Does successful weightloss surgery lead to a longer/normal length life?

magicpickles

I am convinced my dad is going to die ''young''. He is in his early 60s and is obese. He hasn't been able to lose weight by himself, so he has started to save money for Gastric Bypass or a motorbike. He is going to start getting meals delivered to see if he loses weight that way, and if he fails, he will get the surgery.

I am really worried. I am in my mid twenties and am not ready to say goodbye to my dad anytime soon. Other than being overweight, he is mostly healthy, he doesn't drink heavily, smoke or take drugs. He does have sleep apnea though.

My mother will probably live to her 80s though, lol, so at least theres that.

Could the effects of being overweight be reversed if my dad gets the surgery, and go on to lead a long life?

_Waffle_

It could help.

https://hms.harvard.edu/news/weight-loss-surgery-may-lengthen-older-peoples-lives-study

Both of my parents had a gastric bypass around 60 and they're doing fine however they did gain some of the weight back. Overall I'd say it was a positive for both of them.

The surgery does nothing but force you to eat less. If you can do this on your own you can achieve the same results. I guess if you can't then this is a better alternative.

magicpickles

He has bad eating habits, I feel like he would lose lots of weight to begin with, but would go back to his bad habits. I hope he proves me wrong!

magicpickles

Anyone else want to weigh in?

suzyjane1972

He's an adult with respect to you can worry all you want but he might want that motorbike more. Maybe have this discussion with him and brace yourself for a decision you won't like.

magicpickles

suzyjane1972 wrote: »

He's an adult with respect to you can worry all you want but he might want that motorbike more. Maybe have this discussion with him and brace yourself for a decision you won't like.

He gets the motorbike if he manages to lose weight on his own successfully. So the motorbike would be the best case scenario.

I don't think he should get the surgery... he would have to give up pies, chocolate etc forever, or practice extreme portion control. Plus, you shouldn't lose more than 1 kilo a week past a certain point. He could get to a healthy weight within two years if he cut his calories 500 below maintenance.

happygalah

Have a sincere talk with him and tell him you love him and want him around for a long long time
Have him get an account here and get started

jgnatca

The weight loss from Bariatric surgery definitely extended both my quality of life and how long I expect to live. My blood pressure problems, diabetes, and cholesterol are all in remission. I am much more active today.

A reputable clinic will include diet counselling which should encourage your dad to eat better.

Run your dad's numbers through something like this:

http://media.nmfn.com/tnetwork/lifespan/#0

I gained ten years to my lifespan by tackling my weight.

lorrpb

Weight loss by surgery or eating Less leads to a longer life! Appreciate your time with your parents every single day. There are no guarantees. We are never ready to say goodbye to our loved ones. Life is fragile.

singingflutelady

Maybe, maybe not. My grandmother died at 95 and she was obese her entire life

wolfgirl78

WLS has vastly improved the quality of my life.