Question:
I am 58 years old. Are there others in my age group that have had surgery?
I have two fears. One of them is that my skin will just hang. The other fear is that the way I have eaten for so long will I be able to adjust to a new and healthy eating plan. I would love to hear from anyone around my age. This is my last hope and I am so excited at the possibility of having a different life. — Jan T. (posted on July 13, 2001)
July 13, 2001
I am 60 yrs. old and hoping to have surgery in September. I am not
concerned about the cosmetic effects of the surgery, but rather hope to
increase the likelihood of being around a bit longer. I have been coming
to this site since April and have heard from a number of
"chronologically challenged" wls candidates. Good luck.
— Aloha D.
July 13, 2001
Jan I am 55 and scheduled for surgery on August 22nd. I too am excited and
scared. I have spoken to several people who have had WLS and are over 50.
I just know I have to live a long life to enjoy my husband and my
grandchildren. And I can't do that with all this extra weight. So I either
come through the surgery and everything is go or I wait on them in Heaven.
Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Email me anytime you want to talk.
I am usually a lurker but I am here most every evening just reading,
reading, reading.
God Bless You and Yours.
Jeanne [email protected]
— JEANNE V.
July 13, 2001
Jan, I'm 53 years old and I had wls 10 mos.ago. I've lost about 120 lbs.
so far, and yes, I do have hanging skin, but I wouldn't take back my old
life for anything. I'll live with the extra skin over my unhappy days of
yesteryear.
I feel great, and most of my illnesses have gone away. Good Luck to you
what ever you decide.
— Sandra Lee R.
July 13, 2001
I am 55 years old and 15 months post-op....my husband is 57 and 3 months
post-op. We both agree that having the surgery (lap RNY) was the best
decision we ever made, and the only regret we have is that it didn't happen
earlier in our lives. We are healthier, happier, and have more energy than
we have had in over 15 years. Yes, I need a tummy tuck and an armlift, but
that's a minor trade-off for the life I have now. I work out in the gym 3
days a week; can walk 2-3 miles without being the least bit out of breath;
can play on the floor with my grandchildren and no one has to help me up;
can come home from a full day's work and still have the energy to enjoy a
full social life in the evening instead of simply falling into bed,
completely fatigued; have found that shopping for clothes/shoes is a
dangerously joyful experience instead of the humiliating, frustrating
experience it once was; can take a vitamin and a calcium supplement daily
instead of the other six medications that I was taking pre-op; am pain-free
from the muscle/joint aches that nearly incapacitated me for over 5 years
before the surgery; am able to sit oh-so-comfortably in a restaurant booth,
plane seat, theater seat, or any of the rides at Six Flags without anxiety
or embarassment; and I feel pretty and sexy for the first time in more
years than I can count. The list could go on and on....these things are
just the tip of the iceberg. This surgery has opened the door to a whole
new life for my husband and me....my younger daughter and my cousin have
had the surgery also, and my older daughter and another cousin are awaiting
insurance approval. We are prime examples that it is never too early or
never too late to do whatever it takes to enjoy life to the fullest. Best
wishes to you!
— Diana T.
July 13, 2001
Hi Jan, I am 61yrs old, and two months post op. I had no problems with
surgery. I had the "open rny". I can't exercise or walk much
due to arthritis, and I still find that I am loosing weight. 38 lbs in two
months. Yes, I am beginning to see saggy skin. I expected that and have
warned my family to expect to see me that way. My insurance will do a
tummy tuck after I loose 100 lbs and keep it off for one year. So I
already know that I will have to live with it for a while. I am doing
facial exercises to help with my chin skin. I have heard to that you can
lift cans of soup as an arm exercise. I am trying everything. My advise
to you is to (1) take your multi vitamins and get as fit as you can before
surgery. (2) If you smok try to stop or at least do breathing exercises.
Long full breaths. If you don't you might have problems in the hospital.
(3) When you go in for your pre op med tests, ask for a "belly
binder" measurement What that is is a hugh vel cro elastic binder that
they put on you at the hospital immediately after surgery. It really helps
hold your tummy in place. I wore mine in the hospital and for two weeks
afterwards. It especially helps on the ride home in the car and when
bending over. (4) Plan ahead for post op recovery, Make sure that you
have assistance in the home the first week. Don't even think that you will
be able to continue as usual. Cook ahead and let someone else do the house
cleaning. (5) Rest continually and give your body a chance to do its
recovery. (5) Know that God has taken you to this point, and has directed
you to this surgery. So don't fear so much. Keep angels in your thoughts
and stay focused on your future. Best wishes, Mary in North Carolina
— Mary W.
