Limited-Time Offer
All-Inclusive Gastric Sleeve Package
Starting at $3,750 USD
Available only for surgeries scheduled between June 23 – June 26
Available only for surgeries scheduled between June 23 – June 26
During our virtual information sessions, we meet with many potential patients who tell us that they think they’re too old to undergo bariatric surgery. We are happy to report that it IS possible for people aged 60 years and older to undergo successful bariatric surgery and experience tremendous health benefits.
According to a November 2015 study published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), life expectancy may increase after bariatric surgery.
Increased lifespan is a result of major weight loss and the resolution of comorbidities associated with obesity later in life, such as hypertension, heart disease, and the development of certain types of cancer.
Losing excessive weight can help obese and morbidly obese people at any age. In general, older patients may not lose as much weight as younger patients, but the health benefits and reduction of comorbidities will still improve their quality of life.
In 2019, the obesity rate surpassed 40% for the first time in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with 42.4% of adults classified as obese. The national obesity rate has increased by 26% since 2008, creating a strong need for viable and affordable weight loss solutions.
Rates of childhood obesity are also increasing, with the latest data showing that 19.3% of American youth aged 2 to 19 are obese. Being overweight or obese at a young age puts a person at higher risk for severe health-related issues previously only seen in much older patients.
When it comes to patients 60 and older, 41.5% suffer from obesity in the United States. Comorbidities are rampant, including diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, asthma, high cholesterol, liver disease, heart disease, and others. During what should be the Golden Years, these patients endure an especially low quality of life. However, many may wonder if weight loss procedures are actually safe and viable for the elderly.
While age alone may not significantly increase your chance of complications, other conditions that are common among senior patients can. Risk factors include:
Senior patients also may require a longer hospital stay following bariatric surgery.
Many people are concerned that the risks associated with bariatric surgery increase with age. However, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, chief of the New York University Langone Weight-Management Program, notes that over the last decade, bariatric surgery has become one of the safest operations patients can undergo, regardless of their age. Dr. Ren-Fielding's oldest bariatric patient was 83 when she underwent weight loss surgery, and eight years later, at age 91, had managed to keep off 80 pounds while also reducing her diabetes medication.
Research has begun to back up the safety of bariatric surgery in elderly patients. In November 2018, JAMA Surgery published research from Brown University that examined the outcomes of surgery in older adults. The research discovered that patients who had bariatric procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric banding (AGB), as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), showed improved weight loss one year after their procedure and lowered morbidity and mortality 30 days after it. The only difference in outcome is that some older patients may experience a longer recovery period.
— Jessica Moter
Patients of any age need to consider the side effects of bariatric surgery. For elderly patients, in particular, common side effects may include surgical failure as well as changes in your physical or mental health. However, your doctor can help you plan ahead by recommending support groups or help from a mental health professional. While these considerations should be taken seriously, several studies show that the health benefits far outweigh the risks and that treatment can drastically improve your lifespan.
While the overall risk of complications may not be greater in elderly patients, we acknowledge that health situations vary from patient to patient. No matter your age, we will carefully screen you and conduct a thorough medical history review to determine if bariatric surgery can be safely performed. Your consultation is among the most important components of developing a successful surgical weight loss plan.
For more information about weight loss surgery and which option is best for those over 60, contact our caring team at Tijuana Bariatric Center for a free virtual consultation. We will work closely with you to explore your options and help you make the best possible decision for your health and well-being. Contact us by calling 800-970-0577.