Suggesting a VSG for my elderly parents?

[Koofka 59]

Hey all,

Recently had the parents out for a week long visit and came away from the time happy for having seen them but also fairly concerned by their physical condition. Both of them are having a variety of weight related joint issues, issues with stairs or walking for a sustained period, and issues with stamina in general.

For myself, at 42 years old and 5 months out of a VSG in December, it would seem like WLS could assist them both better then the various medical Patches they are currently using for their weight related issues. The straw that broke the camels back for me with regard to deciding on WLS was a persistent knee issue last year when I was hovering around my peak weight. 5 months and 125lbs later, my knee barely twinges and the activity I am throwing at it is greatly increased.

Suppose the question is that for them, being in their late 60's / early 70's - would the physical impact of a VSG be something that was unadvisable to suggest versus them staying on their current unhealthy path? Anyone out there have experience with VSG / WLS and older folks? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

[losingsoon 30]

I am turning 65 next month and am seriously considering VSG. I am 4'10" and weigh 267 lbs. I have had both knees replaced. I take cholesterol medication and am prediabetic. That said, I believe VSG would be extremely helpful for me. I just have to convince myself that I am capable of going through with it and able to do what is necessary to be successful.

Since I am struggling with this decision, I can only imagine it would be a difficult decision for your parents. They have to be the ones to make this decision. It certainly would be good for you to approach them with your concerns and demonstrate to them, as I assume you have done, that it is a healthier way to go. I can see you love them very much and want to help and support them in staying as healthy as they can be. I'm sure your weight loss and subsequent improvement in health is a great inspiration to them. Ultimately, though, they have to want it.

[lilijo 187]

I am 65 and was sleeved 7 months ago. I couldn't be happier with my decision and the results!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

late 60's / early 70's

@@Koofka

hey guy

1rst i have to say congrats for losing 125 lbs!!!! OMG

you are officially in the land of twoderville!!!!

maybe/probably been awhile since you've seen the #2 - so how great are you!!!!

i had surgery a couple of weeks before i was 58 years OLD, now i'm 60 years YOUNG

every day is new, wonderful. i am one happy proudgrammy

but i have "seen" on the board others in their "60's" that have had the sleeve

of course i'm sure there are "probably" others in the "world" that have also been sleeved in their 60's

I "think" that being in the 70's MIGHT be pushing it with age but maybe not

parents have lots of comorbities

all of us "heavier" people the benefits would be wonderful having lost a lot of weight

but do the benefits "outweigh" the "possible" issues/side effects from surgery????

its good to get opinions here, butttttt

you and parents should /must/meet/discuss issue with your doc

he will advice strongly one way or the other

good luck

kathy

Edited May 25, 2014 by proudgrammy

[chris1142 148]

I'm 71 and 3 1/2 months out. I only regret I didn't have this option years ago. I am down 62 pounds and have more energy than I've had in years. Diabetes is gone and blood pressure meds cut in half. I have some joint issues so go to the pool 5 days a week for Water aerobics and resistance excercise.

If your parents are interested I would say to go for it.

Also research has shown tat us older folks as a whole don't have a higher rate of complications for this surgery than anyone else.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

@@lilijo @@chris1142

glad things are going so well

why wouldn't they???

keep up the good work

while you enjoy your healthier, happier, longer life

kathy

congrats on all your success

Edited May 25, 2014 by proudgrammy

[jjinWA 511]

There are so many complications that come to us due to being overweight. This only increases as we get older. I am 60 and going in for surgery in a few days. My kids are ok with my decision to do this. They want me healthy so that I can be around for many years to come. That is what you want for your parents. Age should not be the issue. As long as they are healthy enough to be cleared for having surgery you should strongly support them in making this decision. They are lucky to have you there by their side should they decide to go on this journey. For me, I only wishI had decided to have this surgery years ago.... But better late than never.

[Koofka 59]

Thanks for all the responses folks , appreciate em.

Thinking I will broach the subject and then see if my parents are willing to get a professional opinion.

[RickM 1,753]

I have a number of patients in their early 70s over the years go thru WLS in my doc's practice (my wife had a DS 9 years ago, so I've been around this game for a number of years before my own VSG,) who have done well. They have primarly gone with the DS, which is a more significant procedure than the VSG alone, both from the immediate time-on-table and early recovery perspective as well as from the longer term nutrition and compliance standpoint. I have also seen a number of others who, while younger, had significant health issues to the extent that they felt that the WLS was their last hope to make it more than another couple of years, and they have regained basic normalcy in life.

The main issue that I see in your parents' case would be dedication and compliance - they have to want to do it to make it a success, so be the best example that you can be for them.