July 14, 2001
Hi Jan, I am 56 and will be 57 in November. I couldn't agree more with the
others that have posted. I am 9 weeks post op and have lost 53 pounds!!
But that isn't even the best news. The best news is that I took my last
shot of insulin and diabetic medication the day before my surgery! It is a
true miracle! I feel like a "new woman", much younger and more
optomistic about my future life (if that is possible, I have always been a
pollyana(lol)). For the past 15 years I have been a caregiver to my entire
family, helping with several elderly relatives before their deaths,
grandmother, father, aunt and now my 83 year old mother who
suffers from terminal pulmonary hypertension and she lives with me. I have
been there for my two adult sons, their wives and my 5 grandchildren. As
much as I have enjoyed being able to help my wonderful family I am
embarking on a new phase in my life, one in which I am going to concentrate
on having a full, healthy and happy life for myself. On January 18th of
this year I was told by my cardiologist that if I didn't "do
something" I was going to die of a massive heart attack or stroke very
soon. That was my wakeup call. I have not had any major problems with
postop recovery, no nausea, no vomiting and have been able to slowly add
most foods to my diet, as long as I ate slowly and chewed every bite. My
new motto is to be "SEXY AND SIXTY" and love every minute of my
new life. Choose the best surgeon you can and relax and enjoy the ride!!!!!
Good Luck!
— janice J.
July 19, 2001
Hi,
I'm 57 years old and had my surgery on March 2, 2001 at BTC in Michigan.
I have hanging skin on my abdomen and upper arms. I have decided I'll
have a tummy tuck and forget the arms for now. I have my days when I seem
to have some cravings, primarily sweets but I'm doing well. Food doesn't
have the same "pull" as it did before the surgery. Seeing my
weight drop and having more energy and less pain has given me more passion
to LIVE my LIFE with GUSTO. I don't regret the surgery and am having a
deeper love and appreciation for myself. The best to you and enjoy the new
change. It feels GREAT!
— Anne W.
July 30, 2001
My mother is almost 64 and had RNY a mont ago...she is not a frequent
e-mailer, but would love to hear from you, I'm sure. Especially about the
changes after all these years. We're 1200 miles apart, so she's kind of all
alone in this herself. Try looking up the profile for Kady Lane.--Jesse
— Jesse M.
September 20, 2001
Hi. I am 50 years old. I am waiting for my surgery date on 10/9. At a
WLS meeting that I went to, I met several post-ops older than me and heard
about a woman who was post-op at 70 years of age.
— Berry-Jean M.
September 20, 2001
Turned 56 last April. Had RNY 6/13. Down around 60 pounds and haven't
looked back once. Hang in there.
— Chuck O.
September 9, 2002
I will be 56 in Nov. I have so many health problems Im a medical mystery,
(according to my dr) I have had 12 surgerys and dont remember enjoying any
of them but its all temporary and the rewards are to good to let fear stop
me this one more time. We have so much to gain by loseing... Best wishes.
— Connie C.
September 9, 2002
I had my surgery at 59 years of age on 7/6/01. To date I've lost 121
pounds and feel great! But talk about wrinkled skin, and I am your walking
text book. My husband screams with terror when he happens to catch a
glimpse of my thighs. And not only do I wave good-bye to someone with my
hand, but my upper arms also flap a hearty and vigorous good-bye. Sorta
like two for the price of one. And talk about a turkey neck! I had no
idea that chin skin could wobble as much as mine does. I don't
particularly worry, though, about my stomach because spandex has become my
best friend. Besides, no-one really sees my stomach because I very seldom
walk around naked. So, this October I'm going to see a plastic surgeon to
see about 'fixing' my arms and neck. Who knows. Perhaps after a little
neck tightening (and maybe a nip or tuck in my face), I may even look
younger. I know that I feel younger than I have for years.
— Penolyn V.
