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52 and wondering what to expect

KlassyKat

By KlassyKat, in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

Finally a place to learn about weight loss surgery after 50. I wish I had found this forum months ago. My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 29th, 2013. Just 6 days, I'm so excited!

The thing is, the closer I get to the date, the more I feel like there is so much that I don't know. My surgeon is very experienced and I have confidence in his ability but I just don't feel well informed so I will be having lots of questions for you.

I'm having the surgery for health reasons (diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea). Looking better will be an awesome bonus. I'm 5'1" have 100 pounds to lose.

Here is my first question. I'm afraid of how I will look afterwards. I'm 52,how much loose, saggy skin can I expect? I think I'll be just as unattractive but in a different way. I'm really not vain but I thought I could ask this question here and get some honest feedback.

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annabelle    76

annabelle
Posted

hi im not far behind you in 49 this year like you im having the sleeve because of my health the same as yours, im still waiting for my date for my op but doing all the test at the moment, :)

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desertmom    297

desertmom
Posted

Clothes can hide a multitude of sins...lol.

Hi,the skin is an issue vut you are going to enjoy so many other things that even though I think it bugs all of us,it is ok.And then there is plastic surgery should you want to do it of course.

Dont worry about that yet.Some of us have lots of hanging skin and some have remarkably little.I am one of the unfortunates (lost and gained way too often and genetics is not on my side) but I love being thin.

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

hi im not far behind you in 49 this year like you im having the sleeve because of my health the same as yours, im still waiting for my date for my op but doing all the test at the moment, :)

Waiting on a date is so hard. I hope you don't have to wait too long.

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Territravel    217

Territravel
Posted

I just turned 52. Down 70lbs so far. A little sagging in the inner thigh and belly area, but not too bad. Working out has helped. I understand that it could take up to 2 years for your skin to adjust so, I;m not worried about it. Clothes will cover my problem areas. We love to camp at lakes, so not sure how to hide the saggy thighs though.

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PdxMan    4,292

PdxMan
Posted

I'm just a few years behind you ...

Take a look at my pictures in the Gallery under my profile and you can decide for yourself which way I would rather be. For me, it's a no-brainer.

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NewBegin56    7

NewBegin56
Posted

I'm 56 and had my surgery 12/27/12. Like you, my main reason for the surgery was (hopefully) getting rid of diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. My diabetes has been bad enough that I've worn an insulin pump for the last 4 years (taking close to 150 units of insulin a day). Since my surgery, I have not had to wear my insulin pump (I occasionally have to inject 1-2 units of insulin, but not everyday) and I'm taking half the amount of pills for HBP. Don't lose sight of the prize - good health. Any loose skin will be well worth it!!

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Ms.AntiBand    2,984

Ms.AntiBand
Posted

I'm 55 and @ 50 I lost all my weight via lapband and yes there was saggy skin and I anticipate it again, but I'll take saggy skin over being fat any day! Spanx is my new BFF ;-)

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Takingcontrol    467

Takingcontrol
Posted

Everyone's skin is different, so you will just have to loose & see what happens! But I agree with everyone else...a little saggy skin is nothing compared to good health! & you can always have it removed if it bothers you that much! I'm 52 also & am looking forward to my new body...saggy & all! Lol....good luck on your journey!

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Satchel    42

Satchel
Posted

I am 55 and after being on 3 blood pressure medications and still could not control it, I knew I really had no choice, especially since I am going to be a new grandma in May. I purchased the book Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve by Guillermo Alvarez, M.D. and The Sleeved Life by Pennie Nicola. Found both to be very helpful in this journey. They are both available on Kindle, as well.

My concern has always been, will I be able to eat foods like people with normal stomachs!? Eating healthier and in moderation was the theme I heard most often, My surgeon provided a booklet that had websites to visit and cookbooks to try once we are able to eat solid foods. I ordered all of them! Just got them today and they look wonderful. My husband is a better cook than I and said he was willing to try out the recipes, as well. I cannot wait to try them. If you are interested, I will give you the names of the cookbooks.

I, too am concerned about the flabby skin, but I hope to have it removed, when the time is right. I need to get crackin' on exercise, as well.

Blessings to you in your journey.

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

I'm just a few years behind you ...

Take a look at my pictures in the Gallery under my profile and you can decide for yourself which way I would rather be. For me, it's a no-brainer.

I looked at your pictures. You look awesome! Congratulations!

Now I realize what a petty little worry loose skin is in the grand scheme of things. Thanks.

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

Will be 51 in March. Just scheduled for Feb. 26 for a sleeve. I have greater than 150lbs to lose.

Good luck with your surgery.

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

I'm 56 and had my surgery 12/27/12. Like you, my main reason for the surgery was (hopefully) getting rid of diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. My diabetes has been bad enough that I've worn an insulin pump for the last 4 years (taking close to 150 units of insulin a day). Since my surgery, I have not had to wear my insulin pump (I occasionally have to inject 1-2 units of insulin, but not everyday) and I'm taking half the amount of pills for HBP. Don't lose sight of the prize - good health. Any loose skin will be well worth it!!

I'm glad to hear that your health has improved so much. You are right, it's all worth it. Thanks.

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KlassyKat    11

KlassyKat
Posted

I'm 55 and @ 50 I lost all my weight via lapband and yes there was saggy skin and I anticipate it again, but I'll take saggy skin over being fat any day! Spanx is my new BFF ;-)

I'm planning on having plenty of spandex too! :D

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Go To Topic Listing Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

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    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.

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