Am I Too Old?

[pjblundell 0]

Hi! I haven't been banded. I am just doing research regarding

LapBand. I weigh over 100 lbs. beyond my goal weight, but the

gastric bypass is too invasive! I am 59, and not sure whether

this is for me.

Secondly, my husband has Medicare with Tricare for Life, and

I am covered as his dependent (spouse) with Tricare Prime; I do

not qualify for Medicare.

I found Tricare Prime accepts referrals from Primary Care Physicians for

GBS. However, I checked about 4 months ago about whether

they approve for LapBand surgery, and was told "No, not at this time."

Has anyone heard different as to whether they have reconsidered?

I am curious. Does anyone know why Tricare Prime would pay for

GBS and not LBS? Maybe because the procedure is still too new?

I would also like to know why it is easier to exercise and eat right when

one has the LBS, than before the surgery? Doesn't the motivation have

to continue? Perhaps the LBS does motivate, when youhave gone that

far?

I know one thing... I have been too heavy, too long (about 8 years)

and realize that soon I am prone to diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.

as it runs in my family, both sides. My motivation to lose lasts about

1 week, then it fades. Could be because my husband can and does

eat Desserts, or anything he desires, with no weight gain. Guess you

might call that co-dependent, but I can't help it. When sweets are

around, I weaken.

I have not been a happy person for a long time now. This weight is

depressing. I would hate to think that I would have to carry my two

dogs around all day long, but my excess weight outweighs them!

...and they are BIG dogs!

Any information about insurance, or advice about LBS will be

appreciated!

Thank you!

Pam

pamblundell@aol.com

[phyllisc 0]

I can not answer questions about your insurance. I was 56.5 when I had the surgery. I think it has slowed the ageing process for me since I feel better physically and about my appearance.

The food issues are very individual. I can say that whatever weight you take off will most likely stay off, bar any problems. The band does not stop you from eating junk. Icecream, Cookies, chips and dip are the easiest things to eat. You must make a conscience effort to eat solid protien and veggies for most of your meals. Head issues will not go away with the band, but it does put more pressure on you to work though these issues if you have them. You will not longer be able to stuff you emotions away with food.

Do a lot of research with both the insurance issue and banding. You can learn a lot from a site like this, but you must do independant research also. The experience of others is most helpful but nothing can totally prepare you for your own experience, you just have to live it and work through it.

Good luck with the insurance and you decision.

[Longhorn 1]

There's a thread for those over 50 and another for those over 60 in the Lap Band Support forum. Some of these topics, including Medicare, have been discussed there. You might want to check them out.

I'm 52 and it never crossed my mind that I might be too old. Silly me! But then I never think I'm as old as I am. :Banane20:

[ekgray 0]

I don't know about your insurance, but I do know about the lapband. I was banded on 12 October 2007, just 3 weeks ago. The first week or so was rough, but am now feeling good, exercising on my treadmill at least 30 minutes a day, sometimes more...and I am 70 years old. Your insurance will probably come around because this surgery is better than the more invasive one. In my opinion. I am lookinf forward to the rest of my life.

ekgray

[katleen 0]

Pam, I am 58 and had the surgery Oct 2007. I too thought I was too old. But now that I have gone through with it I am sooooo happy I did! I have already lost from 249 to 215. I can tell you I feel younger already! I am able to exercise walk etc and never get tired! I can't advice you on insurance but I can tell you that this was the right choice for me. My insurance didnt pay either but I just decided to save for it. They usually give you deals when you are cash pay and will let you know ahead the costs all listed. Your insurance will most probably pay for the tests prior. As far as how it works, well, I guess the easiest way to explain it is I feel like I have eaten a huge Thanksgiving dinner after just a few bites!! And thats the beauty of it. Best Wishes on your success whatever you decide. But most of all, go for it!! Whatever manner of weight loss tools that you decide on, it will be worth it!

[SuzyGayle 0]

You are never too old...most doctors perform surgery for patients up to 70 or 75.

I'm 54 and had my surgery 9-21-07 and have lost 31 lbs. I also have more than 100 lbs to lose, but as you see I'm 1/3 of the way there.

I was on 5 diabetes meds, 1 for high blood pressure, and 1 for cholestrol.

I'm off of the cholestrol med, reduced the BP med, and of the 5 for diabetes, am off of 2, reduced the other 3.

I was spending between $250-300 for meds and supplies and hope to save that money...

My diabetes doctor had 12 people before me that had this surgery and ALL are off meds for diabetes, HBP, cholestrol, and sleep apnea....

There is no reason NOT to do this, but being more healthy and more active and PLUS saving $$ is a great motivator...

plus I iust adopted a retired greyhound...and he gives me more motivation to walk with him...

The biggest advantage to this surgery, is you CAN'T eat the quantify of food like you used to, and after a few weeks you won't want to. But also, don't get into bad habits of high carb and high calorie food and a low quantity....protein is the key for me....when I get hungry, just have a Protein drink and that really helps!

Good Luck...look forward and not backward.

[pjblundell 0]

Thank you Phyllis! The exercise thing bugs me the most right

now. At my weight, I don't feel like exercising. Is it mandatory to begin exercising after the surgery, or wait until

weight has come off, so the energy will be there?

[pjblundell 0]

I am glad to hear you say you are so happy with your decision.

You have done so well so quickly. Did you start exercising

right after the surgery? I get winded so easily and feel like

my weight is to blame. I know I snore, but not sure about sleep apnea. I just feel old, fat, and grunty.

[pjblundell 0]

My last quick reply was to Kathleen. Thank you all for responding to my question about if I am too old. One

girl at work, that had the gastric bypass, told me I was

too old for GB. That is why I was seriously considering the

LB. I do need help and a push in the right direction in order

to continue weight loss. Right now, about 1 week and I am

tired of dieting. I can see where if one feels full after a few

bites, they wouldn't want to continue eating, and that is what

I need. I am one of those that does not believe I eat as much

food to weigh as much as I do. Is this surgery as painful in

recovery as the GB? I have heard awful stories about the

pain, and that is too scary. I hate pain!

[VegasGrace 1]

No, you are not too old.

[pjblundell 0]

Thanks Grace for your reply!

[klassicant 0]

I will be 61 in Dec. I was orginally turned down by BC/BS of Iowa - after going through all the testing - passin all that. The're reasoning was that I didn't have enough documentation on my weight loss over that past three years. In 2004 I had a lung disease that caused me to gain over 40 lbs (I was overweight before because of prednisone.

Anyway, I put together a 200 page document including diets, menus, Dr. visits, exercise things, Dr. notes, hospital notes etc. Had it bound and sent it of to BC/BS. It took them 1 week to approve me. I will be banded on Jan. 10 and looking forward to it. I am sooooo ready to be the thin person that I was about 7 years ago. This site is great.

Never think that you are too old. I had originally contacted the Univ. of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics which does the laproscopic bypass. They said that they're cut off was 60 years - so I went for the LAP.