Question:
How are age 55+ post ops doing?

My friend's mother is considering having WLS. She is 55 and concerned about how middle-aged post-ops handle the life style changes. She is pretty much house bound with weight and arthritis issues. I appreciate any responses. Thanks you! (As for me, I'm just waiting for a date!)    — Sheila T. (posted on August 23, 2002)


August 23, 2002
I am 54 and 9 weeks postop. Feeling fine, I think the loss rate may be slower than younger people but the surgery went well, pain was at a minimum and I was feeling back to normal after 4 weeks.
   — linda S.

August 23, 2002
Hi - I had surgery 2 years ago at age 57 and I'm doing Fantastic! Life couldn't get much better. Had Type II Diabetes, poor circulation, arthritis in my knees, bad back - the list just went on and on. I've lost 95 pounds and got rid of all my other ailments as well. I haven't gained any weight and haven't flucuated more than a couple of pounds in over a year. I do think that the older you are, you have a tendency to hold onto the weight more than someone who is in their 30's or 40's. I don't know of anyone who is over 55 who has lost more than 100 pounds but still 100 pounds is a LOT of weight to get rid of. I think of my loss more in terms of what I have gained - a life! I'm now able to literraly run up and down the stairs without getting winded, didn't spend the summer having the sweat pour off of me, I can fit in an airline seat, and booths at restaurants are no longer a problem. It was the best thing that I have done for myself. Go for it!
   — mary ann M.

August 23, 2002
I was 58 when I had my open rny. I had NO problems after surgery at all and I am feeling wonderful now 10 mos after surgery. I started out at 450 lbs and have lost 215 already!!!! I want to lose 30 more. My wife had her surgery at age 53 and has a couple of minor problems with infections due to her diabetes but other than that she was fine and has now lost 105 lbs with about 30 to go. We BOTH would do it again in a second!!! Best thing we have done for ourselves in decades. Please feel free to read our profiles. We explain a lot there. DOUG AND NANCY WILSON, LA MESA, CA.
   — OLD RODEO C.

August 23, 2002
I am 16 mo post op and I was 54 when I had the surgery. I have lost 140 lbs and I feel great. I had no complications and highly recommend the surgery to anyone. I know it has added many yrs to my life. I had sleep apnea, a very bad back and asthma. The sleep apnea is gone, my back very rarely bothers me and my asthma is almost none existent.
   — Janice B.

August 23, 2002
I was 55 when I had my surgery almost 9 months ago (I'll be 56 on the 9 month anniversary of the surgery) and I have done fabulously. All my blood levels are perfectly normal. I take a multivitamin with iron twice daily and calcium three time daily. I do have to sometimes take a medication for a digestive problem (that has nothing to do with the surgery) but other than that I take no medications. My blood pressure is perfect; my cholesterol has gone from 368 pre-op to 128 and I feel great. I have arthritis in my knees and even it has improved somewhat with the weight loss. In less than 9 months I have lost 136 pounds and am healthier than I have been in 30 years. I don't think age is a factor in this procedure - in fact, some of the older patients seem to do better than some of the younger. Your friend's mom needs to talk with her doctor and evaluate her health - then evaluate the risks of WLS (or any other major surgery) as apposed to the benefits. As is so foten expressed, the surgery is only a tool, but with the right attitude and diligence, it is a wonderful tool.
   — Patty_Butler

August 23, 2002
I am 54 and had my surgery 7/17/02 I have had absolutely no problems. I to suffer from joint disease and back problems but they are a lot better since surgery!!! I was also an insulin and pill dependent diabetic I no longer have to take ANY meds. Praise the LORD!!! By the way I have lost 34 lbs so far and i'm feeling great both physically and emotionally this surgery has been a life saver for me. Hope this helps your friend's mother GOD BLESS you
   — JUDY F.

August 23, 2002
I was 58 when i had the surgery Dec 6, 2002. I am now {{{gulp gulp}}59 and HOLDING IF YOU PLEASE. I am doing great feel great look great. Now, if I could only find where I put my brains and memory I'd be a happy camper!!!!!
   — jacki L.

August 23, 2002
<----see what i mean i meant 2001!!!! See i told you my brains were fried!!!!
   — jacki L.

August 23, 2002
I am 67 yrs old and 8 months out from a lap rny. Lost 90 lbs in 8 months - slow but steady loss and plan 30 to 50 more lbs off in the next six months. It is a very good tool - exercise seems to get mr going when I reach a plateau. I was 296 and 5'2 with apnea and COPD (lung)- NO complications-no pain to even speak of.
   — charlene M.

August 23, 2002
I am 17 months post-op & have loss 118#. I will be 55 in Dec. I had no complications & minimal pain after surgery.I am off all meds. I have osteo in my knee, but it isn't as bad as before surgery. I take calcium 3 times a day + 2 flintstone's & iron. My levels are all good. I have become a shop-a-holic since loosing weight. Having this surgery has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.
   — socco58




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