I am currently going though the pre-op process. I've been accepted, had my visit with the bariatric advocate and my surgeon, and had my psych visit. Seeing my cardiologist on Thursday and my final nutrition session tomorrow.

I am not getting much support from family and friends. I am 66 and am at the top of the age cut off for the sleeve. My family and friends are "unsure" if this is a step I should take. So I do not have an advocate yet to be supportive of my desire to have the surgery.

I have had weight problems all my life. My mom dragged me to the pediatrition for weight loss, pushed me into girdles, and we shopped in the chubby shop. The smallest I've been if 150 when I was young and existed on coca cola, salad, and steak supplemented by diet pills.

I have back issues and have had back surgery. I just want to enjoy these last years of my life and feel and look good for myself. I've lost and gained weight so many times over the years but have never kept it off.

Are there more mature folks out there who have had the surgery? How about feeling sure that was the way for you? How did you get rid of the doubt as the surgery got closer.

Hey Sandie,

Below is a link to that specific group on VST.. I hope you find the encouragement and insight you seek... Best wishes!!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/36-sixties/

1st take a deep breath........ Now the 1st thing to understand is this step is about your life not anyone elses. Your goal is to get as health as possible with what ever means you have to accomplish that. Don't look to get others approval, because if you never get healthy they will carry you casket and complain about how much you weigh, so their still gonna talk about you til your in the ground. This surgery is a tool nothing more and so you have to look at it that way. You've already made progress so use that to build on one task at a time. You will find if you focus on the steps instead of the overall picture you success will build.

Well, I was 56 when I had my sleeve and one of the deciding factors for me was knowing that I was only going to get fatter over time. I really, really did not want to be a morbidly obese retiree. I am delighted with the results of my surgery and think you owe it to yourself to have freedom from obesity.

Sandianew, you go for it! I'm 64 and - like you - I feel this is my last chance to end my life of obesity as a "normal" person. Friends should offer support - not advice. If you don't stick to your guns, you may have regrets for the rest of your life. What can your "friends" who are giving you all of this bad advice do for you then?

Thanks to everyone who replied. Clearly I need to follow my own mind and desires regarding this. I'm going to my last pre-op nutrition class tonight and am excited to be with some other folks that are doing this.

I just want to say best wishes to you on your journey. I wish you much success and support. There's a lot of support and information here. It's helped me so much, good luck!