Rajeshwari Devi Rajeshwari Devi Asked 7 months ago

Is 70 too old for weight loss surgery?

My doctor suggested weight loss surgery might help with my joint pain and diabetes. I'm 70 years old, and my family is worried about the risks. Is 70 considered too old for this kind of surgery?

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12 answers

Gopal Krishnan Gopal Krishnan Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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At 70, any major surgery comes with its own set of risks, so a detailed medical evaluation is absolutely necessary first. While healthy portion control and mild walking are safer ways to start, you must consult a bariatric specialist to see if surgery is even safe for your heart and lungs at this stage.

Vijay Shrivastav Vijay Shrivastav Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

If you are planning this, please keep in mind that the pre-surgery medical clearances and tests can cost quite a bit, especially for senior citizens. Also, check your health insurance policy thoroughly, as many private policies have strict clauses or exclusions for weight loss surgeries at age 70.

Savitri Devi Savitri Devi Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

As we cross 70, our body's healing power is not the same as when we were young. I have seen friends who took major surgical routes and struggled with slow recovery. Take your time, talk to good doctors, and weigh the benefits against the stress it might put on your body.

Sneha Paul Sneha Paul Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I am not very sure about this, but I hope whoever is considering this gets the best care. Does the doctor check the heart condition thoroughly before recommending such surgeries for older people? It sounds a bit scary to think about.

Jaswant Singh Jaswant Singh Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Please don't skip the detailed pre-op checkups to save time or money. I once ignored minor heart warning signs before a small dental procedure and faced massive issues. Make sure the doctors check every organ function before deciding on surgery.

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Consult a aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon

Shalini Sen Shalini Sen Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Before deciding on surgery, check if there are other metabolic issues like thyroid or diabetes causing the weight. Sometimes, managing those hormones with regular tests and proper doctor consultation can help lose weight without needing a major operation.

Sunita Rao Sunita Rao Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

My knees hurt just climbing two stairs at 48, so I can only imagine the thoughts at 70! But honestly, surgery at that age is a big deal. Get a panel of doctors to decide if it's really worth the trouble or if a simple dietitian can help instead.

Rohan Deshpande Rohan Deshpande Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Actually, 70 is not just a number when it comes to surgery, yaar. Anesthetists have to be super careful at this age. It's best to go to a top-tier hospital and get a proper fitness clearance first.

Rahul Kapoor Rahul Kapoor Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

The surgery is one thing, but the diet after that is very strict and liquid-heavy for weeks. At 70, giving up our favorite soft foods and small treats can be emotionally very tough. Do think about the lifestyle change before going ahead.

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Alok Mishra Alok Mishra Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

This sounds really stressful to decide. Has anyone here had a parent go through weight loss surgery in their 70s? I would love to know if the recovery was very painful or if there were any major side effects to worry about.

Ramesh Patil Ramesh Patil Joined May 2026 5 months ago

It isn't always about age, but more about physical fitness. Only a proper medical team can evaluate if the body can handle it.

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

I panicked when my uncle was suggested a major procedure at 71, thinking it was too risky. But after the doctors did some routine heart and lung tests, they assured us he was fit, and he recovered beautifully. Just find a highly experienced surgeon and trust their call.

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