Question:
Who has had the surgery over 50?
I'm 52 years old and am scheduled for surgery. I would like to here from people over 50 on how it has effected them or if there was any problems due to their age. — Carol P. (posted on February 25, 2001)
February 25, 2001
Carol, I'm also 52 and had my surgery on 9-08-00. I can honestly say this
was not the easy way out, but without a doubt the best thing ever for my
health. I'm no longer in such bad pain, because of my back, knees etc. So
far, I've lost about 90 lbs. and hope to get to my goal of 140 lbs. lost.
I don't for one minute regret this surgery and I'm sure without it, I would
never have had much of a future.
Good Luck to you!!!
— Sandra Lee R.
February 25, 2001
I had my lap RNY at age 54 and it was by far the best decision I ever made
for myself. Pre-operatively, I was awaiting a total knee replacement,
suffered from advanced fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome and was on
2 blood pressure medications, 2 diabetic medications, Prilosec for GERD,
and a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory. Within 3 months of my
surgery, I was off all medications except a multivitamin and a calcium
supplement, and I had cancelled the knee replacement surgery. My irritable
bowel syndrome "disappeared" the day of surgery, and the symptoms
related to the fibromyalgia are now a thing of the past. It has been 11
months...and 125 lbs. since my surgery.I do not take one single day for
granted, and every morning that I wake up is a renewed blessing now.
Please don't let age stand in the way of an opportunity for new health, new
energy, new attitude and a new life. Before the surgery, I was only
anticipating early retirement/disability and the life of an invalid.
Today, I go to the gym 3-5 times a week, play on the floor with my
grandchildren, have the most active professional and leisure lifestyle that
I have had in over 20 years, and truly enjoy every minute of every day. I
wish you the same joy...good luck!
— Diana T.
February 25, 2001
Hi, I'm 53 years old and had open gastric bypass on Dec 26,2000 and I have
lost 66 pounds as of today. I think being older I had the time to heal
better, I could lay in my chair and watch old movies and really relax. The
three weeks I took to recover where really nice, there was pain but no
worse then what I was feeling before the surgery. I had no kids to worry
about, the grandkids called but didn't visit til I was better and my
husband was great about fixing the meals and getting my meds. Sure I wish I
could of had this surgery when I was younger but I got it down and feeling
great. Good Luck on your surgery and go in with a smile, think postive all
the time and good things will happen.
— Linda G.
February 26, 2001
While in the hospital having my WLS (Fobi) I turned 50 years old .. I can
NOT think of a better birthday gift to myself. My highest weight was 367
I'm now 159 and holding that weight because (can you believe it) my surgeon
told me not to lose anymore and increased my caloric intake while my
abdominoplasty incision is healing. During the Fobi surgery I had
absolutely no complications so age played no factor there.. I did things
to prepare myself like walking and deep breathing prior to surgery to
strengthen my lungs and better circulation.. I also went on a liquid diet
2 days prior to surgery, this was my choice not a requirement, as I did
not feel the need to have the last meal syndrome.. I love my new anatomy
and could not be happier with the results. The beauty of the
non-stretchable pouch will keep me at or near my goal weight while eating
my favorite foods.. The best news of all is I'm no longer diabetic, no
longer on blood pressure medication or have sleep apnea just to name a few
of my now "GONE"
Co-morbidities.. Yes, you can say I'm totally sold on this surgery and
it's never to late to start a new life healthier and happier.. Visit my
Pictorial Journal at <a
href="http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/Vbowenweightloss">My Weight
Loss PICS</a><br>
— Victoria B.
February 26, 2001
I had my open RNY in January at the age of 49 years and 2 months and have
lost 40 pounds so far. My recovery has been easier than I thought it would
and the benefits have been many. I'm taking much less insulin, I get
around easier, and I no longer have bladder problems although my surgeon
said he didn't do anything about that. I'm hoping to have many productive
years left now that I've had the surgery. Without it, I'm not sure how
much longer I would have had. I'm now planning on taking trips and doing
things I haven't been able to do for years. Good luck to you in whatever
decision you make.
— Dottie K.
April 9, 2001
Carol--I just turned 50 and will be having the surgery in late July. I
don't feel uncomfortable--I just want to get into the swing of a new life.
Kris Helms
— [Anonymous]
April 9, 2001
I was 50 at the time of my surgery last May. I am now 51 and 2 lbs away
from goal. This has been the best thing I ever did for myself and believe
me I did it for myself!! I am healthier and happier now than I can ever
remember. I look forward to getting out of bed every morning , yet I can
remember when each day was a chore and I would need anti-depressents just
to get out of bed!
— Rose A.
June 26, 2001
I am 54, almost 55 and scheduled for surgery June 28,2001.... I have a
postive attitude about this surgery, and looking forward to it. I am in my
"golden years" and want to feel that way about myself too.
I wish I had it sooner, but am still going to enjoy life just as much.
— m911girl
June 29, 2001
Don't worry, I'm having the surgery 7-11 and I'm 60! You're just a kid.
I've met people older than both of us who have done wonderfully.
Good Luck
Roberta
— Roberta H.
December 3, 2001
I'm 51 and having open RNY on December 26, 2001. Most doctors don't even
question doing the surgery on someone under 55, and I have never questioned
having it at my age either. :o) I'm going to be old soon enough, and I'd
like to be able to enjoy my middle years to the fullest.
— Sharon B.
December 7, 2003
I am 51, it was the hardest surgery out of 13 other abd surgery's, took the
longest to recuperate from... The older we get the longer to get back on
our feet.. Can't imagine how tough it would be over 55..
— Bonnie K.
December 7, 2003
I have some postie friends in their 60s who have done awesome! My wife who
is a RN says recovery from surgery is very individual. She has seen people
in their earlier 20s curled up miserable after surgery while those 70
bounce own the hall seemingly never having surgery, the same one the same
day. Dont let age scare you off I am 12 years older than my wife Jen and
had no problems, while she was miserable after the same RNY.
— bob-haller
December 8, 2003
I had open RNY 2/02 at the age of 67 years, 8 months. I had problems due
to adhesions from a 50-year-old appendix removal which resulted in a nicked
spleen. Just one of those things. I also had trouble afterwards because
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia and my surgeon hadn't a
clue as to what would happen to me because of the stress of surgery. Now,
22 months later, I'm down 120 lbs and finding life so much better. I still
have to live with the CFS/FMS but it is easier at the lower weight. I
think this surgery is a marvel and would recommend anyone giving it serious
thought. Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
February 8, 2004
Hi Carol
My name is Jo Ann and I just had surgery at age 50yrs. starting wt. 374lbs.
I had no problems with the procedure at all. heal well back on my feet
doing all the things I was doing before surgery, full-time college student.
By the way my procedure was done Dec.15th 2003
— Jo Ann M.
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