Question:
Does anyone know or have had this surgery at age 65

I am planning on having this surgery. Some hospitals don't operate after 60. I would like to know if others my age have had it and how they are doing.    — Carol H. (posted on November 9, 2002)

November 9, 2002
My surgeons oldest patient was around 70. He says its a matter of being healthy enough to have surgery safely. He doesnt operate on those in their 80s.
   — bob-haller

November 9, 2002
I had open RNY surgery on Oct 9, 2002 and I am 63 years old. I had several doctors turn me down because of my age, but Dr. Overcash in Ocala Fl. performed the surgery and I'm doing fine.
   — Beverly H.

November 9, 2002
On 2/21/02 I had open RNY and I was 67 at the time. I had lotsa problems but they were due to things other than my age (see my profile). I have now lost 90 lbs although I cannot exercise at all. It was well worth it. Contact [email protected] -- she has a newsgroup for those of us over 60 who have WLS. Good luck! Remember: Too old for what? Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 9, 2002
I was 62 when I had my surgery on 4/15/02. I am down 102 pounds. The only complication I had was some breathing problems in hospital(ex smoker) and now have a hernia. My doctor told me some insurances won't cover people over 60.I feel great. Any questions email me [email protected] Judy Shock
   — Judy S.

November 9, 2002
Last December I had lap rny - I was almost 67 yrs old. Now -11 months later and 112 pounds off - I feel very good and I am happy when I wake up each morning and look forward to going to the health club and doing resistance exercises -and swim laps with a snorkel for 45 min. Several times a week. And I have COPD (lung problems) and have used a c-pap and a little oxygen for SIX years. Three surgeons would have taken me on anyway. I walked the first day-out of the hosp in 2 days and NO complications- never have thrown up and had that "dumping queezy feeling" only twice - milk and sugar on cereal did me in. Now I can eat (rarely) a little candy or pie. More of it makes me feel loggy. I still run out of breath on climbing stairs rapidly, etc and my last sleep tests says I need the c-pap (reduced setting tom 10) and a little oxygen. No problem! The DOWNSIDE-Now I guess I look my age (almost 68)-no longer puffed up drat it. Next week I see a plastic surgeon- my arms have to go. Could use a breast lift and face lift and tt, of course. If I can swing the arm cost - and get insurance coverage for anything - I might go for more although I don't really plan on bikini modeling. This wls saved me - About 10 to 20 more pounds to go - I started at 296 and now 184 - am 5'2" - Check out the "oldies " club. Age 50 not 60 to join. Ask your anesthestist about TORODOL - very good.
   — charlene M.

November 10, 2002
My mom (63)had the surgery Lap rny on 8-23-02. She had some bleeding and had to stay an extra day in the hospital but, now she is down 49 lbs and doing great. She had not taken bp meds since the day she went in for surgery. She still takes vioxx for arthritis every other day but she feels great. Best of luck to you.
   — Robin B.

November 11, 2002
Carol, I was in Burger King last week with my Daycare kids and I was talking to the manager whom has lost about 70 lbs (has NOT had this surgery) and she said she wanted to lose about 50 more and this older lady piped in and said I know how you can do it, so we both said, "How"? and she said Gastric bypass surgery and she proceeded to tell us that she had it 8 months ago and was now down to 102 lbs and that she was 82 years old......OH MY GOODNESS was my only thought. She looked great though. I just can't imagine what surgeon done this at her age.
   — Lynda T.