Is Age a factor ?

[gemi 0]

My sister and I are both AARP members she's in her early 60's. We are both overweight with high enough BMI's to qualify and are considering the surgery if our insurance would cover it. But my concern is age. Is GS good for us older members?

Along with my other health issues I worry about my joints etc. I have enough pain now I can't imagine the next 10 years. And neither one of us has been successful with losing weight and maintaining the lose.

But I don't want to even consider going through all this if people over 55 have more problems or risks.

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get with Medicare? I know they cover it just not sure how difficult is it to actually get them to.

[magtart 603]

I'm 59 and have my first appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. I'll let you know!

[Arts137 1,811]

I was 63 at time of surgery. Coming close to 100# loss from my highest weight, and feeling fine. Surgery was also fine for me. Good luch as you research and make your decision!

[PdxMan 4,292]

I believe 68 is the upper limit for VSG, but confirm with your surgeon.

[mokee 588]

I had GS 2 days after my 66th birthday. I live in southern Ohio and Medicare paid for mine. From what I've read it depends on where you live whether Medicare pays. When you go to the weight loss seminars they can tell you if Medicare pays in their practice. I have lost 85 lbs in 10 months and my diabetes has improved greatly. I went from 150 units of insulin a day to 30 units a day. It is so much easier to get around. It is great to shop in regular womens dept stores instead of plus sizes. I went from a 24/26 to a 14/16. Many other good things have come from this also. Don't let your age deter you.

[bigsleeve56 266]

The saying is it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks not that that applies here.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

GS good for us older members?

gemi

I believe there have been recent Medicare laws improving coverage on VSG in many more states

your health will substantially improve as you lose weight with the help/assistance of the sleeve

"you work with the sleeve, and the sleeve will work with you"

you have to do alot of hard work, follow rules for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life

you want to fix those joints et al - the surgery is totally worth it

i no longer take insulin/meds for diabetes II - no more high blood pressure meds - CPAP is gone!!!!!

I was never warned about any additional risks due to age

i had VSG 1 month before my 58th b'day

its almost 2 years later - i have lost 105 lbs - reached and maintaining goal 10 months and counting

i was 57 years OLD, when i had my surgery

after losing my excess weight with the help of the sleeve,

i am now 59 years YOUNG

best of luck to you and your sister

kathy

[lifer 39]

I'm 3 months out and will be 60 in November. I feel great and my joints feel even greater. The only thing I will say is that I noticed that my recovery took a week or two longer than younger patients. That would stand to reason, I guess. I say go for it, you won't regret it.

[cindymg 629]

I am 59 and nearly 5 months post op. Someone else on this site wrote last week that you don't see too many 70 year olds carrying around this kind of weight. That really struck me because I have looked and am not seeing them.

For me, my diabetes was so out of control that I was in danger of losing my feet. Now my sugars are under control, I'm nearly 60 pounds down, and I feel fabulous! I have a new chance at seeing 60, 70, 80!

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

I had GS 2 days after my 66th birthday. I live in southern Ohio and Medicare paid for mine. From what I've read it depends on where you live whether Medicare pays. When you go to the weight loss seminars they can tell you if Medicare pays in their practice.

I find this really odd. Isn't Medicare a national program... Why are the benefits different depending on your location. Weird.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Oh.. And don't let age stop you from VSG. I'm 56 and because of VSG I'm going to be living a lot longer

[Peggy D 124]

I just turned 64 & am almost 7 weeks post-op & the sleeve is the best thing I've ever done for myself.

[Cabingirl 55]

I turned 64 a few days prior to my surgery in August. I'm a working professional. I am sure it was the right decision for me. I weighed 283 lbs at my first pre- surgery appointment and 235 currently.

At my 6-week appointment I was able to eliminate my blood pressure meds (mild hypertension). Originally my BMI didn't qualify me for the sleeve,b only the RNY, which I didn't want. My surgeon worked with the insurance company to have the sleeve approved.

My only recommendation as a concession to age and/or co-morbidities is to ensure you are with a well regarded bariatric team with excellent outcomes with extensive VSG experience. I had a seriously messed up esophagus and stomach due to GERD, and the bariatric focused gastroenterologist has been a HUGE part of my recovery.

[magtart 603]

I just got back from my first visit to the surgeon and after looking at my patient info he said I was a good candidate for the sleeve. He did not even mention any other options. I already have made my appointments with the psychologist and the NUT so I am on my way!

[akusah 67]

I am 68and will be sleeved on Oct. 22. No one has mentioned any age limit but there is a group of folks on here that are in their 70's. Look in "age specific gastric sleeve groups". Good luck. I definitely felt this was the best surgery for me at this time.