Question:
What about having WLS when you are 50 yrs old or plus?

I have a co-worker that had WLS back in the early 80's. Hardly anyone did the procedure then and I'm sure there was no way to measure the long term effects. She is now in her mid to late 60's, is very skinny and frail looking has lot's of wrinkles and sagging skin. So also does not feel good most of the time. Is this what we are to expect as we get older? She is the only person I've met that is this age and has had WLS, can anyone else out there address this with your own experience?    — Suzanne B. (posted on March 3, 2005)

March 2, 2005
I was 55 years of age when I had gastric bypass surgery. My photo is posted on the ObesityHelp.com website. Take a look for yourself. Note, my name is SHARRON spelled with 2 "R"s... I have no regrets about the procedure and my lifestyle is wonderful. I'm almost years post-op and have no regrets!
   — Sharron A.

March 2, 2005
I was 54 at time of surgery. I do have wrinkles but had some before surgery and I'm definitely not frail looking. Best of all, I feel wonderful. I'm very careful about my supplements and my eating because I want to stay healthy.
   — scbabe

March 3, 2005
Hi Suzanne- My mother had RNY the day before she turned 50, actually 3 years ago this week. She has done wonderful. She looks great, and jokes about the wrinkles that now show on her face, but she looks like she should for a normal person her age. The procedure your co-worker had ia probably a different procedure than you would have now. Many people had "issues" after some of the procedures they did such a long time ago. They were not aware back then about the vitamins and supplements that we need to have after WLS. They didnt pay as much attention to nutrition and everything..... I am sure after doing research you will find out what is right for you. I work for the surgeon who did my surgery and see many patients who are in their 40's and 50's..... they have one regret..... that they ahdnt done it sooner!! Good Luck!!
   — Mandybub

March 3, 2005
I was 56 when I had the surgery, will be two years ago in May, am feeling wonderful and only regret is that I did not have it sooner. The quality of my life has improved so much that my Cardiologist told me I have added 20 years to my life. What a great thing to hear since I hope to see some grandbabies this year. I have a few more wrinkles, but not bad -- I lost the weight slowly enough for my body to adjust and not be real baggy. Just had a TT in December and am so excited that the apron is gone and I can actually see my toes for the first time in over 20 years. Who knows what the future will bring, all I know is I am healthier now than I have been in 30 years and I appreciate each and every day that God has given me.
   — Brenda D.

March 3, 2005
I was 51 when I had my RNY 2 yrs ago. I did great. I weigh 125 lbs now. Not too many wrinkles. I did have some plastic surgery done because losing 225 lbs is going to leave some excess skin. I would look at what kind of surgery your friend had done. That long ago they did different procedures and post op nutrition and care was not as refined as it is now. Makes a HUGE difference.
   — dianne E.

March 3, 2005
Two years ago I had open RNY on my 50th birthday. I'm doing fine. Please feel free to review my bio. Best wishes.
   — ethoms

March 3, 2005
I gave WLS to myself for my 54th birthday--best present ever!!! I am now 58 and feel/look great. If you don't take care of yourself, whether you have WLS or not, a person isn't going to feel/look good.
   — Betty Todd

March 3, 2005
I think this question refers more to our quality of life/how we will look 20 or 30 years after our WLS, not about having the surgery when we are older. I, too, worry about being 25 years out and being fragile due to malabsorption, etc. Beth
   — Beth Barnhill

March 4, 2005
A lot of it depends on the type of surgery you have and the nutrition program you follow. Some of the programs out there are woefully inadequate and you can plan on long term issues. On the other hand, many of us do ok, even with the older, more radical surgeries, because we were nourished.
   — vitalady

March 5, 2005
I had lap RNY at 62 on Sept 29 2003 I have lost 150 lbs at goal weight of 200lbs in 13 months. I feel Great!!!!!!
   — Larry B.

March 6, 2005
I am fifty-seven years old. About a year ago the pain in my knees, and right ankle were so bad I was beginning to look into buying a motorized wheelchair. Although only 10 weeks out, with a weight loss of 34 pounds, making me 180, I recently purchased, and am able to ride a georgeous retro bicycle. I guess when you are thirty, fifty-seven seems very old. It is amazing how young it looks at fifty-six. I am looking forward to many health filled, active days to come. I'll take a few extra wrinkles, while wearing size 8 designer jeans anyday. Besides, isn't that why God gave us Plastic Surgeons?
   — lindarodham6

March 6, 2005
I work with a woman who had WLS 20+ years ago but had it reversed because she was so sick from it. Back then they really transected too much intestine and most people started suffering from malnourishment. Although my co-worker had her surgery reversed, it seems that as if she still loses weight very easily. I mean, she starts eating salads and within a month she's lost a tremendous amount of weight. Maybe that is an advantage of her having had the surgery at all.
   — MURRAY

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