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Should a 70-year-old woman consider weight loss surgery?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 70-year-old woman dealing with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and severe knee arthritis. Dieting becomes more difficult each year due to my limited mobility, and my current BMI is 41. Should I consider weight loss surgery at my age? My family believes bariatric surgery may be too risky for someone older, but I am genuinely concerned about losing my independence if my health continues to decline like this.

I really appreciate any help you can provide.

Please guide.

Answered by Dr. Harshvardhan Deshpande

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Harshvardhan Deshpande is a Board-Certified Physician and Board-Certified Surgeon with qualifications in MBBS, DNB Family Medicine, and DNB Rural Surgery. He practices with an empathetic, patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based medicine. Committed to comprehensive and ethical healthcare, Dr. Deshpande focuses on delivering high-quality medical and surgical care tailored to the individual needs of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns.

As you have indicated, you are currently facing significant health challenges, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and severe knee arthritis that has restricted your mobility. These conditions can be particularly daunting, but there are steps you can take to improve your situation.

In the first place, it would be better to consult an endocrinologist about this problem. An endocrinologist will be able to assess your condition and discuss the benefits of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs, which can help you manage your weight and improve your diabetes control.

Simultaneously, it would be beneficial to consult with an orthopedist regarding your knee arthritis. They will help determine whether knee replacement surgery is a viable option for you, considering your age and any other health issues (comorbidities).

Knee replacement surgeries have shown positive outcomes for many patients, enabling them to regain their mobility and improving their ability to participate in daily activities. Post-surgery, you would have the opportunity to participate in physical exercise, which can play a crucial role in your recovery and long-term health.

But it is very crucial for you to understand that every operation comes with its own set of risks. It is necessary for you to have a detailed talk with your orthopedic surgeon regarding all the risks involved.

In the interim, as you consider these options, you might want to incorporate upper-body exercises into your routine. A trainer or physiotherapist can help tailor a program that suits your current abilities and limitations. This can not only help maintain some level of fitness but also prepare your body for possible surgeries in the future.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I encourage you to take these steps towards improving your health.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please follow up with more details.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 27, 2026
Reviewed At July 10, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Harshvardhan Deshpande is a Board-Certified Physician and Board-Certified Surgeon with qualifications in MBBS, DNB Family Medicine, and DNB Rural Surgery. He practices with an empathetic, patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based medicine. Committed to comprehensive and ethical healthcare, Dr. Deshpande focuses on delivering high-quality medical and surgical care tailored to the individual needs of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Harshvardhan Deshpande is a Board-Certified Physician and Board-Certified Surgeon with qualifications in MBBS, DNB Family Medicine, and DNB Rural Surgery. He practices with an empathetic, patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based medicine. Committed to comprehensive and ethical healthcare, Dr. Deshpande focuses on delivering high-quality medical and surgical care tailored to the individual needs of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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