Question:
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THIS SURGERY??

I HAVE BEEN READING ALL THE INFO OF THIS SURGERY, AND I SEE THAT EVERYONE IS YOUNG. IS THERE A AGE THAT THEY WONT DO THE SURGERY? I AM 60, AND HOPE I'M NOT TOOOO OLD. WANT TO LIVE TO SEE MY GRANDBABIES GROW UP. THANK YOU ALL.    — Beverly T. (posted on September 7, 2003)

September 7, 2003
It really depends on the surgeon you choose.
   — Carol S.

September 7, 2003
I believe my surgeons age requirements are 21-59
   — Gail L.

September 7, 2003
Beverly, everyone is not young. There are a lot of people on here in late forties, fifties and one lady posts who is 67. I am 56 and had surgery in feb. My best friend is 61 and had it in November. Our surgeons cut-off is 60 but because her birthday happened while going thru the testing, they went ahead and did it. It really depends on the surgeon. Check around. P.S. Some of old gals give some of the younger ones a run for their money in terms of recovery time and weight loss. Just not me. I feel that my recovery took a little longer due to my age and another major surgery i had last year. Good luck.
   — Delores S.

September 7, 2003
My surgeon does the surgery up to age 67.
   — Karen Renee

September 7, 2003
I was 54 when I had the RNY done; and just two weeks ago at 56.7 I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. I asked myself WHY am I doing this because I will be retiring shortly and will need the money; I do not have a husband or boyfriend to see the nice results. I did it for MYSELF, I have to look at me and I still want to look good even if I'm the only one that's going to see it. It makes me feel good about myself again and at this age I can still get pretty prissy. hahahaha GO FOR IT!!!
   — Betty Todd

September 7, 2003
I'm 62 and am currently "in process." I hope to have surgery in December. My surgeon said as long as a person is in relatively good health, age isn't a barrier. They recently did successful surgery on a 65 year old woman. I, like you, want to be around for my grandbabies. Good luck!
   — maryd

September 7, 2003
A friend in my support group had her surgery last month; she is 65. Call around to different surgeons and ask! Good luck, Lori 281/215/158
   — Lori A.

September 7, 2003
Well I will be 31 this year and actually I am one of the younger ones in my "group" alot of them are 45 and over, and yes some are 60.... Good Luck To You!
   — Saxbyd

September 7, 2003
my surgeon will not do wls on anyone over 60, so the big 6-0 is the cut off point for him. all the best to you.
   — janetc00

September 7, 2003
I was 59 when I had my surgery with no problems and an easy recovery. You have to call around and ask each surgeon. We have a group on Yahoo for those of us over 50. You are welcome to join just send an e-mail to [email protected] and you will receive an invitation to join.
   — faybay

September 8, 2003
My super MO mother-in-law had the surgery 1 week before her 65th birthday. It's been 4 mos and she is doing great!!
   — M B.

September 8, 2003
Eighteen months ago I had open RNY at the age of 67 and 8 months; I have gone from 325 to 201 and am still losing, albeit slowly. I think an arbitrary ago cutoff is discrimination -- it should be based on each individual's health and needs. There are others older than I who have successfully had WLS. Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 8, 2003
It really depends on the doctor. I am 61 years old and was turned down by one doctor and then later tried with another doctor and he was fine with the age. I had my surgery 8-29-03 and I am doing great. Go for it!
   — Brenda H.

September 9, 2003
My surgeon had done people 75, and if you think about it, as long as you are healthy enough to survive the surgery itself, the subsequent wt. loss is only going to improve your life expectancy and your overall health so why should there be a cut off of age if the person wants to have the surgery? You are definitely too old to get healthy, good luck.
   — Dana S.

September 9, 2003
Sorry about the typos in the my previous post. I meant to say my surgeon HAS done people 75, not HAD done... also, I meant to say you are definitely NOT too old, good luck.
   — Dana S.

September 12, 2003
I have an acquaintance who just had the surgery and she is 63, so no, you're not too old. She had a few co-morbidities, which helped her get approved.
   — Sherrie K.

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