Question:
Am I Too Old?
I am 67 and have about 135 lbs. to lose. I noticed that one or more of the surgical sites say they only operate on people 50 and under. I have an appointment to see my doctor on Monday and am going to a support group on Tuesday. I am in pretty good health so far, but was told by a clincal studies group I am part of that my cholesterol is starting to get high. I would like to be able to enjoy what is left of my life as a thin person for a change. — Kathleen O. (posted on August 23, 2003)
August 23, 2003
Hi, My surgeon operates on people up to 67 years of age and after that age
he will operate on someone older, but it takes each case on an individual
level.
— Karen Renee
August 23, 2003
I've seen many your age have surgery. And, we will see many Baby Boomers in
the years to come your age and older hving this surgery. This is an
epidemic disease throughout the United States. As we see the younger
generations obese at such an early age, you know surgery will be the only
thing to help with this problem in the future. I'm 53 and this surgery has
changed my life in a short 6 months! I'm healthy and exercise daily and eat
to live...Not live to eat! Go for it....You deserve to be healthy at any
age. Good Luck! Lap Rny...2/11/03 -90 pounds 250/160/140
— Hazel S.
August 23, 2003
Obviously it is going to depend on the person...however, I am 38. I had
lap RNY in December. I had problems beginning in January, ended up having
three more operations to remove gall bladder and ultimately repair a
blocked intestine. I crashed after the final surgery and was on a
ventilator for 10 days. If I were much older, I would not have made it.
I'm doing fine now, but I often wonder if there shouldn't be a cut off age.
I know I wouldn't have lived if it weren't for my relatively young age.
I've known two others who have died and another woman age 67 who is in a
coma...for two months now. This is not something to take litely. The
danger is real.
— Jane S.
August 23, 2003
I am 59 and had open rny on July 8. I think this is between you and your
doctor. I your health is at risk, I think it is in your best interest to
explore this avenue.
— Marianne L.
August 23, 2003
I had surgery eighteen months ago when I was 67 years and 8 months old.
Open RNY at 325 lbs. I had a lot of problems -- I have Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and my surgeon knew nothing about it; I also feel he was rather
sloppy about several things. But I was basically healthy and I fought back
and now I'm at 201 (a loss of 124 lbs) and I am doing quite well under my
circumstances. I cannot exercise but I've lost 77% of my excess weight and
my blood pressure and labs are wonderful. Do your research and find a
well-qualified doctor that you can trust. Good luck! Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
August 23, 2003
I belong to a Yahoo group for people over 50. I am 61, feel much younger.
You can get a lot of information there. Please contact [email protected]
and she will send you an invitation.
— faybay
August 23, 2003
Ihad my WLS Aug 4, 2003 and turned 61 Aug. 8 Dr Hohn Baker Little Rock AR.
did my surgery and I am very happy with it
— jean G.
August 23, 2003
My mother-in-law had the surgery 1 week before her 65th birthday. She was
Super Morbidly Obese. She is doing great. It depends on the Doctor. Best
wishes -
— M B.
August 24, 2003
I had my open rny on 4/15/02 at age 62. I was on oxygen 24/7 and had to
use a walker. Sixteen months later I am off of oxygen and no longer use
the walker and I have lost 155 pounds. Some insurance companies have an
age limit. I had Cigna and got my approval in 3 weeks. I would do this
again tomorrow if I had to. Judy Shock
— Judy S.
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