamation going - you probably eat more than your body needs to maintain. 

Sometimes we underestimate how much we eat.  I know I do. What I think I eat and how much I really eat - is often not the same. 

At the same time - if you are sure that food or drinks are not an issues - you need to go see a doc to get checked. Sometimes underactive thyroid would cause the metabolizm to just slow down to a crawl... 

Thank you for the reply, I did have all my blood work done vit., minerals, thyroid etc. all were good except vit D was very low. My plan is be sure to protein first, write all intake down, weigh and measure for a month and see if in fact I am eating what I think. Maybe I need less than I think I am 5'5" and usually come in under 1200 calories - same since my RNY - maybe now w age ......I just need less calories???? Melissa