Hi! This is my first post here. I am 65 and 275 pounds. I have finally made the decision to change my lifestyle after being morbidly obese for 10 years. I have chronic pain from spondylitis and nerve damage. I know the weight is a big part of the pain I am living with. I have gained 20 pounds since the pandemic started because I am alone at home, generally on the couch. I look forward to being able to walk without a limp when I get lighter.

I am a little nervous about doing this but I want to live a longer and fuller life.

Anyone else out there who has had surgery at a higher age?

I was 62 when I had bypass, and it was the best decision I ever made. I have my life back!!!!!! With no pain now in the hips, knees and back. All my co-morbidities have resolved. I can hike, bike, ride my horse, and get down (and up) on the floor with my grandkids. I've done a triathlon and a 50 mile bike race. Woo hoo! Who would have thought it even possible? My next goals are a rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike and ultimately to finish the 830 mile Arizona Trail.

I think being older gives a deeper perspective that this is the last chance. We've tried everything else for literally decades, and there are no more options. And there are no more games. It is this or nothing. We are all in or all out. We don't worry as much about hair loss or saggy skin or looking great in a bikini - it is about health and quality of life. We are also past menopause, and so don't have to worry as much about hormone fluctuations or about slowing metabolism - it's already slowed for us and things can only get better, right?

I am seizing every day with joy and gratitude that I am now able to live again, because what I was doing before was just slowly dying. Best wishes to you! You have every chance to be successful at this, regardless of age.

Edited October 5, 20205 yr by AZhiker

I'm in my late 40s, but just wanted to welcome you [emoji4]

I was 62 when I had gastric bypass. I followed my plan as prescribed to me. I tried not to compare myself to others that seemed to be losing faster than I was. I wasn't able to do much exercise because I had so much pain from an arthritic hip that has since been replaced. I was on 2 BP meds and prediabetic. Except for the pain I had when I woke up in the recovery room I can honestly say I never had any pain from this surgery. I did have nerve blocks on both sides though and walked early and a lot!. This was truly one of my best decisions! My walks are now 5 miles, pain free. My BP is normal and the only meds I take are my vitamins, calcium and extra iron. I made a complete lifestyle change, including moving to a more "walkable" community and breaking my addiction to sugar, diet coke and unhealthy foods.

lots of us have it in our 50s and 60s - and we even see people on here occasionally who've had it in their 70s - so you're in good company! (I had it at 55)

Thank you all for responding!

I am currently 56 and I am having surgery on October 19, 2020.

I'm 51 and I'm scheduled for surgery on 10/27/20.

52. Having it done next month

66 in Nov sched for 11/02 - scared due to covid

66 in Nov sched for 11/02 - scared due to covid

I'm 67, also scheduled for 11/2. Also scared about Covid, but I'm planning to talk to my doc at my pre-op about it. I have to have a covid culture 3 days before surgery. I plan on bringing a mask and wearing it when anyone is in the room, and will also bring hand sanitizer since I won't be jumping in and out of bed to wash my hands.