Other than being 120 pounds overweight, I have no co-morbidities. I'm 58, no diabetes, no hypertension/high blood pressure, normal cholesterol, no colon cancer/polyps - even though all of these run in my family and usually hit around age 60-65. I understand I'm less likely to develop these issues if I have surgery, but is surgery justified as a "pre-emptive strike?"

Edited February 5, 201511 yr by LitlBird

Even if that 120 pounds hasn't caught up with you yet, I still can't help but think it is just a matter of time.

Aside from what is currently happening in your body because of the excess weight or what malady could appear in the future..,WLS is a very personal decision. I was at the point where I felt it was the only solution that would help me keep the weight off for good. It took me decades to get to that place. My decision was based on my emotional and physical well being...not just because of a number on the scale. Once I embraced that, no one could tell me differently and I didn't 2nd guess my decision. 7 weeks out and I'm at my lowest weight since college, without any health issues, and looking and feeling great!

@@LitlBird

Something brought you far enough to consider surgery so it's absolutely justified. I didn't have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or anything else. I do have sleep apnea that's cause more from ENT issues than being overweight. Yet, I knew if I didn't make a change, I was bound to end up with one of those issues. I wanted to act instead of react to anything that might happen because I was over weight. So, think about what brought you this far, and consider what will happen if you don't make a change. That doesn't mean you need surgery, but it does mean the 120 pounds that may not be affecting you now, will eventually impact your life.

Remember that some surgeons cut the age off at 65. You may not get a chance later

With my family's medical history of diabetes, high-cholesterol, heart disease, and arthritis -- and the fact that almost all of the family is obese -- I decided to go ahead with WLS surgery as a pre-emptive strike. It is a personal choice, but no one should fault you for taking care of your health.

Not everyone has co-mores. I had a nearly 70% BMI and no co-mores - I was an active fat gal. I exercised regularly and ate pretty good. As for surgery, that's a personal decision. You have to decide how your weight effects your quality of life.