Will have WLS at 49, BMI 41. Scared of my 'old' age having this surgery!

Hello, I am 49 and will have RNY sometime late Sept, early Oct (if approved by ins!!!) and am scared out of my wits for waiting so long and to be so old for this type of surgery.  I know, 49 isn't OLD by any means but I've been overweight for 20+ years so having surgery at 49 makes me feel like I've wasted so much time.  Can anyone who has had it done at this age relate and let me know what to expect?  They say I have 109 lbs to lose but I've never weighed that in my adult life.  I am 5'1".  Please help!!!

Hi! Typically, I hang out on the Indiana board...this is my first visit here. I can't believe no one has replied to your post. There is an after 50's board that I understand is pretty active. Given your concern over your age & surgery, you might would want to check them out. I know on our board though there are several people who had their surgeries at a much later age than you and are doing terrific. 109 lbs really isn't that much. You might want to also check out the light-weight board. And of course, check out your location's board. I hope that you are able to find some folks who can relate.

Best wishes!
Sherri

Hi Sherry! Thanks for your reply and your post!  I'm in Texas and new to the boards so I'll do some more checking on what's all out there. I have now rec'd a couple replies and heard from some folks in the same boat as me.  Thanks for your kind words and advice!  Best wishes to you as well!  Karen

Hi, I am 48 and I too wish i had done this sooner.  It is never too late.  I have just begun my journey.  I don't even have a date set yet for surgery.  Good luck to you and I hope that all goes well for you. 
Looking forward to my 50"s!!!!

I am so glad to find someone else in my same situation! I'm in Texas and am using an advocacy group called NeWeigh. They have been wonderful.  I haven't experienced one problem so far. My ins requires me to be monitored for 3 months and August 21 will be my 3rd weigh-in. After that they'll submit to the ins.  Hopefully my date will be around end Sept/first Oct. I'm so excited yet scared to death, too.  Maybe we can be buddies and encouragement for one another!! Best wishes to you in this process!!  I am looking forward to my 50's a new, smaller, healthier me!!! 

Hi,
I'm 49 and just had my surgery on 6/30. I'm doing great! Wished I did this 10 years ago. I have/had major issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so weight loss is essential to living a longer life.

I've been thinking. I think if at all possible older, overweight people should have the surgery because weight loss can help improve the quality of life. This is what helped me in my decision. Face the future as a diabetic or as a wls patient. WLS easily won that arguement.

It's scary to look at older people and see what a struggle it is sometime. Good for you for wanting to be healthy as you start your 50's.

HI! thanks so much for responding to my post! Congratulations on your surgery!! How much have you lost so far?  I absolutely can not tell you how good it feels to find someone in the same boat as me! I know considering all the problems I have already from my weight and what I can look forward to if I don't do this, my decision should be a no-brainer.  But, it still scares me to think of all the what ifs....... I'm going to have to put that behind me.  I would love to hear all about your experience and ups and downs.  I wish you all the best in this and can't wait til I'm on the 'other side' as well!! Thanks again!

Hi...my mom and dad both had open rny 5+ years ago...mom was 56 and dad was 60...both did well with surgery, and both are doing great to this day. My dads diabetes have completely disappeared...he is a new man and even catches the eyes of women lol...mom is doing great to. It was a blessing for both,,,they are more happy and MUCH healther then I can ever remember. So 49...your a spring chicken lol youll do fine. 

Oh and forgot ...they are both completly off their bloodpressure medicine too...only regret they have is they didnt do it 20 yrs ago :-) 

Wow, I'm so glad to hear about your mom and dad!!  Congrats to both of them!! The more I hear from folks the more I'm so ready to do this.  I am finding that I have so much LIFE left to look forward to! It sounds like you are a great support to them! Great job!! Thanks so much for the information and I wish continued success for your parents!!