Where are all the 50 something bypass patients?

[SunnySkip 6]

Found these statistics, etc:
The average age of a bariatric patient is 42 (AJN, Sept. 2012, Vol 112, 9). 83% of patients are female according to the same study.
Many bariatric surgeons may not be willing to operate on patients over 60 years old. There are inherent risks for older patients regardless of the procedure. Bariatric surgeons put their reputation on the line every time they perform surgery. A surgeon’s results affect their ability to get new patients. And many surgeons are not willing to take on additional risk to help someone over the age of 60.

I was diagnosed with Barrett cells after a EGD. Was planning on a sleeve but surgeon said RYGB was necessary. He is impressed with my progress. Off all blood pressure and diabetic within one week of surgery. Hoping this adds many years to my bugging my kids.

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[SunnySkip 6]

I’m 56 years old, and live in Jackson, Tn. I am having gastric sleeve surgery next week. Super excited!!!! Preop has went really well. I have already lost 10 pounds in 8 days. That’s amazing for me. I do not lose weight easily, because I also take meds for a sluggish thyroid. Looking for good things ahead on my weight loss journey with you all.

Keep in touch.

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[Missouri-Lee's Summit 1,256]

22 minutes ago, slbolemiss62 said:

I’m 56 years old, and live in Jackson, Tn. I am having gastric sleeve surgery next week. Super excited!!!! Preop has went really well. I have already lost 10 pounds in 8 days. That’s amazing for me. I do not lose weight easily, because I also take meds for a sluggish thyroid. Looking for good things ahead on my weight loss journey with you all.

2

I, too, have a thyroid condition. An autoimmune disorder that slows destroys my thyroid. It runs in my family, and seems to show up in my female relatives only. It's called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis https://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/ and it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It's diagnosed with a simple antibody test, but only if your doctor specifically orders this test. My advice for anyone who feels that their thyroid is an ongoing concern, would benefit from seeing an endocrinology (who specializes in, among other things, the thyroid). Many family practitioners mean well, but they often prescribe the wrong doses for thyroid meds. My family doctor gave me an amount, according to my endocrinologist, that would have been more appropriate for "an 80-year-old man with a heart condition." (I love my family doctor, but she is not a specialist with a specialist's knowledge.)

A study was done last year, that talked about the impact of bariatric surgery on those with hypothyroidism.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28255851

Essentially, there is a favorable effect of bariatric surgery on the hypothyroid bariatric population. This includes improvement of thyroid function and a reduction of thyroid medication dosages.

[Missouri-Lee's Summit 1,256]

26 minutes ago, Frustr8 said:

I am not merely a risky 60- I am a plenty of life left 72. Although I can understand some surgeon reluctance , a good portion of it must be SMOA. save my,own a**. pity isn't it? Surgeons should be skillful, competent but most of all courageous. I certainly would not entrust my surgery and chance of a future healthy life to a quivering mound of protoplasm with something running. down his leg and quaking in his surgical boots.
Frankly I deserve the best as do all surgical,patients, age should be no consideration. I am healthy as a 45 year old, perhaps healthier than most, I refuse to be set aside as refuse. That is patent age discrimination, if it is not illegal , ethics demand it should be!

I'll say you have plenty of life left, and a great sense of humor to boot. Aunt Grace's "Syrup of Figs" no doubt did its job on you back in the day.

[chattycat 91]

On 06/27/2018 at 20:34, SunnySkip said:

I have done great. Doc was impressed. At two week check up was allowed to go back to my Water aerobics class. First 6 days were rough but then one morning I woke up in less pain and it has improved since then. Am off all blood pressure and diabetic meds. Feeling fantastic. No hunger which makes the diet easy. Have to set alarm on phone to remind me to eat.


