I have not had bypass surgery, though I did have another open heart procedure. However, for an elderly person, it seems like a less invasive approach would be best. My husband had a stent placed and did quite well afterward. The procedure itself was not very difficult for him and recovery was easy. They biggest issue was all of the medicines he had to take afterward. I believe that Plavix is always required after a stent. He got his after he had a heart attack though, so his treatment was not optional. What do his doctors recommend? How occluded are the arteries?