Greetings to Fellow Sleevers and Sleevers-to-Be -

The purpose of this post if to provide some experience to the older crowd that might be considering VSG, as compared to usual ways to loose weight plus exercise.

ME: I am 2 months post-op VSG. My surgery went incredibly well (4-16-2015). I had little to no pain, could drink Water soon after, could eat with no discomfort. Was moved to soft foods at one week post op (normal for my program if you are proceeding well). I was able to eat shellfish at two weeks post-op, btw.

Can eat quite a bit with no issues, keep my daily calories < 700 and my daily carbs < 50. I use KetoStix to assure my body stays in state of Ketosis, which I personally believe is key to losing max weight during the critical 12-18 months post-op. So, my journey has been a great one.

I have both knees requiring full replacement and have had back surgery/issues at L4/L5. So, I currently get little to no exercise. PS Part of my motivation for WLS was to drive BMI down to level having the knee replacements with much lower risk and better rehab potential.

While preparing to start using a personal trainer at my VSG 3 month post-op timeline, I stumbled across some details and documentation on my weight loss the last time I was serious. This was at age 50 back in 2009. My approach then was NutriSystem. In January 2009, ironically, my weight was 385 - about same as it was on date of my VSG surgery. At the same time, I began to use a Personal Trainer at local Golds Gym. So, it was a very intense strict diet and 3x to 5x workouts a week.

Those old records show that I successfully lost 65 lbs, taking 10 months to achieve that milestone. Approx. 6 lbs a week. Including working out (mostly cardio and weight machines). Reminding me of this time in my life, I have the cute little NutriSystem bears from 10 lbs lost to 60 lbs lost. BUT - no surprise, at that point I became bored with the diet and went back to bad habits, gaining all the weight back in approx. 2 years.

Playing the movie forward, as of yesterday (6-19-2015) I have lost 65 lbs since my VSG.

The staggering and compelling comparison is as follows:

THEN >>> Time to lose 65 lbs - with focused diet program and personal trainer >>> 9 months.

NOW >>> Time to lose 65 lbs - with VSG and little to no exercise >>> 2 months.

What else do you need to know! VSG was the greatest decision I have ever made. I feel no hunger and plan to see this journey to my goal weight. Even if I wanted to cheat and eat bad things, I am a quantity eater, so its just a physical fact that I will not be able to hold much food.

So, if you are a member of the older crowd of 50+ yrs of age, VSG can and will work for you.

DO IT!!!!!

-RC-

Edited June 20, 201511 yr by RaginCajun

I'm only 54 and planning to have a bypass, but I wanted to say that your words and enthusiasm are inspiring. Thanks for sharing and I hope my outlook turns out to be as bright as yours!

Thank you so much for posting your experience a "senior". I am 57 and being sleeved on Tuesday. Having a bit of pre surgery nerves.

I'm 53 and feel like I will love a lot longer now!!! I had knee surgery last September and knew I was going to be on the way to replacements or needing a wheelchair if I didn't lose weight. I feel so much better now!!!

55 years old here, sleeved 4-27-15. Down 35 pounds and feeling great!

I'm 58 and had VSG 11/21/14. I've lost 80 lbs - 40 to go! This is the best thing I've ever done for myself! I wish I had done it ten years ago! Tomorrow is my 7 month anniversary. The weight is coming off slower now and I have to work out harder, but it's worth it. It's still moving in the right direction. I catch myself occasionally eating something I shouldn't, but get right back on track. I have had hair loss, but am confident it will come back soon. Skin is pretty saggy, but again, I'm hoping that improves in time. These are minor inconveniences compared to how wonderful I feel! Good luck and try not to be nervous because it will all be worth it!

Edited June 22, 201511 yr by Lolly123

52 years young, sleeved on 5-26-15, and down 41 pounds

Hi I am 61 and considering the VSG. I started the process in April 2015 by attending a seminar, then an initial consult with the Bariatric surgeon. My insurance BCBS Federal requires a 3 month physician supervised weight loss session, two years of weight history, nutritionist visit, psychological assessment and the surgeon required an endoscope (EGD) and referred me to a cardiologist. I have one more monthly appointment July 6 and then submission to insurance. I am hopeful that my insurance will approve the surgery. I am very excited to start a new chapter of my life. (everyone knows 60 is the new 40!!!)

@LisaPunkinHead Had to chuckle when reading your reply post, possibly a typo in first line. But, you are right either way ... by taking control with VSG surgery, you will both "LIVE a lot longer" and "LOVE a lot longer"

-RC-

Edited June 26, 201511 yr by RaginCajun

Hey I'lol be 65 on Feb. 1st. I was sleeved 8/5/2015. I'm about 4 months out and have lost 57lbs. Thanksgiving and Christmas were hard but I survived. I exercise an hour a day on a recumbent bike. I have so much energy now and can do so many things I couldn't do before. I can walk anywhere now. Before I could barely walk from my house to the car. It's slow but I'm determined to do it. I've gone from a size 22 to a size 14/16. My only problem is hair loss. I'm taking my biotin. Hope it all doesn't fall out. I am also off my insulin. Amazing. Who says you're too old. I feel like I'm young again.

I'm 56 down 105 lbs sleeved Oct/13- should have done it sooner- surpassed Dr.s goal and still 3 lbs from my goal- feel great !

I am 58 and being sleeved 2-12-2016. Thanks so much for your encouraging words.

Hey I'lol be 65 on Feb. 1st. I was sleeved 8/5/2015. I'm about 4 months out and have lost 57lbs. Thanksgiving and Christmas were hard but I survived. I exercise an hour a day on a recumbent bike. I have so much energy now and can do so many things I couldn't do before. I can walk anywhere now. Before I could barely walk from my house to the car. It's slow but I'm determined to do it. I've gone from a size 22 to a size 14/16. My only problem is hair loss. I'm taking my Biotin. Hope it all doesn't fall out. I am also off my insulin. Amazing. Who says you're too old. I feel like I'm young again.

Thanks for your post as well. I just turned 62 and I'm also a diabetic. I've been on metformin for many years, but my Dr. has now added insulin the other day. I don't want to continue this way and really serious about getting off the insulin now. I'm considered a light weight, and that was a problem for but not now. This new Dr. said for me to continue to pursue the sleeve and that it would be a good decision. I'm scared, but want to be more healthy. I'm Ready!!

I'm off my insulin and only take 1 metformin. Don't give up.

Just turned 56, VSG on 10/6/2015. Feeling better than I have in a decade. I hope others really do take this seriously, even at a more advanced age!

-sd