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That is good to hear! Keep up the good work! 👏

[LaraK 8]

So good to hear from 50 plus people. I’m turning 52 later this year and had my surgery 23 April 2018. It’s only 9 weeks ago but feels like so much longer. I’ve lost 37lbs since Feb and 22lbs since surgery. I’m starting to feel comfortable in my body again, although there is a long way to go. It’s a great feeling to have lost this weight. I’ve never lost so much consistently before. Every day the food is a challenge but I’m getting there slowly slowly. My taste buds and sense of smell have changed a lot and often I often think fish specifically doesn’t taste right. But I love the feeling of leaving food on my plate because I’m full. In the past I’ve always needed to finish every last morsel. Good luck to everyone on this forum.

[Missouri-Lee's Summit 1,256]

On October 2, 2015 at 7:42 AM, UrsulasShadow said:

Hi all! 54 here, had my RNY in February and have gone past goal, lost 102 lbs so far! Still firmly in the honeymoon/miracle phase here, can't believe I've been so successful. Thought for sure my age would put me at a disadvantage compared to all those youngsters having surgery at the same time, but strangely, my lifelong experiences with diet and weight loss gave me the advantage here. I know WAY more about the psychology of overeating than my youthful counterparts. I don't have to worry about pregnancy and PMS cravings. I'm already past the age of trying to impress young men with my outer beauty, and have already established that my inner beauty and health is much more important.

The downside to all this is that I've had to make adjustments in my social life. Drinking at parties and gatherings has been greatly reduced, which makes me a lot quieter, and some read that as less social. I can't have the obligatory pizza and beer at football parties, bringing my own Snacks instead.

Also, I sag. Everywhere. Not a ton, not so most people notice, but it makes me look old. My kids think I look much younger, but my clothes hide a lot. I'd love to have a full-body redesign, starting with those chest-pancakes that once filled out a D cup, but now look silly in a B, unless amply shaped and padded. But after 2 breast fed children, that was bound to happen anyway.

I am so glad I did this, and none of the down sides even come close to the up sides. Arthritis reduced, BP reduced, A1C back to normal, off CPAP machine, no more plantar fasciitis, and I can shop in the NICE stores for clothing! My feet have even gone down a half size, so I can sometimes wear size 10 shoes! (Those with large feet understand the struggle).

What an inspiring post, albeit dated. How about an update?

[teresa75044 7]

Our surgical team had lots of diet prep for us. Hasn't been a problem. First 6 days were rough pain but it cleared up quickly after that. Back to my old Water exercise program and adding two days of machines at the gym starting tomorrow. Feeling fantastic.

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You are doing very good !

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[ScoutCR 126]

I had my surgery on 4/27/18. I am 56 and have lost 46 lbs post surgery and 34 lbs before surgery. food is still not easy but this was my only choice as I had Barrett’s esophagus, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. I am off most meds but the diabetes is not resolved so I still take oral meds for that. I am hoping to get off all my meds someday. I am thankful that my kidney GFR is now at 63 and holding at that number. When diagnosed my GFR was 28 and my kidney doctor said I was going to have to go on dialysis within a few years. All is going well except not tolerating a lot of food that I should be allowed to eat.

[Frustr8 7,886]

Each story on here is going to speak to someone struggling and when we are here for,each,other that is what matters most. 😝

[yncse8 23]

I had bypass at 61.

[chattycat 91]

On 06/28/2018 at 11:23, yncse8 said:

I had bypass at 61.

I’m going to turn 61 weeks after my surgery. How has it been for you?

[yncse8 23]

Awesome!!! Best gift I ever received. It has been two glorious years and am maintaining my weight. I feel and look 10 years younger. I have one issue due to scar tissue but that was me and not result of surgery.

[Teri dolan 7]

I had my bypass at 72. It has been 6 mo for me. Not saying it was easy but the results are awesome. I feel and look so much better and I still have a ways to go!! Go for it. Good luck.

[chattycat 91]

You are all such a good source of inspiration! So glad I found this community, I’m learning so much! 💕