September 13, 2002
I'll be 56 in December, at least this year less of me will enjoy this
birthday.I had surgery in June and I'm 51 pounds less.The weight comes off
a little slower at this age and there is still no cartiledge in my knees
but my BP is 110/80 and I am down to a size 18, I'm changing so fast I
can't recognize myself in the mirror all the time.I can move and do things
I haven't done for years.So my skin sags a little more in some places than
it did.At least it isn't rolls of fat.When I get down to what may be my
baseline I'll look around and see what needs to come off and make a
decision then, in the mean time I've earned these batwings and wrinkles.My
neck looks pretty good and my tummy seems to be adjusting. I don't think
anyone ever died of excessive skin so I'm happy.Good luck, we are out
here.We just don't post as often as some of our younger counterparts.
— Ellen H.
February 25, 2003
I was pleased to hear your question on age. I went for pre-op testing
yesterday and wondered if anyone as old or with as high a BMI as I have
ever had surgery. I will be 57 in June and my surgery is March 10. My
coworker is 23 and those in my support group are mostly in their 30s. I
have your same concerns. When did you or will you have surgery?
— Sherry D.
April 22, 2003
I am 66 years old and plan to have surgery even though I have a blood clot
problem. I have had all my tests and Surgeon says I will do fine. They will
take all precautions for clots. I am just waiting for a date now. I trust
the doctor and the Good Lord.
— Carol H.
April 22, 2003
Sheriff Harry Lee, of Jefferson Parish, here in south Louisiana had the
gastric bypass last week. He is 70 years old, so far so good for him -
according to reports.
— Smitty B.
April 22, 2003
Hi, my motherinlaw is 58 yrs.She had her surgery done November 1st,2002 and
she is doing great.She lost around 80-85 lbs sofar..The skin is probally a
bit of concern even for me.I had mine done 22 months ago and yes i have a
problem with some sagging skin after dropping 136 lbs..so some excerise
will help with that.. i started walking and feeling my skin has tighten
some up..GOD BLESS YOU on youer Jorney !!!
— Birgit T.
February 18, 2004
Jan, I am 55 and am almost 5 weeks post op. My weight loss is a little
slower than I would like, especially when I see that some people loose
20-30 lbs in the first two weeks. I have lost about 27 lbs. My PCP thinks
this is too fast. The faster the weight loss, the more sagging you will
have, he says. I can eat just about anything I want, some meats have to
chew up and spit out. They just won't get small enough that I think I can
swallow them. I am sure I will have extra skin but they say water aerobics
is excellent for that. So at 6 weeks, my surgeon said it would be safe to
start that. YMCA here I come. Would love to keep in touch with you and
follow your success.
Sincerely, Meleta
— Meleta P.
August 11, 2004
I'm way past 50,and I can say that the smartest thing I've ever done was to
have DS.I'm 10 weeks post-op and down 40lbs and feel like a new person.As
far as skin hanging,well they have ways of taking care of that too!
I had a very bad eating problem,but were talking lifetime,came from a
family of very large people.But things change after you've had this
surgery.You will not overeat,gauranteed!Or you'll throw it up.And being
able to adjust to eating high protein well,it's great.I love meat anyway.
Hang In There
Kathleen (Grammie)
— KatinPBCA
July 13, 2005
I was 55 when I had the Roux N Y. It is my one year anniversary and I was
never sick a day. I would do it again. My only regret was that I waited
too long. My skin is not hanging badly but I excersize every day at lunch
time. 10 minutes to eat and 45 to work out. Bought an ab lounger and it
does wonder for the stomach. Up to 225 crunches every day. Don't
hesitate. What have you got to lose? No pun intended. Question is, How
long will you live without the surgery? Good luck no matter what your
decision.
— ANGELA G.
July 14, 2005
I had surgery when I was 48, I am now 51 and I feel better than I ever did
when I was in my 20s or 30s. I work out 5 days a week, walk/run, etc. and
I love just being alive I can move without feeling like I am going to have
a heart attack! I also have lots of friends in their 50s who had wls they
are doing wonderfully and enjoying life. Just do it you will be so happy
with the results. Best wishes!
— debmi
August 19, 2005
My father had bypass when he was 58, lost over 200 lbs and is doing
wonderfully now. He does have skin hanging problems but from the many
people I've known who've had this surgery, that seems to be common among
all who've lost a lot of weight, regardless of age.
The fear about whether or not you will be able to keep the plan is
perfectly normal. I had it, my dad had it, I think just about everybody has
it. But after the surgery your body is truly changed and your feelings
about food will change too. Frightening as that is (because it's the
unknown), it's just part of the process.
So...I wouldn't worry about it much. Everything will be fine.
— Vicki B.
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