I am 60 years old and retired 2 years ago Jan 31, 2012. My goal was to get in shape so I could go out and do things. I was 295 lbs and really scared I would go over 300 lbs and this usually triggered me to diet on my own or go to ww. I was really beginning to realize how much damage I was doing to myself. I would do good for awhile get down to around 270 or 280 and quit. My clothes fit better and I was not close to 300 any more. This time was different I wanted to be under 200 and knew dieting would not work as I had failed so many times before so I decided to get the sleeve surgery over a year and 3 months ago. I had to jump through a lot of hoops for ins but it was worth it. I had the surgery 9 months ago. The best decision ever. I lost some weight before the sleeve but after the sleeve it was so much easier. I had never done a high Protein diet before as I didn't think it was healthy. Since following the high protein, low carb diet after surgery, I have lost more and more weight. Being 60 I also thought it would be impossible to lose a lot as my metabolism is slower. Today I weighed 201 and am getting close to going under 200. I have lost 94 lbs and can't wait to the day I will be 100 lbs from my highest weight. I never thought this would happen. I have never had any serious problems since the surgery. I have never thrown up or had reflux. I followed the doctors instructions for the first few months and then gradually started pushing the limits. If I ate too much, I would get this really tight feeling and luckily it would pass in 30 min or so. I learned to not push myself and when I should not eat any more. I am 9 months out from surgery and can eat anything I want but in moderation. I gradually added food on special occasions. I have been far from perfect the last few months and haven't lost much weight from Thanksgiving to the New Year but I didn't gain. The sleeve stopped me from binge eating and allowed me to be normal. When I wanted to eat more and I did want to eat more, I knew I would not feel good if I did and I would stop. I am now losing again and following the eating plan like I should. I guess the point I am trying to make is that I do wish I had the surgery sooner and younger and while I was still working or when I first reitred. I wasted a lot of time but it is all part of my journey. I am happier than I have ever been. I very happy with my sleeve it is helping me control my eating and will get me under 200 maybe even under 180 or under 160. Even if I don't lose any more, I would do it all over again. The difference from 295 to 201 is amazing. I can walk and keep up with my kids and grandkids. I can walk on the treadmill and do Water aerobics. I can buy clothes in the store. I feel like a winner. I would encourage everyone who needs to lose a lot of weight to get the sleeve. Don't keep thinking about it. Just go out and look into it and see if it is right for you. There were a lot of hoops to jump through and times I hated Protein shakes but it was all worth it. I can't wait to the day I am in onederland. I am so close. I take two Vitamin pills and Calcium pills and all my bloodwork comes back good. I am healthier than I have been in a long time. Life is good with the sleeve!

Wow, this is so inspirational, not just for the older folks, but for all of us! Congratulations!

Thank you for this fantastic post, Karen! I'm 50, three months out, and 80+ pounds lighter. I agree, the difference is AMAZING.

I'm so very proud of you, me, and everyone else who uses this surgery to change their lives permanently.

Congratulations on an relatively easy journey so far...Some of us have not had an easy time of it but feel like you in that it has been worth it....

Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!!!

You are a winner, Karen!!!!! You have proved you are never too old to do this - and it's never too late to do it.

I wish you continued success - you'll be under 200 in no time at all ))))

Inspiring!

Congratulations to you! I'm just beginning my pursuit of a healthier life( consultation w surgeon scheduled 2/19), and reading about successful people like you(I'm 55, so no spring chicken) is very reassuring. Wishing you continued success!

Thanks for sharing your story! So motivating! And congratulations!!!

HI Karen

Thank you so much for that post. I am 56 and have been a little concerned about my age being a risk factor. I don't really have chronic medical problems, just high cholesterol so I have been telling myself I should be OK. I understand exactly what you mean about your prior surgery dieting of losing 20 or thirty pounds but having so much more to go.. I am impressed that you had your surgery in April of this year and have lost so much already. What was your weight on surgery day? I have an all time high weight of 245 back in November and now weigh 221. I see the surgeon on February 17th. I was hoping that I would be able to have surgery in April but my age has been worrying me. Glad to hear your experience.

Deb

HI Karen

Thank you so much for that post. I am 56 and have been a little concerned about my age being a risk factor. I don't really have chronic medical problems, just high cholesterol so I have been telling myself I should be OK. I understand exactly what you mean about your prior surgery dieting of losing 20 or thirty pounds but having so much more to go.. I am impressed that you had your surgery in April of this year and have lost so much already. What was your weight on surgery day? I have an all time high weight of 245 back in November and now weigh 221. I see the surgeon on February 17th. I was hoping that I would be able to have surgery in April but my age has been worrying me. Glad to hear your experience.

Deb

Karen congrats on your wt loss you will make it under 200 soon. I am 57 had my sleeve 7/29/13, wt before sugery 266, wt day of surgery 242, 6 months later as of 1/15/14 195.6 I know that I have lost more but don't own a scale yet. Best wishes