If you suffer with obesity and are over 60 years old, new research shows that you aren’t too old to enjoy the benefits of bariatric surgery. Several recent studies have proven that weight loss surgery is safe and effective in older patients. And, it is well known at this point that it can improve and, in some instances, cure health conditions caused by being overweight.
Age requirements do not prevent someone over the age of 60 from having this surgery, but there can be greater risk when operating on someone who is older.
The first study showed that the results of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients over 60 years were similar to the outcomes of younger patients. Most notable was that the older patients were ale to reduce their average amount of medications 4.3 to 2.7 and 65% saw an improvement in at least one major obesity-related health condition.
The second study showed that postoperative minor complication rate was higher in the older group – 25% versus 4.8% and perioperative mortality was 0% in both groups. Their analysis showed that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe and effective in patients who are over 60, even with higher rates of obesity-related diseases.
The NIH removed age limitations and Medicare began including bariatric surgery as a covered procedure in 2006. Since these went into effect, bariatric surgery has become more available to older patients. If you are over 60 and suffer with weight-related problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or sleep apnea, it’s not too late to seek surgical treatment to lose weight and improve your health.
To learn more about weight loss surgery at our Louisiana or Mississippi bariatric surgery centers, attend one of our free seminars, contact us online, or call us at 877-691-3001.
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