Question:
I would like to hear from anyone over 50 who has has gastric bypass surgery.

I am in my middle 50's and have been approved for surgery. My only fear is that my skin won't go back like it would have 25 yrs. ago. I need to have someone to talk to about my fears. Thank you. [email protected]    — Carolyn P. (posted on October 5, 2001)

October 5, 2001
I am 54 and only about 7 weeks post op. Skin is going to sag, no question about it. But I figure it is going to sag bad enough to qualify as medically necessary for repair (especially the tummy). I have decided that even if I wear long dresses and slacks the rest of my life and tops with bat wing sleeves, it will be worth it!! I have already been told I look younger - my skin is great. I think it is because of the water and the not putting "junk" in my system any more. Drink your water, exercise, and cut off what you can't deal with next year. The rest of your body will do so well you just won't care.
   — mskarns

October 5, 2001
I was 50 when I had my surgery 16 months ago. I weighed 278 now I weigh about 142 or so. I do not have bad saggy skin , but I do have saggy skin. I reciently had a hernia repair done and the nurses were shocked when they found out how much weight I lost and didn't have that "baggy" look. Heridity plays a large part in this , I was lucky. But no matter what I knew I'd look better after than before LOL! If you need further surgery to correct the excess skin , it can be done. If you don't , so be it. Some of that can be covered by clothes. All in all I made the right decision and I look great and feel even better!
   — Rose A.

October 5, 2001
I had RNY open on 1/8/01, I turned 54 on 1/16/01. I am 5'3" and weighed 258, after 8 mos. I weigh 170. My tummy is a little saggy but after all that fat I expected it to be. My arms don't look like batwings, but they are just a little saggy, but so are my friends that didn't have WLS. My face had really lost the fat...I even have a neck! My face is not saggy. I didn't know I was this vain, especially at this age, but if the insurance company will let me have a panni...I'm gettin' it. Good luck -- this surgery is worth it!
   — Betty Todd

October 5, 2001
I turned 50 while in the hospital having WLS.. I'm 39 now errr ummm ok ok 51 almost 52.. My beginning weight was 367 I'm now 140... oh I had major loose skin.. you don't loose 227 pounds and NOT HAVE loose skin every where.. I had a body lift June 15th and doing GREAT...I really now only need my bat wings done maybe Jan 2002.. My inner thighs could use it but I heard most of those don't do well so I'll be happy for what I have :) This surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself.. I'm healthy, slim, and living life to the fullest :)
   — Victoria B.

October 6, 2001
Hi. I'm 57 and frankly, I don't care if I sag (at least for a while, anyway). I want a longer life than I otherwise would have had, saggy or no. I'm never going to wear a bikini anyway.... a tankini maybe, a maillot for sure! lol - Margie B
   — Marjorie B.