UrsulasShadow

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

I'm 54, had my surgery on Valentine's Day, and I'm down 71 lbs. I think a lot has to do with how much you have to lose, and how active you are. After 4 1/2 months of steady loss, I've hit my first plateau, and it has nothing to do with my age, in my opinion. It's because I'm not as busy at work since the spring rush has ended, and I'm starting to eat more. I'm still eating healthy foods, but I've added in a few Snacks. That has to end if I hope to reach goal!

I hit the morphine button often during my first day post op, but went home without filling my pain script...never needed it.

I am so glad to see someone else had to have this done! Ok, that sounded wrong..
I also had an abnormal stress test. I guess it's not uncommon for younger women to have a weird rhythm under stress...my cardiologist said it's something to do with estrogen. However, I'm menopausal, so he was concerned. Long story short, I went through the cardiac catheterization, which was not painful, but really stressful to me, because I was so afraid that I had an actual heart problem, and that I wouldn't be able to get the surgery I waited so long and patiently for.
Well, it came back absolutely normal. I was a go for surgery. It panicked me for nothing. So, let's hope it's the same for you!

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Well, here I am, 9 months out, well below my initial goal! In some ways it's been easier for me, and others it's been more difficult. The weight came off easily and steadily, which surprised me. And for the longest time, I didn't notice any wrinkles!
But then...I hit a point where my energy level was very low, and now I am showing some definite signs of aging. My surgeon upped my Iron intake, and that helped my energy level immensely. It took away that "greyish" complexion I'd seen on other bariatric patients that really scared me. But the wrinkles...ohhhh, the wrinkles! And the sags.
But again...I'm so happy! I've gone zip-lining, and horseback-riding, and mountain-climbing, and so many things that I couldn't do when I APPEARED younger. I can wear clothes that normal-sized people wear. I have a waist, and it actually holds up my pants instead of being a roll of fat that pushes my pants down. That amazes me. Hipbones amaze me. Collarbones amaze me. Butt-bones....okay, they actually hurt. But even that amazes me.

I hope someone out there is listening, since this is a small group, but my concerns are particular to our age.
Has anyone else worried about weight loss making you look older? I know that I'll feel younger, and move better, and maybe my knees and feet will feel better, and my breathing will be better. But all that fat plumped out my wrinkles, and gave me boobs. I've been told I look 10-15 years younger than my age. So now I'll look old, and haggard, and seriously droopy. It's not my biggest concern, but I can't help thinking about that.
Also...what if it doesn't work? Or work as well as it does on younger women? My metabolism has slowed considerably due to menopause. What are people's experience with that?
I haven't even been approved for surgery yet, and my stress level for this is over the top. My stomach is upset all the time, and the diet items I've been trying (all sorts of Protein drinks) have given me diarrhea and gas. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when I have the surgery!
Just had to share. If I shared this with any of my friends or family, they'd simply tell me to give up on the idea. Sometimes I think I'm crazy to go through with it. However, I don't want to stroke out at 57, like both my obese grandmothers did. I don't want diabetes, like my father's entire family had, and all died from at young ages. I would like to live to see and enjoy grandchildren, if that is my future. I'd like to travel a little, and see more of the world during retirement.

I'm 54, had my surgery on Valentine's Day, and I'm down 71 lbs. I think a lot has to do with how much you have to lose, and how active you are. After 4 1/2 months of steady loss, I've hit my first plateau, and it has nothing to do with my age, in my opinion. It's because I'm not as busy at work since the spring rush has ended, and I'm starting to eat more. I'm still eating healthy foods, but I've added in a few Snacks. That has to end if I hope to reach goal!

Well, here I am, 9 months out, well below my initial goal! In some ways it's been easier for me, and others it's been more difficult. The weight came off easily and steadily, which surprised me. And for the longest time, I didn't notice any wrinkles!
But then...I hit a point where my energy level was very low, and now I am showing some definite signs of aging. My surgeon upped my Iron intake, and that helped my energy level immensely. It took away that "greyish" complexion I'd seen on other bariatric patients that really scared me. But the wrinkles...ohhhh, the wrinkles! And the sags.
But again...I'm so happy! I've gone zip-lining, and horseback-riding, and mountain-climbing, and so many things that I couldn't do when I APPEARED younger. I can wear clothes that normal-sized people wear. I have a waist, and it actually holds up my pants instead of being a roll of fat that pushes my pants down. That amazes me. Hipbones amaze me. Collarbones amaze me. Butt-bones....okay, they actually hurt. But even that amazes me.

I am 55 and aged well beyond my years. I had a lap band 2010 and it didn't work. Oct 26th I was converted to rny! It's been hard mentally and physically. I cried two days ago when I saw my face in the mirror. It looked gaunt and old, not the me I remembered. Then I remembered it's because I lost 40 plus pounds in a very short time. While we may look older initially, our bodies adjust quickly. So, keep your chin up and move forward, don't get discouraged when things get slow. A year seems long until it's passed and you are where you want to be! Good luck to all!

Personally I have nothing against those who are anti processed food or GMOs...as long as they don't try to push it on me. You do your thing I'll do mind
I eat a lot of canned or frozen food and I'm loosing weight fine. Sine June I've lost about 90 lbs
Whatever works for you is great

Yes I can do one donut, but don't let me near a bag of chips or a box of cheese it's. We all have our trigger foods! That's why I phrase things as "what works for me."
I've researched GMO's as well and don't find them nearly as scary (we have been genetically modifying food as far back as Gregor Mendel and his peas) as some other things I avoid. Again, we each make our choices.
So, I definitely support people making healthy eating choices, but I don't consider a few less healthy habits problematic either. I also drink coffee daily and don't consider that a slip or a bad choice or a sign of not commuting to healthy eating and weight loss.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/01/19/377731653/when-bariatric-surgerys-benefits-wane-this-procedure-can-help?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20150119

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Pirate's dream, sunken chest....with 2 little coin purses dangling beneath.
Understand I'm 54 and have breastfed 2 children, so perky was never in my future.

I actually think I'm on the reverse side of this head not catching up to my body thing. I think my head never accepted how overweight I was, so now that i'm loosing, the mirror is finally showing me what I saw in my head. So in my scenario, its much easier to adapt.

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.
The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.
Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.
I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).