Ever worry about WLS n when we hit advanced age?

[pinklyfe]

My mother was 12 days shy of her 89th birthday when she died, one of the major issues in the last 5 yrs of her life was her loss of appetite and food intake. Making sure she got adequate protein and calories in every day was constant effort. Which was a complete turn around from previous yrs when her norm was over eating.

My mother struggled with her weight from the time I can remember. She did weight watchers, OA, jenny craig, atkins, th diet center. She was a small framed, 5' 1" woman. At her highest weight ( that I know of) she reached 190lbs. She went down to 120lbs. Towards the end She would say, " I'm just never hungry" " I don't enjoy food like I used to"
This seems to happen as people age.

What happens to people who have had WLS? Is it worse for them? Is this an issue to be considered? Is there long term studies or outcomes for people who've had WLS and what happens when they hit advanced years? Did your DR discuss this aspect with you?

[Brandilynn]

Failure to thrive is common in the elderly, wls or no wls. I have a medical directive that lets whomever know that I need bioavailable protein in the form of shakes as to this point I do not seem to get all nutrients from solid protein (as shown by my labs).

If you are getting nutrition via TPN, its all same same, if you are getting it via peg tube or orally, then especially if you have a malabsorptive surgery or have issues with solid protein like I do, then that information needs to be made clear to them, but wls is not new, failure to thrive is not new, and as long as you have QUALITY care and they are aware of your history and your nutritional needs, you should be well taken care of.

If you do not have quality care, then that's a whole different ball game entirely.

[angelcake]

The furthest out DS patient is 27 years out. He was fairly advanced in age when he got his DS. I can't find the link to his story at the mo. Hopefully someone else has the link.

[mark540]

If it weren't for the DS it's a pretty good bet I never would have made into the advanced years I'm looking forward to.

This is pretty much evidenced by the number of 600 pound men you see in nursing homes.

I'll take my chances.

[hoosiermama]

I would think if it is a serious issue, they could replumb. I thought about this before I had the surgery, then I realized how exciting it was to be able to have the belief that I'd be alive in old age to worry about it. I know I was heading for an XXL coffin if I kept on the same path I was on. I prefer to think of having a feeding button and getting ensure by tube, if it's even necessary than to miss all the milestones in my daughter's life. Her graduation, her wedding, spoiling my grandkids etc...

[Deleted]

Nope, I've never bothered to worry about that. Reason? Without my DS, I'd be dead by now. I'll deal with whatever life throws me as it comes, and hopefully I'll remember to be grateful to have the opportunity to tackle it.

[muffinsmom]

My mom was the same way. She died at 78, but wasn't terribly interested in food in the last few years either, and lost quite a bit of weight despite a lifelong history of obesity. I've thought about it, and I think that my acute focus on nutrition since surgery will help. My mom wasn't as focused on issues like the importance of protein and such, despite being a dieter all her life. I also like Brandilynn's idea of an advance directive.

[barb1751]

I'm really not worried. I've worked my way through nursing school being an nurse's aide in a nursing home for years. I see people there of all ages, but the majority that are under the age of 65 are there because of their weight or because they had a stroke. I don't want that for myself. If you have a dietary need (like X grams of protein per day) the nursing home must provide it. If you need vitamins, the doctor will order them and they will be given to you.

As long as you keep your PCP and someone like a spouse or child (or whoever would care for you) informed and make sure they advocate for you, chances are you will be fine.

Now the lack of hunger....that's common. WLS or not, it happens. Many patients are on a schedule of nutritional supplements (shakes, and these little ice cream-like frozen cups) based on their doctor's recommendations because they don't meet their body's needs. Beyond that, a feeding tube is also possible. But to be honest, most don't go that route, but it is certainly a possibility based on the doctor and family's wishes.

But honestly, what's worse...the chance that you MAY have some issues with not wanting to eat or get proper nutrition when you are older (which could happen regardless) or never live to see that age (or be in a nursing home young because you are now paralyzed on one side of your body from a stroke)? That's the call you have to make. I have no doubt what my decision will be, and I'm chugging along to make sure that I have surgery.

[Deleted]

Without WLS I would already be dead so any years from that date on are just gravy!

I do have Advance Directives so it will depend on a few things whether any of my children will have to bring me protein shakes in a nursing home.

[nandmsmom]

You also have to realize that the reason they aren't getting enough protein, is that they aren't really eating. Even with our tiny tummies, we would still be able to get in more than adequate protein.

[pinklyfe]

Thank you everyone.
Brandyilynn, I like the thought of the medical directive instructing what type of protein shakes should be used. You took the fear of me possibly not being able to take care of myself and being in control and turned it around. Anxiety reduced. Whew!

[msbatt]

Here's my take on this---

First off, I'm just about to turn 54. Had I not had my DS when I did, I'd probably already be dead, and not eating at all. (*grin*)

Secondly, decreased appetite is normal among the elderly, and I expect anyone responsible for my nutrition in advanced age should know that.

And finally---when I am no longer able to care for myself, or to make needs clear to others---then it's time for me to die. I do NOT want my body outliving my mind, or vice versa.

[jillybean720]

If someone is going to not eat anything, then it doesn't really matter what size their stomach is or whether or not they have malabsorption...so, no, not a concern for me.

[vanishingmom]

Feb 13, 2012 14:49:31 GMT -5 @en said:

Nope, I've never bothered to worry about that. Reason? Without my DS, I'd be dead by now. I'll deal with whatever life throws me as it comes, and hopefully I'll remember to be grateful to have the opportunity to tackle it.

You took the words right out of my mouth

[mizdel]

I think everybody has to consider their own individual circumstances and family history.

I didn't want a malabsorptive surgery because I took care of my mother who had dementia for 14 years before she died. She lived that long because she had people taking care of her that made sure she got her meds and vit. supplements. I don't want to take the chance that I will be as well taken care of.

Dementia creeps up on you and the first thing I would forget would be to take my meds and vits. I hope I don't get it, but I am not willing to take that chance, so the fewer issues with malabsortion the better for ME.

[pinklyfe]

Mizdel,
BINGO! My mother had dementia. Your logic and decsions are exactly the reason I chose VSG

[mizdel]

Feb 16, 2012 0:30:50 GMT -5 pinklyfe said:

Mizdel,
BINGO! My mother had dementia. Your logic and decsions are exactly the reason I chose VSG

My mother was 9 days shy of 94. She lived the last 14 years gradually declining mentally. She had a good appetite until about 3 weeks before she died. We knew it was the end for her when she was refusing food.

We need to take good care of ourselves.