Question:
What has been the experience of women 65+ who have had RNY?

I've not met anyone my age (66) who is contemplating or has just had bariatric surgery. I am wondering how the surgery and wieght loss went for them.    — grgray (posted on August 27, 2008)


August 27, 2008
I am 59 and I am glad that I did it now! It was not easy but I am sooooo happy now! I lost 29 pounds in the months preceeding my RNY and I have lost 54 pounds since April 30th, 2008 for a total of 83 pounds. My daughter-in-law had the surgery about one and a half years ago. Her RNY was easier...but so what? I am glad that I have avoided a heart attack and diabetes that my mother got around 60 years old. My PCP has taken me off all blood pressure and cholesterol meds and I no longer use my CPAP machine for sleep apnea. I am very, very happy!
   — RenaMansi

August 27, 2008
I am 62 and I had it on my 62nd birthday. I would do it all over again. It has changed my life, but it is not easy. Know what you are doing. Study and be prepaired to dedicate some time to excersice and a health diet. This is the only thing that worked in 62 years for me. Read my profile on this site. I have come off of all diabitec, high blood pressure and colestrol medication in just the first few months. I am now down 120 pounds since surgery and feeling great. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

August 27, 2008
You might want to go to the Over Fifty Forum and post this question. There are a great number of women and men on that site that could answer this, and more questions should they arise.
   — azreggie

August 27, 2008
I know a lady in her 60's that had the surgery done last Sept. by June she had lost a hundred lbs. and is doing great, she said she would recommend it for anyone.
   — humper

August 27, 2008
From my understanding, many doctors will not do the RNY on someone above 60, but others will. My surgeon said her cut off was 60 but she took me because I had diabetes and other morbidities but wasn't too too large, bmi of 36. Sad part is, I am still diabetic after my May 27 surgery, though I did go off all insulin which was a big plus. Still on metformin morning and night, 1000mg each. Not too thrilled about that, but I am off insulin and with the met. sugars are 98% under 100. I did come off of my Cpap and my knees are not arthritic, but I am also still on BP and Cholesterol meds. Hoping to get off of them within a year or less. The cost of my reg meds plus the ones needed for after surgery is causing me a serious problem. If you find a doctor who will do a RNY on you at 66, God bless you and good luck. I would still do it over a hundred times. Lyn
   — SkinnyLynni2B

August 27, 2008
I am a male, 72 years old and had a VSG done by Dr. Barker in Dallas on Jul 9,2008. Everything is progressing well without any post op problems. I believe the medical profession is trying to protect themselves with a false age restrictionof 60-65 on bariatric surgery because we older folks are at a higher risk for any procedure not just bariatric surgery.
   — dgsilva

August 27, 2008
I am 66 years old and had RNY the month before my 66th birthday. I had Type II diabetes, taking medication 4 times a day plus insulin at night. In addition I was on high blood pressure medication. I was discharged from the hospital off of all my medication and my sugars have been low and level ever since. My blood pressure is also great now. The only way I could tell I had the surgery was to look at my little incisions. I have lost 51 pounds since surgery with only 13 pounds to go to goal. I am sure the big determining factor, not necessarily your age, is how your health is. This was the greatest thing I ever did for myself and would do it again in a heartbeat! By the way, Medicare paid for the majority of mine.
   — ShirleyF

August 27, 2008
I go to the Over Fifty Forum regularly. There is a lot of men and women that post on there. There are plenty of people that have had surgery at your age. They love to share their experience and also their vast knowledge. OFF is a very supportive and wonderful group of people.
   — Brenda R.

August 28, 2008
I had this surgery when I was 65. I am now 66 and have lost 116 lbs. I would have it over again tomorrow if I needed it. I no longer take blood pressure medicine or diabetic medicine. Mamash
   — Mamash

August 29, 2008
I am 74 and had lap band. three mo out and have lost 65 lb. meds cut love the band.
   — stanwalker

August 29, 2008
I had lap. RNY surgery April 07 at age 69. I was considered a lightweigh with no medical problems but was unable to lose weight on my own. I am now at goal and when I look in the mirror I can't believe the person looking back at me is really me. i look great, feel great and so thankful that I did this. I wish you the best of luck with your decission.
   — nanabana

August 29, 2008
I had lap. RNY surgery April 07 at age 69. I was considered a lightweigh with no medical problems but was unable to lose weight on my own. I am now at goal and when I look in the mirror I can't believe the person looking back at me is really me. i look great, feel great and so thankful that I did this. I wish you the best of luck with your decission.
   — nanabana




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