Question:
anyone over 55 that has had surgery or knows of anyone over 55 that has

It seems most are under 40. My surgery is soon and I'm a little concerned about the age. My doctor doesn't seem to think this is a problem.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 31, 1999)

August 31, 1999
Hi, My mom had surgery at the age of 60 and she's doing great that was almost 5 years ago. She use to weight 240 and she's only 5'3" and now she's down to 130 and single and having fun. She still works and sometimes gets tired but other than that has no problems. If you'd like to email me you can at [email protected] anytime. ok Linda
   — linda R.

August 31, 1999
Yes, there are several people in the OSSG Support Group at Onelist.com that are in theirlate 50's and have done well.
   — Diane N.

August 31, 1999
I'm 47, had surgery about 2 months ago, and basically sailed through it--if your doctor is comfortable with it, then you should be, too! Good luck!
   — charlene M.

August 31, 1999
Hi, I know you want someone over 55, but I'm only 53. I had my surgery May12, 1999. It has been 3 months. I've lost 62 lbs, and in my blood workup it is better than it has been in years. I think physically it might be a little harder, but you just ride it out. I am very glad I had it done. My doctor told me she did a woman of 72 years old and she came out just fine. I'm sure you will too. Good Luck
   — Glenda H.

August 31, 1999
Hi! You know you are not supposed to as ladies their age!!!!!But in the interests of science I will tell you.....I am 45 years old. I had my sugery in January 1999 and I have lost 130#. I am doing well. I had the VGB done. Best thing I did for myself. I have a group of 7 or so friends who have had wls. One individual is 56 now and she had her surgery four years ago. She looks great. Has had two plastic 'lift' type surgeries. Finds that her food choices are limited. But other than that we are all doing great. Good luck to you. My advise to you is to know that this is a major life change. It will affect every area of your life. And in ways you would never expect. If you are having this surgery only because you are not happy with how you look, I would highly suggest you think about it again. Good luck to you what ever you choose.
   — Wendy Sue D.

September 1, 1999
These patients are all high risk. After 55 the risk is higher. Think about it. You would not be very suprised if you heard that a 300 pound 60 year old had a heart attack at home in bed and died. However, should that happen in the operating room, or postop, then the blame gets put on the surgeon. Getting the older patient out of bed and walking to prevent pneumonias and blood clots is also more difficult.
   — Bruce B.

September 1, 1999
I am 58. I had the surgery in late May, and three months later have lost 50 pounds. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier. The only difference I can see is that fatigue is still an issue for me, and some of the younger people seem to have bounced back faster than I have. Fortunately I've been able to take the summer off from work and rest as much as I need to. I feel profoundly grateful for this new lease on life and feel confident that I made the right choice. I'm looking forward to taking my grandchildren hiking in the woods.
   — Laurie C.

September 1, 1999
I am 58. I had the surgery in late May, and three months later have lost 50 pounds. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier. The only difference I can see is that fatigue is still an issue for me, and some of the younger people seem to have bounced back faster than I have. Fortunately I've been able to take the summer off from work and rest as much as I need to. I feel profoundly grateful for this new lease on life and feel confident that I made the right choice. I'm looking forward to taking my grandchildren hiking in the woods.
   — Laurie C.

September 1, 1999
Sorry, I don't know anyone over 55 years of age who has had WLS, however I'm 54 and had WLS 4-7-99. I feel wonderful, no complications. Your doctor won't do the WLS unless you are healthy enough. Good Luck
   — Janice C.

September 2, 1999
I had my surgery at age 58. I had very few problems. The biggest disadvantage I think was being tired. Took a little longer to feel really fit as a fiddle but am doing well and think this is the best thing I ever did for myself. Write me at [email protected] if you have any questions. The best to you Anna
   — Anna D.

September 9, 1999
I have a friend who had the surgery 6 months ago, she is 68. She is doing great and she has lost 127 pounds. She has more energy than in years and wishes she had done this years ago. Before surgery she was in very bad health, including very high blood pressure. Everything has improved.
   — Janet R.

October 26, 1999
I am 58 and had gastric bypass surgery sept. 21st. It has been a major adjustment for me. I am still tired after five weeks but I can walk 30 minutes a day, do light housework, drive a car, go to social gatherings, and have eaten out. My scar still hurts and I run out of energy before long. The hardest part is adjusting to the limited food choices and trying to get in all the liquids. I do miss food and watching other people eat normal portions is not easy. I have lost 30 pounds and am getting compliments already. My skin looks very good, I have no health problems and feel a bit stronger each day. My blood pressure has gone down and I no longer have acid reflux. This surgery must be good for most at any age as long as you get dr.'s approval.
   — Sara H.

October 22, 2000
I, too, have noticed that many members having WLS are in their 20's and 30's. You will be glad to know that I am in the process of getting approved for surgery, and have been OK'd by insurance to visit with the surgeon to obtain more information. If all goes well and I do get approved, I will be almost 54 years old when I have surgery. I have a co-worker in her 30's who had the surgery about a year ago. She has lost more than 120 pounds. She tells me that people in their 50's and 60's have this surgery and do as well as anyone else. Keep me informed. It would be great to e-mail with someone in my own age range! My e-mail address is [email protected] and my name is Ardis. Good luck on the surgery. I'm sure all will go well. ^j^
   — Ardis T.

May 13, 2004
I AM A 58 YEAR OLD AND HAD GASTRIC BYPASS 2 YEARS AGO. I WEIGHTED 350 LB AND AM 5'2" TALL. I HAD A TERRIBLE TIME WITH THE OPERATION. I ALMOST DIED TWO DAYS AFTER SURGERY I WAS BACK IN THE OR BECAUSE OF A LEAK. DURING THIS OPERATION MY HEART STOPPED AND I HAD TO HAVE A TRAC AND WAS IN INTENSIVE CARE FOR 3 WEEKS AND WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 3 MONTHS. I DID LOSE 150 LBS BUT WHAT A WAY TO LOSE IT. ALSO DURING MY FIRST SURGERY I HAD SOMETHING DONE TO MY NERVE IN MY BACK AND I NOW HAVE A NUMB FOOT AND CAN'T WALK VERY WELL DUE TO A DROPPED FOOT. SO SINCE I CAN'T WALK I DO NOT GET HARDLY ANY EXCERISE WHICH I DID BEFORE I LOST WEIGHT. NOW MY WEIGHT IS STARTING TO COME BACK I SO FAR HAVE GAINED 35 LBS AND AM WORRIED I WILL GAIN IT ALL BACK. PLEASE CHECK YOUR DOCTOR OUT I HAD 2 OTHER PEOPLE WHO I KNOW WHO HAD THE SAME DOCTOR AND HAVE GAINED MOST OF THERE WEIGHT BACK. I DONT RECOMMOND IT FOR EVERYONE. ESP IF YOU ARE OVER 50 YEARS OLD.
   — PATTY W.

May 13, 2004
I was 68 yrs 8 months old when I had the surgery and have gone from 325 to 200. My main problem has been that I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so the stress of the surgery knocked me out. I just kept remembering "slowly, slowly catchee monkey" and just put one foot in front of the other. It has not been easy but it has been worth it. My prognosis was a wheelchair within two years and death within five -- the decision was not hard to make! Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

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