How much is age a factor? - ThinnerTimes

Corrine · 08-12-2007, 12:49 PM

I'm going into this at 52.

Started with a BMI of 43.2 but have managed to get down to 41 at the last weigh-in (that was a month ago and I know I'm lower now).

I don't have any comorbidities that I know of - just the aches and pains of being overweight (arthritis in the hips and knees).

My husband is concerned about the age thing and bad enough that I have a honking big umbilical hernia that needs repairing, he's worried that I'm not as young as a log of the folk on this board.

Cinerbelle · 08-12-2007, 01:55 PM

Claire-in-Texas is 67 and is doing awesome!! I think the only way that age matters is that people wish they had done the surgery younger to be able to "live" again.

Corrine · 08-12-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinerbelle

....... I think the only way that age matters is that people wish they had done the surgery younger to be able to "live" again.

I'm British - came to this Country 6 years ago (married an American for my sins

). WLS wasn't/isn't freely available on the National Health in the UK.

Since being here, other than having regular lady type annual checks, I've had no need of a doctor....until earlier this year when I started having IBS type symptoms which aggrevated the hernia. It was only in June during a visit to a general surgeon about the hernia that WLS was even mentioned.

I'm kicking myself - I could have done this 6 years ago!

Cinerbelle · 08-12-2007, 02:26 PM

I know all about the National Health in the UK. My hubby's family lives in Scotland and they pay cash for all of their medical...they say the National Health system sucks!

Don't kick yourself. I believe everything happens when it is supposed to...6 years ago must not have been the right time for you.

Keep us posted on your journey!!

Squishy · 08-12-2007, 02:36 PM

Average life expectancy for females in the U.S. is about 80 years, so you have a LOT of really great years ahead of you! You have to weigh all the risks and decide what is best for you. Age may be an obstacle, but I wouldn't let it be a barrier that stops you.

Being as heavy as I was, I also was lucky that I did not have any co-morbidities except arthritis in my knees. I know that my life expectancy would have been much lower than the national average if I had not lost weight.

I also had an umbilical hernia, but not a huge one. The surgeon fixed it for me when he did the bypass.

best wishes with whatever you decide!
-Mike-

PennyJ · 08-13-2007, 04:18 AM

Morning Corrine! My husband (SirMikey in here) had the surgery at age 55. He had to have open - because of lot's of abdominal scaring from a previous appendix surgery / infection. His BMI was somewhere around 45 I believe. He was out of the hospital in 48 hours!!! He was a record setting model patient!! Me, on the other hand - 12 years younger, lower BMI, no issues to speak of - 16 days in the hospital, Lap surgery, two scopes, and a second emergency open surgery for a rare complication I developed. So, you'll do fine. From the studies we read when thinking about surgery - age doesn't play a factor until you're over 65 - then it's just something to watch/monitor. Good luck!!!

Claire-in-Texas · 08-13-2007, 05:29 AM

Corrine, I am the referred-to Claire-in-Texas, at age 67!

I am so happy I have had this surgery. It not only has extended my life expectancy, but it has also given me my life back. I had serious back disk problems, and since my surgery (and 35 lbs of weight loss at the time), I have had physical therapy, and I am now walking around pain free for the first time in many years.

I considered my age as a factor when I first thought about WLS, but interestingly, my surgeon never mentioned it.

I believe that I am the oldest WLS member here on this board, but I feel like I am 35!!!

Corrine · 08-13-2007, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claire-in-Texas

.......... I feel like I am 35!!!

I'd settle for feeling 45 right now Claire - as you all know, excess baggage isn't kind to the joints.

Anyway - thank you as always to everyone for responding.

Claire-in-Texas · 08-13-2007, 08:46 AM

Corrine, I felt like EIGHTY before the surgery, which totally changed my life, my health, my attitude, my energy level......

Bella · 08-13-2007, 09:24 AM

I'm 52.

I had the surgery 6 months ago when I was 51 ... but I wish I had done this 20 years ago!

Don't watse any more of your years being fat - go for it.