Am I too old?

[LinKo 0]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking into this surgery for quite awhile. I was going to check into it previously, but thought I'd try losing on my own again. After trying (again) many of the same diets, I've come to the conclusion I need this tool to help me do it. I recently turned 57 and am wondering what the maximum age is that they will do lap-band surgery. If I have to go through the whole process of getting insurance to agree to it, the 6-month pre op program, etc., I'll be close to 58 when I have the surgery. Can it still be done?

Also, I've had gallbladder surgery and have a 10" scar as well as a drain scar. Has anyone heard of this being an issue for laparoscopic surgery? I'm wondering about scar tissue.

I'm just so sick of myself, I don't even like to leave the house anymore. I'm embarrassed and humiliated.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

Linda

[btrieger 21]

There are women here old enough to be your mother.

[LeighaMason 19]

In my family it is usual to live to the 85-90 range so lets say you have 30 more years, do you want to be obese that long?

They say 50 is the new 30!

[Ready2 4]

I'm 46 and getting the lap band was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

GO FOR IT!

[Will_B_Healthy 0]

I am 62 and it is three months since my banding.

I never considered age as a determining factor. Maybe the insurance company Nazis do and maybe some cynical thirty-something doctors might allude to the increased risks, dangers, etc. But forget them.

There are three blog sites devoted to fifties, sixties, and seventies. Don't make age an excuse for not living.

Twelve months pre-op I had reconciled my fate, accepted I would die an obese pathetic diabetic. And then I had a brush with that harsh reality, close enough to smell the flowers strewn across my coffin, close enough to realize had I ignored the after hours doctor I would have died. It was an epiphany, not Saul struck blind on the road to Damascus, but it was a truly defining experience for me. Simply: I chose to live. I chose to start living and was determined to make this a life choice not a surgical procedure.

If you read my blog you will discover in the past 90 days post op I have all but abandoned the need for diabetes medication. That alone is reason enough to have banded. There is much more I could tell you but it comes down to a choice. Do you want to revisit quality living or discover it? Get informed, ask the surgeons and physicians and nutritionists and other banders the value, the personal value of banding.

Keep us posted.

As always,

WB

[Ready2 4]

I was Type 2 diabetic. Shortly after my surgery my blood sugar levels were in the "normal" range and have stayed there ever since. And I'm only 5 months post-op. I wouldn't trade this new health for the world!

[AllegrasGramma 0]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking into this surgery for quite awhile. I was going to check into it previously, but thought I'd try losing on my own again. After trying (again) many of the same diets, I've come to the conclusion I need this tool to help me do it. I recently turned 57 and am wondering what the maximum age is that they will do lap-band® surgery. If I have to go through the whole process of getting insurance to agree to it, the 6-month pre op program, etc., I'll be close to 58 when I have the surgery. Can it still be done?

Also, I've had gallbladder surgery and have a 10" scar as well as a drain scar. Has anyone heard of this being an issue for laparoscopic surgery? I'm wondering about scar tissue.

I'm just so sick of myself, I don't even like to leave the house anymore. I'm embarrassed and humiliated.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

Linda

Linda, your facts are almost identical to mine. I had surgery in May, just 2 months before my 59th birthday (next month). I have the same gall bladder scar and drain scar. Neither were an issue for the surgery. I had a surgical problem unrelated to either but nothing serious and while I am losing slowly (20 pounds) I am very happy with the surgery.

Good luck!

[illuminationlady 7]

I'm 51 and only wish I'd done it sooner...Best wishes on whatever you decide...

[catmom50 0]

I just turned 60 last week and have had my band 3 1/2 months. It's the best thing I could have ever done for ME! Go for it, you won't be disappointed. For once in my life I don't feel like I am on a "diet". Good luck to ya and keep us updated and post all your questions here, everyone is so helpful and kind.

[Froggie D 1]

I am 57 years old, had gall bladder surgery with a scar and drain hole (looks like a big exclaimation point on my stomach :smile2:). I thought I was too old for this surgery and I posted almost exactly the same post before my surgery.

