Hi. I think the reasons for having this surgery done change by age. When I was in my teens and 20s, I wished I were thin so I could wear pretty clothes. Now, in my 50s, I'm less concerned about my outward appearance and I'm more concerned about what's going on INSIDE.

First, I want to reduce my risk of cancer! I've had two scary biopsies already which, thank God, were negative. And I want to eliminate a whole bunch of aches and pains - knees, hips, back.

Although what I'm about to say has nothing to do with weightloss, it does pertain to the "inside" as opposed to the "outside." I find that in my 50s, I'm more concerned, too, with the inner dimension of "personhood" and fulfilling my spiritual potential, both in faith and, also, in doing meaningful work that is helpful to others.

What do the rest of you think makes us a unique group? What does the sleeve mean to you in your 50s that is different from people in 30s, 40s, 60s, or other?

Hi, I guess I'm pretty much like everyone else here, I had the sleeve because I just couldn't loose the weight on my own, and I really wanted to be healthier as I get older. I was sleeved on 5/14/13, and have lost 40lbs so far. I have lots more energy, don't need as much sleep and all my blood pressure meds are gone!! I am working on getting rid of my CPAP machine, I hate it, Doc says as the weight comes off I probably won't need it anymore, they have already adjusted the pressure down twice. Hope to ditch it sooonnnn..... Good luck everyone, oh and Shellypg, the cute clothes will be a bonus!!

Hi TJL and other 50ish year olds! So happy to hear of your successes! Much like many of you, I decided to go VGS to help me with other health problems like high bp, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, knee pain and the like. I was sleeved 5/2/13 and have lost 46 lbs so far. I am a slower loser but still blessed! No longer taking bp or cholesterol meds and all is normal! Woohoo! Last weekend I went out with some girlfriends and got hit on several times! This has not happened in years! I am happily married and do not wish to be the object of anyone else's affection, I must admit that it felt good for someone to think I am pretty again. Blessings to you all on this journey!

Losing weight for many years, has been something I would do in the future. Now that I'm in my 50s, the future is here. As we get older we realize this stage of life is not infinite. I don't want to be fat my whole life. I've decided the time to live is NOW. I was sleeved in June 2013 and my entire life has changed! Every dimension of my life has improved!!!

Great to have found this forum! I am wondering if anyone else has found they are losing slower than the younger folks who have done this? My dietitian said that if you lose slowly on diets, you will likely find the same after being sleeved, and that's me! I actually gained weight following Weight Watchers! I am very happy with my sleeve, but am eating very little and losing very slowly. I am sure being post-menopausal has something to do with it. Anyone else?

Yes, Marilyn, I am a slow loser too, but at least it is coming off. I've been in a stall for a couple of week but expect that I will start losing again soon. I am also post- menopausal so I'm sure that is helping to slow things down too. Hopefully we will both do well even if it is slow. Good Luck.

Well, I can relate to what you all are saying. I wish I could have had this surgery 20 years ago - it would have been very interesting how my life would have progressed! I'm 56 now, had diabetes for 15 yrs, hypertension for nearly as long, and recently they also diagnosed me with apnea with associated A-fib (paroxysmal - sporadic) the sleep study that caught the apnea was a prerequisite of the surgery. Does a person need any other reasons to have the surgery? Plus being menopausal and thus with a metabolism that is ramping down, there is totally no reason to wait any longer! Been single all my life and know that being heavy all my life as well really cut down on the number of guys who wanted to date me. I'm also very picky - a deadly combination! Had my surgery on June 19 - very successfully and seem to be down around 20 lbs. I'm looking forward to a new lease on life!!

I am a newbie, I am scheduled for my sleeve on July 29, 2014. I have already lost 40 lbs pre surgery. Meet with surgeon for pre op visit on July 22, 2014, getting very excited to continue my weight loss journey.