Question:
My aunt is 50 years old and considering surgery...
She is about 350 lbs., almost the same as I was when I first met my surgeon. She wants to have this surgery but isn't sure how her progress will differ from mine because she's 50 and I'm only 20. Although I've told her that people over her age have qualified for surgery, she's still not convinced that anyone really has. If there are any older people out there, could you tell me about your experiences with the RNY surgery? I plan on showing this to her and it would be of much assistance in making her decision. Thanks so much! — mars.renee (posted on July 30, 2003)
July 30, 2003
Well, I don't consider myself "older" but i am 56. I am
5'2" and started at 228.6. Currently, I have lost 70 pounds and have
been on many plateaus. Lose nothing for two weeks then Bam, 5or6 pounds
overnight. I feel great and I will need no tummu tucks or anything like
that. My best friend is 61 and had surgery last year and is the same as
me. No plastic surgery needed. She is 5'4" and weighed 258. My
surgery was in Feb. Someone of your aunt's size will lose a lot faster
than me. I am considered a "lightweight" It took me about three
months to really feel great again. Probably age related and the fact that
i had some very serious surgery before my wt. loss surgery.
— Delores S.
July 30, 2003
My mother-in-law was approved and had her surgery 4 days before her 65th
birthday. She was closer to 400lbs. It's 3.5 mos and she is doing great!!!
— M B.
July 30, 2003
I had open DS at age 54, wt 378, BMI 57, in June '02. No complications,
needed no pain meds after the first day, and felt great at 6 weeks. I had
significant comorbs and all are 100% gone with the exception of some knee
pain still (but much much better). She might consider DS, it's really
wonderful. http://duodenalswitch.com. I hope your aunt will not let age be
a deterrent. At 54 I felt 84; at 55 I feel 25! If not now, when??
— Chris T.
July 30, 2003
I was 50 at the time of my surgery, I had an open RNY, with no
complications. I took very little pain meds and was back to work at 3
weeks. I am 5' 7" tall and started out at about 330 -340 #. I am now
at 189 and feel just great. your aunt should do very well. Good luck to
her.
— Christine A.
July 30, 2003
I was 46 and 344 last summer when I had a BPD. I'm at 225 now, no major
complications. I'm totally off all diabetes medication (I was taking 4
shots of insulin a day) and my last 2 A1C have been 4.9 and 5.0 (normal).
My DH is 50 had surgery in May, had some problems (OK he spent most of June
in the hospital) but he is doing well now. And he no longer snores!!!!!
Halalujah. My theroy is that because of my age and the time I've been
morbidly obese (20 years) I will never be "normal" weight and I
won't wear a size 2. But I'm hoping for under 200 and size 14-16. Good
luck.
— Sunny S.
July 30, 2003
I had WLS when I was 51. I'm 5'7 and started at 260. I'm only 4 months
post-op and down 70 pounds. If you follow your doctors instructions to the
letter, ALWAYS take your vitamins, calcium, iron and put protein first, she
will do just fine. Please have her email me at [email protected] if she
has any further questions.
— Vicki S.
July 31, 2003
I'm 57 and am 2.5 weeks post op. I've had minimal complications and went
back to work after 2 weeks. I was feeling that life was over and I was
sentenced to a short life of being a fat lady. WLS has made me feel life
is beginning ANEW!
— Margaret G.
July 31, 2003
Tell your aunt that people over 50 do survive this surgery and go on to
have much better lives. Please, if your aunt does have this surgery, don't
let her compare her weight loss to yours. 30 years makes quite a difference
in ability to lose weight. I had the surgery 11 weeks ago and I turned 50
this year. The surgery was my birthday present to myself. My surgeon did
warn me that I may not lose as fast or as much as younger patients, but
that didn't really bother me. I'm not out to win any beauty contests, I
just wanted to be pain free and escape diabetes for as long as I can.
— Carole V.
July 31, 2003
If 50 is too old, I'm out of luck. I'll be 50 in October and can't wait
for my surgery. The "too old" feeling may well come from the
weight, not the age. I move like someone many years older. I can't wait
to be climbing mountains again!
— Peggy H.
July 31, 2003
Hell, I'm 65 and should probably have Lap RNY this fall. The surgeon has
given me the ok and my psychological appt. is in Sept. I really am in good
health except for obesity related problems. Tell her to get to the doctor
and not wait like I did. Good luck!! MJ
— Mary Jane C.
July 31, 2003
I had open rny surgery on 4/15/02. I was 62 at the time and weighed 343.
As of this week I weigh 191. Very few problems and I would do this again
tomorrow if I had to. Judy Shock
— Judy S.
July 31, 2003
I am 66 years old and had my surgery on May 20th,2003. I spent two days in
the hospital, had very little pain for two days,My incisions healed within
two weeks. I have done great, got more energy about the 5th week. I walk
about a mile and swim and excercise in water for about one and one half
hours. If your health is fairly good( I had high blood pressure, reflux and
blood clot history) you will come through fine. I feel great except I am on
a darn plateau right now. Forty pounds gone forever.
— Carol H.
August 1, 2003
Hi Marcie! I don't think age has too much to do with anything.Your aunt
will more than likely begin losing very fast. She is not a
"lightweight" like myself-I'm 49, will be 50 in December and
since I am a "lightweight", my progress is somewhat slow. I lost
the bulk of my weight during the first two weeks, it just melt off. I've
learned from this website that the more you weigh, the more that will come
off, almost immediately, before you are even discharged from the hospital.
Also even after going home, if you follow the doctor's orders specifically,
even MORE will come off! There are a lot of people who have had WLS and
even at our age, are doing VERY well. You mentioned "older
people"-I smiled when I heard (read) that, because I don't consider
myself "old" at all anymore~especially after having this
wonderful surgery that gave me another chancce to really live. I can move
around now like someone your age or younger. I'm even playing
tennis...watch out Venus & Serena Williams! To Marcie's aunt: You go,
Lady!! It's YOUR turn now! Don't let anything or anyone stop you. Your
niece is quite concerned about you, but I will say that with EACH
individual, regardless of age, WLS affects each of us at different paces
and in different ways. The most important thing to remember is that you are
WELL on your way to a LIFE of HEALTH and HAPPINESS. Nothing else to 'weigh'
you down. Feel free to check out my profile...then, GO FOR IT~ ALL or
nothing!! I'm living breathing, walking and need I say "everything
else" better than I have in a very long time, with some folks being
jealous! *smile* LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/158/115-126 Hadiyah McCutcheon, aka
~~~
— yourdivaness
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