60 and Poor Health... Anyone get denied WLS?

[Midwest Grateful 48]

Hi there.

I'm new. I've been researching, considering WLS for the past couple of months. I learned my insurance won't cover, so Mexica may be an option if I move forward. As I complete my health history for one clinic, I am wondering who is going to do surgery on a 60-year-old in poor health? Yet, I understand so many candidates receive surgery because of their health.

- I've been hypothyroid for 20 years, which has progressed now to autoimmune thyroid.
- I've had several surgeries over the years. Mainly:
two cesareans,
hysterectomy,
hernia repair,
gallbladder removal,
pacemaker.

I also have asthma, and neuropathy in feet due to degenerative disc disease. I've been referred to mayo Clinic for what my doctor believes are autoimmune-related issues.

Has anyone here been denied surgery due to health/age? I am considering WLS to help with health issues after I visit Mayo Clinic. I was told by one reputable clinic in Mexico I would not be a candidate for the sleeve; I'd need a gastric bypass if accepted. Getting this weight off (goal of about 85 lbs.) would help with arthritis and autoimmune, etc. Anyone have similar experience? I look at my application and realize I may just be beyond the scope of consideration. I'd appreciate some feedback. Thank you! I wish you all well in your journey!

[It's time. 145]

I'm 65 and had two open heart surgeries and on my second pacemaker. My doctor didn't blink about my heart and Medicare paid for it.

Edited April 6, 2021 by It's time.

[catwoman7 11,223]

your age won't be an issue. I know several people who had WLS in their 60s. I was going to say the same about the list of medical issues you listed, but the one I wasn't sure about was pacemaker. But the commenter above answered that one...

[Midwest Grateful 48]

13 hours ago, It's time. said:

I'm 65 and had two open heart surgeries and on my second pacemaker. My doctor didn't blink about my heart and Medicare paid for it.

I've heard of others having WLS with a pacemaker. Two open heart surgeries? I'm glad that worked out for you. It's encouraging. Thank you for sharing. I hope you're doing well!

[Midwest Grateful 48]

12 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

your age won't be an issue. I know several people who had WLS in their 60s. I was going to say the same about the list of medical issues you listed, but the one I wasn't sure about was pacemaker. But the commenter above answered that one...

I didn't think my age would be an issue, and it's encouraging to hear so many others receive WLS later in life. I think I wonder more about the autoimmune issues. I've heard healing can be slower, or recovery. Thanks for sharing.

[BDL58 86]

I will be 63 when I have my surgery on 6/1/21...my age wasn’t an issue. I’m so looking forward to having joints that don’t ache, preventing my prediabetes from progressing and maybe decreasing or getting off my blood pressure medications.

[Midwest Grateful 48]

7 hours ago, BDL58 said:

I will be 63 when I have my surgery on 6/1/21...my age wasn’t an issue. I’m so looking forward to having joints that don’t ache, preventing my prediabetes from progressing and maybe decreasing or getting off my blood pressure medications.

Congratulations on your surgery date. You must be excited to be moving forward. I wish you well!