Question:
Does age seem to affect the window of time that we have to loose this weight?

Or better still, in what area does age make a difference as in I would assume that a 25 yr old would have much more forgiving skin elasticity than a 50 yr old, and does a younger post op seem to loose weight faster?    — Sherry H. (posted on August 18, 2001)

August 18, 2001
I am 61 and had my open RNY surgery in May. My surgery was fine and I am loosing weight but not as fast as the younger patients are. I think that the reason is the lack of exercise. I have arthritis in both knees and through the years that I carried my 300 lb weight, I damaged them alot. So walking any distance is still hard. However, now that I have lost 56 lbs, my pain is less and there are some days that I don't have to take my medication if I don't exert myself too much. If your still active and can walk and exercise, even moderately, your weight will melt at a steady pace. Mary in NC
   — Mary W.

August 18, 2001
Well I'm 58 waiting on surgery. I have read a zillion posts here. I think there are so many things that determine that..not necessarily age. I think the factor is how well you tolerate the surgery, the pain, your own condition (how much you weigh..what type of problems you have eg leg, knee pain ) and what medications you are on. I think age pays a part..of course...especially because of the exercise...but I don't think it's the major issue. (hope im right) ha
   — Jackiis

August 18, 2001
I was 50 when I had my surgery I reached my goal in 13 months 145 lbs from 278 , no complications and I was blessed with good skin elasticity. There are younger people who struggle and younger people who lose easily you really can't compare because you really don't know how closely a person follows nutritional guidelines .
   — Rose A.

August 26, 2001
I agree, I am 49 and yes it seems to be a bit harder but I think it is due to my amount of activity. Activity plays an important role in weight gain, as do certain medications, etc. I am 5 months out, and loosing ok, but slowing down. Now that I feel better am starting to become more active. Since I am limited in what exercise I can do I have opted for a treadmill. I had a choice of swimming or getting a treadmill, as low stress exercise, and walking is all I can do forever due to other health issues. I am finding that now the exercise part is going to play a big factor in what I loose. Not so much my age group. Debbie
   — Debbie S.