I had my surgery April 7. I have lost 50 pounds including my preop diet and I feel great.

I am off my Metformin. My A1C was 6.8 on my meds and now is 6.3 on NO MEDS.

My blood pressure used to run 128/85 so when it got to 112/60 my doc cut them back.

I am no longer using capsaicin ointment on my knees. I do not have pain in them like I did.

I have gone from a size 2x in the women's section to an extra large in the misses department and size 16 jeans!

I am no longer embarassed to be seen in public.

Wednesday is my 58th birthday and I am joining a gym for a present to myself!

Go for it!!!!!!! I feel 10 years younger. You will too!

Edited June 27, 2010 by Froggie D

[oldoneyoungagain 200]

I am 57 years old, had gall bladder surgery with a scar and drain hole (looks like a big exclaimation point on my stomach :thumbup:). I thought I was too old for this surgery and I posted almost exactly the same post before my surgery.

I had my surgery April 7. I have lost 50 pounds including my preop diet and I feel great.

I am off my Metformin. My A1C was 6.8 on my meds and now is 6.3 on NO MEDS.

My blood pressure used to run 128/85 so when it got to 112/60 my doc cut them back.

I am no longer using capsaicin ointment on my knees. I do not have pain in them like I did.

I have gone from a size 2x in the women's section to an extra large in the misses department and size 16 jeans!

I am no longer embarassed to be seen in public.

Wednesday is my 58th birthday and I am joining a gym for a present to myself!

Go for it!!!!!!! I feel 10 years younger. You will too!

Froggie D-Happy Birthday a few days early, but come on you are doing so great your should be feeling at least 20 years younger:thumbup:. What you have accomplished so far I envy you. I was hoping to get off my six blood presssure meds, but only one so far, and think I'll be stuck on insulin even though by diabetes is well under control, just so insulin resistant. Just want you to know, I'm in your corner yelling bravo, bravo, :smile2::hurray:keep up the good work toward a healthier you.

[LinKo 0]

That's great Froggie D! And Happy Birthday!!!

One quick question...where do I start? Do you know of a thread that will walk me through the steps to get this done?

[jllybean1982 0]

You're never too old to get healthier! I've heard that 40 is the new 20, so I guess 50 is the new 30! Go for it!!!

[oldoneyoungagain 200]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking into this surgery for quite awhile. I was going to check into it previously, but thought I'd try losing on my own again. After trying (again) many of the same diets, I've come to the conclusion I need this tool to help me do it. I recently turned 57 and am wondering what the maximum age is that they will do lap-band® surgery. If I have to go through the whole process of getting insurance to agree to it, the 6-month pre op program, etc., I'll be close to 58 when I have the surgery. Can it still be done?

Also, I've had gallbladder surgery and have a 10" scar as well as a drain scar. Has anyone heard of this being an issue for laparoscopic surgery? I'm wondering about scar tissue.

I'm just so sick of myself, I don't even like to leave the house anymore. I'm embarrassed and humiliated.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

Linda

Just banded 3/17/10 at age 67, 68 in August. Think there are some out on the thread that have even been older, so don't really believe your age will be a problem. Because the Cardiologist, pulmonologist and PCP said without this surgery I probably had about five years remaining the surgeon had no problem with banding me at 67 and I'm like Froggie D. If I continue with the way I feel now, think when I get to goal should feel about 29 :smile2: Anyway, that is my goal. Only regret, wish I would have done this sooner. I also had my gallbladder out in 2001 but it was laparoscopic surgery, surgeon had no problems with the band surgery but your surgeon will determine if the scar tissue will be a problem and should let you know. Wishing you all the best, but don't worry regarding your age, you're still young .

[Linda CT 53 0]

Hi... no you are not too old. I am 56 ..will be 57 in November and I just had a lap band on Monday the 21st. I have had NUMEROUS surgeries over the years - and also hda mastectomy with tran flap... and they were able to do it... hope that helps..and good luck!