Question:
Over 50 and anxious.
I'm 53 and have a scheduled surgery date of 12-15-03. My BMI is 40 and I have some comorbidities. I'm also scared of this major surgery but know my chances of obesity related health issues later in life are pretty high if I don't do something now. — Luvitsunny (posted on November 10, 2003)
November 10, 2003
Hi Ruthanna, I was also very anxious about the surgery as I am approaching
48 and my BMI was over 50, BUT, I knew this was something I had to do due
to my health (I had ALL comorbidities) and do not regret it. My surgeon
was great, I had laprny, had no complications whatsoever, returned to work
in 2 weeks. Good luck, you can make it, just turn it over to God, He'll
take care of you! God bless, Priscilla
— PRISCILLA B.
November 10, 2003
Hi Ruthanna,
Just wanted to let you know that my surgeon does patients from late teens
to the 60s - he's even done patients who are in their 70s and in otherwise
excellent health. You know what? They do GREAT! You're right, it is
major surgery, and you're the only one who can decide if you're truly at
peace with your decision.
Have you taken the time to think carefully through the post-op quality of
life? Are you sure you can commit to it 100%? Are you 100% sure you've
chosen the correct type of WLS for you? (RNY, DS, Lap-Band, etc.) Are you
100% confident of your surgeon's expertise and that he/she has excellent
mortality, complication, and infection ratios?
If you can ask yourself all of those questions, really understanding what
post-op life will entail for you day to day- then go for it!
I'm so thankful for the incredible healing that has taken place in my life
since I had my DS 16 months ago. I hope for the same kind of wonderful
results for you, too!
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
November 10, 2003
I know alot of people who are approx your age and have done wonderful, if
this is what you want then go for it!
You will do great & I was scared to death, it is normal!
— Saxbyd
November 10, 2003
I turned 50 the day I left the hospital following my open RNY. I'm now 54.
I continue to feel strongly that this has been the best thing I ever did
for my health. The fact that I also look pretty good is a wonderful bonus.
I understand being anxious, but I had greater anxiety about decreasing
mobility and other problems if I didn't deal with the weight somehow. Good
luck! hugs,
Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/124
— [Deactivated Member]
November 10, 2003
I was 56 when I had this surgery in Feb. this year and I have done fine. I
have had a few problems with eating meat and I now have an ulcer but I am
down 95lbs and so glad I had it. I know it is normal to be anxious but you
will do fine.
— Delores S.
November 10, 2003
Ruthanna I am 50 and 3 weeks out. I had an open. I really have felt no pain
since discharge from the hospital. I get tired a little bit. The hardest
thing is watching what I'm eating. My youngest daughter said if she wasn't
with me she'd doubt I ever had the surgery. You'll do fine. Joann
— Joann W.
November 10, 2003
Ruthanna, I was 51 when I had the surgery with a BMI of 'only' 40.7. In
7.5 months, I've gone from 260 to 165 and feel like I'm 35 again. Enjoy,
enjoy your new life!
— Vicki S.
November 10, 2003
I am 63, and had surgery in June. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Surgery changed my life and my relationship with food. I think we all were
anxious before surgery--but it will be OK. God bless.
— Anne A.
November 10, 2003
I had open DS at 54, BMI 57. All went well, not even any pain to speak of.
You'll be fine and feel SO much better!!
— Chris T.
November 10, 2003
I'm 53/nearly 54 in another 2 weeks! I will be 9 months post op tomorrow
and I have lost 105 pounds/76 inches/off all medication pre op and I'm
healthy/living life to the fullest! I was a 24 day of surgery and now a 4!
I have exceeded my expectations and surprised my surgeon by loosing so
quickly. I'm working my tool to get maximum results by eating/drinking
& exercise. This surgery has been so easy. But, then again I was
totally ready/positive and believed the Lord would see me thru. My life has
changed ten fold. The only thing I was scared of was of not having it! Good
Luck! Lap RNY 2/11/03
— Hazel S.
November 10, 2003
Hi
I am 50 yrs old and I am trying to get approved for the surgery, been
working on it for 11 months now. I have developed diabetes will I have
been waiting...so now more than ever I realize the importance of us having
this surgery before any more problems arise. I was frightened to until
this happened and now I know without the surgery I won't live another 10
yrs probably...just look at it as getting in under the rope if you don't
have any co morbities...good luck
Jan Park
— Fancy
November 10, 2003
I am over 50, exactly 53. I had the surgery 10 days ago without any
problems. You will do great!
— Karen J.
November 11, 2003
Hi Ruthanna-I turned 60 last Feb and had my surgery done last May (2003)
and have gone from 230 to 155 and feel great. It was the 2nd best thing I
ever did-marrying my husband was the best. I feel great and have all kinds
of energy. My husband turned 63 last June and he is having the surgery done
on Dec. 17. Good luck with things. We are all here if you need us. Chickie
— chickiebarden
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