I am 70 and planning on wls at Lahey Clinic

Hi... My screen name is mojaleski...

I am 70 years old, retired RN...currently BMI is just over 40...and my first appointment with a surgeon, David Brams at Lahey Clinic is next Thursday, June 27th.

Initially, I was really only interested in the lapband surgery...but have been researching, seemingly night and day these past 2 weeks since my info session at Lahey and think I have already talked myself out of that option due to the statistics about re-surgery and other complictions.  While I am really an excellent surgical risk at age 70, I don't know how I would do with an extruded band at age 79 or so, for example.

I have a friend who has done really well with her r n y bypass surgery, now 5 years out...and she looks amazing and feels wonderful...so I have been reading...and reading.

This leads me to the vertical sleeve gastrectomy option which Dr. Napomnayshy at Lahey explained as another good option at my info session...along with the bypass.

Specifically what appeals to me about the sleeve is that weight loss results are really good as with r n y but there is no pouch created and no by pass and therefore nutrients continue to be absorbed in the way nature intended.  Since I am 70 and already have the early stages of osteoporosis looming, this is important to consider.  Two weeks ago I thought "no way" because it is non reversible...when 85 % of one's stomach is gone it is gone forever.   Need to keep vigilant because one can regain with sweets and other liquid calories and one can stretch out the sleeve and undo the weight loss.  I think I can commit to this and keep the weight off this time. 

Long history of diets, 12 step groups.. successful weight losses...and still gaining most of it back...lost 140 lb. in 2000...all but 40 back on my body.  Knees, feet ache...low energy...time to do something about this disease.

I am going to my appointment on Thursday with an open mind and with my family and personal medical history.  I will commit to doing what the doctor thinks is the best option for me...thinking I am hoping it may be the sleeve...but we will see.

Excited...and seriously scared at the same time!  Looking at before and after photos and knowing it is the right thing for me to be doing.

Please share your experiences...I am specifically hoping to hear from some older people who were successful getting Medicare to approve and hearing about how you chose your type surgery and how it has been for you.

Thanks and have a really good day!

Christine from NH