Bariatric Surgery in Older Adults: Benefits and Risks

You know you’re ready to lose the weight, keep it off, and live the wonderful life that you truly deserve. And, you’ve heard some good things about bariatric surgery and think it might be the right path for you.

But maybe you still have questions. Is bariatric surgery safe for someone your age? Is surgery effective for patients who are over 60?

Let’s walk through these questions together.

(If you would like more general bariatric surgery information, we recommend this page on bariatric surgery).

Is Bariatric Surgery Safe For Older Adults?

A lot of folks wonder: what are the potential risks associated with bariatric surgery for older adults? If this is you, please know that your concerns are understandable. Elderly patients can have more tissue frailty, and can take longer to recover from injuries than younger folks. Some surgeries can carry higher risk for people of more advanced age due to other health conditions. 

But it is important to recognize that bariatric surgery can often be performed safely in older patients. One study now is indicating that bariatric surgery risks are not significantly greater for elderly patients than they are for younger patients. These authors reported  on the effects of bariatric surgery on elderly patients, “In our cohort, we found that the number of complications related to the operative procedure was similar to those in general bariatric operations.”

Some studies do find a slightly higher risk of complications for elderly patients. A 2022 study found that elderly patients spent slightly longer in the hospital compared to younger patients. But even here, it is important to stress that the complication rate is very low. The same study found a mortality rate of just 0.3% for elderly patients. 

Bariatric surgery is very safe; at a certified ASMBS comprehensive MBSAQIP center like the BMCC, it is as safe as any minor outpatient surgery such as gallbladder surgery. Our double-board-certified bariatric surgeon personally commits to remaining in the operating room until every surgery is performed as well as humanly possible. We routinely rank as one of the top of bariatric surgery practices in Colorado. When complications do occur, they are generally mild, such as incisional pain or dehydration. Just like all other age groups, preventing complications after bariatric surgery is highly dependent on whether you will consistently commit to following all of our post-operative protocols which are specifically designed to mitigate your risk of complications.

Even if you are over 60, please rest assured that you are in very good hands at the BMCC.

What Are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery For Older Adults?

As we age, conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can take a greater toll on our health. What this means is that the benefit of resolving these conditions is correspondingly greater. Bariatric surgery can resolve many such issues, from some heart problems to sleep apnea to high blood pressure. Some surgeries can even reverse type 2 diabetes; up to 98% of patients who undergo duodenal switch surgery can see their type 2 diabetes resolved as a result of surgery.

How does bariatric surgery contribute to long-term weight management in elderly patients? Some studies do show that due to a slower metabolic rate elderly patients may lose less weight on average than younger patients after surgery. But it’s important to note that weight loss can still be substantial, and we have many older patients that lose just as much weight as younger patients. One study that looked at bariatric surgery for older adults found that the average patient lost over 70% of their excess body weight over 3 years. Even if you are over 60, bariatric surgery can still help you to lose significant weight, keep it off, and get your life back. 

Taking the Next Step On Your Weight Loss Journey

Even if you are no longer a young adult, the truth is that you deserve to live a healthy and active life. You deserve to be able to play with your grandchildren and to truly enjoy your golden years. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective way to get there.

If you have any other questions, or would like any additional bariatric surgery information, please feel free to peruse our site or give our friendly office staff a call. 

Many of our patients say that the decision to undergo weight loss surgery was the best decision they ever made.

“Today, 2 years later and 105 pounds less I am a new person. No walker, no cane, no Oxygen. I am completely cured of diabetes and off all those meds. No meds for blood pressure or cholesterol. My cholesterol is now 120. My heart is doing awesome and I am vibrant and active. I spend a lot of time with my grandchildren and could not be happier!”—Colleen White, gastric bypass patient.

If you’re suffering, don’t wait. Contact our Denver office today.