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Am I Too Old for Bariatric Surgery?
January 21, 2025
If you’ve struggled with your weight for most of your life, it’s not too late to take control of your health with bariatric surgery.
We spoke with Darren Tishler, MD, chief of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Hartford HealthCare, to learn how this transformative procedure can help you feel your best, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life — at any age.
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery isn’t just for younger adults — it’s a safe, effective option for people well into their 70s.
“We start by understanding what the patient wants to achieve and making sure surgery is the right fit,” says Dr. Tishler. “If needed, we’ll address other health issues first to ensure they’re ready and safe for treatment.”
For older adults, the focus is often on addressing health problems tied to obesity, like:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
Worried these health challenges might keep you from having weight loss surgery? Don’t be. “If something is standing in the way, we’ll work together to address it,” says Dr. Tishler.
> Related: Bariatric Surgery Can Help With These 5 Conditions
Better mobility = better health.
Mobility is about more than staying active — it’s the key to living a longer, healthier life.
Many people — especially older adults — are afraid their weight might stop them from living life on their own terms.
“When we think of people living well into their late 80s, 90s or even 100, it’s tied to staying active,” says Dr. Tishler. “Your weight can get in the way of that.”
In some cases, it can even delay procedures that improve mobility.
“If your BMI or weight is too high, you may not qualify for a joint replacement,” explains Dr. Tishler. “By helping patients lose weight through bariatric surgery, they can become eligible for these procedures. Most importantly, if we can help someone move better, we can help them live longer.”
> Related: 6 Common Misconceptions About Weight Loss Surgery
Get back to the activities you enjoy.
For many older adults, weight loss isn’t just about how long you live — it’s about how you live.
“It’s about your quality of life,” says Dr. Tishler. “Playing with your grandkids, enjoying retirement or taking that trip you’ve always dreamed of. Your weight doesn’t have to take that away from you.”
If you’ve struggled with weight your whole life, this might feel too good to be true.
“Many patients have been told to try harder to lose weight on their own,” says Dr. Tishler. “We wouldn’t say that about any other disease, and it’s not the right approach here. Obesity is complex, but we’ll find a science-based treatment to help you succeed.”
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It’s not too late to feel your best.
Some people hesitate to schedule a bariatric surgery consultation, fearing judgment or assuming the answer will be no — especially as they get older.
“That’s not the case,” says Dr. Tishler. “If you need help with weight loss that works for you, these aren’t answers you can find on Google. You are a whole person, and we focus on treating the complex disease of obesity — not just a number on the scale.”
What if surgery isn’t an option?
“That doesn’t mean we can’t help,” says Dr. Tishler. “Come talk to us. Your care team will work together to find the best treatment for you so you can feel better and start living the life you want.”