Decisions Decisions

[Maxine7290]

My surgery date is Sept 29th and now. I wonder if I should do this. I am 66 years old and would love to hear from people my age, hurry please. I am really nervous.

[Delo1028]

I am 64 next month and was sleeved 5/29/15. This has been an amazing tool for me. I say go for it!!

[thenewmetoday]

I was 70 when I had my sleeve, recovery was without complications. I am 73 now and i have maintained my weight for 2.5 years, my health is fantastic and I can physically do whatever I want. Clothes are fun and I am so grateful for my sleeve. Hope that helps.

[Ann2]

I was 68 last year when I was sleeved.

Read this:

http://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=59053

[Catlover]

I am 66 and will be starting my 6th month on 09/06, and it was the best decision I have ever made. I feel so much better and have a new lease on life!! It's a learning experience for using this tool but I am so happy I have done this. This site is great for support and questions you may have. Good luck with what ever you decide.

[Maxine7290]

thanks for responding to my post. I am really struggling here. I scheduled my surgery yesterday for September 29th, and am not really sure I want to do it. Here is why, I am single and have to work and cannot afford to be off work 3 weeks as the doctor recommends; I cannot afford to have excess skin removed, and the pics I have seen are disgusting of people that need to have it done; I had colon resection done several years ago and the surgeon says he may have to do by pass, which is 6 weeks off work.I am ashamed of myself for going to all the support meetings and the phyic, and now I dont want to do it.

[Maxine7290]

amazing, thanks!

[niki k]

I took extended sick leave, but was only off for 10 working days. I certainly couldn't afford it, but we figured it out, and have paid it off. I am not sure what your weight is, but my husband lost just over 100 pounds and has a little bit of excess skin, and I lost close to 80 pounds, and also have a tiny bit of loose skin, but it is only noticeable naked! About the colon resection, my husband also has colitis, so has to be on meds for the rest of his life, in order to keep it in control. The doc said the sleeve was the better alternative, to people who needed to take medications. Because the anatomy is not altered/ it is just the stomach is made smaller. So it is restrictive, not malabsorbtion/ like by-pass! If I cant get it the skin to reshape/tone, and it really starts to bug me, I will look into the skin removal. But right now it isn't urgent. When you are hydrating well, exercising and taking off all the extra weight, all you can think about it how great you are feeling. Now my knees don't hurt, my back doesn't hurt, I don't have the ridiculous headaches that I had. I know I am not in my 60's but us 45 year olds feel the pain of being overweight! Mentally and physically. Understanding that the sleeve is a tool that makes it possible for you to lose the weight. 20% surgeon/80% your hard work! It isn't the easiest way out, but so very worth it! I have learned to love myself again!

[Ann2]

At nearly 70 years old now, I am never going to get plastic surgery. Hubby and I take our clothes off and laugh at each other. The stuff that used to poke out now droops down.

On the other hand, I don't look as bad as I thought I would. And the longer I stay at my low weight the more I notice there's some tightening going on. Also, exercise is helping. In fact, the plastics docs say they won't operate on WLS patients until they've maintained their low weight for at least a year, because of the post-weight loss skin tightening. So there's that.

[Lee6Lee]

I was 64. There's nothing to be afraid of.

[traci816]

I'm 45 as well. The pain I had in my back was ridiculous
I'm 45 as well the pain in my back was ridiculous. The surgery hasn't cured it completely but has helped tremendously. Sleep apnea sucked I couldn't wear a cpap. Yesterday I got on the field and played t ball with my son in the heat. Your only 70 and seem pretty active. I'm Care Manager trust me in 10 years you will be saying why didn't I do that. If you really need this please don't be scared.p.s I will take loose skin any day over making my heart work so hard. Praying for you.



.

[traci816]

Oops repeated myself on first comment. It's early here lol.

[Maxine7290]

did you experience a lot of pain?

[Maxine7290]

thank you so much for this comment!

[plp55]

I am 6 months out and have lost 50 pounds. I will be 60 next month, this has been life changing for me. My knees no longer crackle as I go up the stairs. I feel "in control" of my life. I am, though, a tough it out person, and didn't do pain meds and went back to work ( self employed in the medical profession) after 9 days and was on my horse in 2 weeks.
At work and at home I feel like I am "on" again , with unlimited energy and a much better attitude toward life. I no longer have the self loathing of a person who eats my troubles away then hates myself for it. My stomach is in control. Yes you can eat around this and gain weight back....just don't. Listen to your doctor and read posts in this site. This is your chance to change your whole life. Good luck.