Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot

[Mountaingal 322]

I am finding some Drs won't band anyone over 56! Why they chose that age who knows.I will need to go to Mexico as my ins won't pay a dime. Anyone here over 56 been banded in Mexico and by whom? Thanks.

[lotsabirds 0]

I am 65 and was banded in May. I too thought I was too old but that thought passed! I healed up quickly and had no problems other than the gas pains in my shoulder. That too passed! If that Dr. had an age limit find another one. Good luck.

[JoannMarie 0]

OMW - I guess I will have to go ck that out - it seems like a lifetime ago - but again it seems like yesterday - I am comming up on my 2 yr anniversary..

Yep we all were newbies once :0)... Now I'm just an old broad :0)..

OLD BROAD??? No longer BROAD - and a h*** of a lot younger!!!

Sorry, Janet - that does not compute!

:thumbup::rolleyes2::thumbup:

[JoannMarie 0]

56??? How do they come up with that barrier??? I know some of the docs in our area have 65 as a limit, in fact the facility I went to limits at 65. But they have a waiver option if the doctor feels you are a good candidate though over 65. That's how I qualified for my surgery at age 66. Keep looking in your area if you can, and appeal with your insurance company or employer if that is possible. Medicare pays for banding, and since they began to cover this surgery, many other ins companies have joined the "band"wagon. Often it depends on whether or not your employer chooses weight loss treatments of any kind and many don't. Some have changed that if presented with the positive aspects of WLS - such as lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis (knee and hip surgeries), and other diseases caused by obesity - expensive to treat and bringing about more disability claims at younger ages. The studies showing this and other benefits convinced Medicare to cover about 3 years ago.

There is a group in Detroit (I think it's Detroit) that treats Medicare patients - most likely they will treat those over 56, too, whether MC or not. I can't remember the name, but try googling LB surgery in Detroit and see if you come up with it. I've heard from several people who have gone to them and been happy with their surgery and aftermath. Not an endorsement, but just a suggestion for more research. Also, on the December 2008 thread there are some who traveled to Mexico and were happy with their experience. Last I heard Florida Pete was one of them. I have not heard from him for a while, so I don't know how he is doing now. (thread - Do you have a December date?) Possibly you could PM him for more information.

I hope this helps. Over 56 is ridiculous - Look at the success on this thread. It can certainly be done and safely.

[Mountaingal 322]

No, I don't think I am too old in any way. Never too old unless your Dr tells you the surgery would be too dangerous. Looking in the US is not an option. I am not old enough for Medicare and my insurance won't pay a dime. I don't have a Dr or a date as I am still looking and learning.I admit to being worried about any complications after the surgery as again my ins won't pay if they can trace the problem back to the surgery in any "creative " way. You can tell I am not too fond of them. Thanks everyone for your encouraging replies.

[Great2BThin 5]

Mountaingal, I was self pay for my surgery, I took out a loan to pay for mine. Many doctor offices have a cash price and it's less than the insurance price. Also, there's a dr Kirschenbaum here in Denver that many people on these boards have flown to from across the country to have surgery with as he charges under $10,000. Look for the Dr. K thread they are all very happy with him, as an option to going to Mexico. I am in Denver but did not use him as I liked my surgeon so much and he came so highly recommended to me and his secretary/receptionist was so rude on the phone but after talking to many of his patients who all love her, I must've hit her on a bad day, everyone is entitled to one here and there! Good luck to you. I got banded at age 50 and lost 125 lbs in one year so yes us more mature folks can do it. I think being older has an advantage, we are wiser, we are more motivated and tend to be doign it more for our health.

[Mountaingal 322]

Thanks for the info Long2bThin. I was going to check out Dr K and the cost of flights etc to Denver.Sounds as if you have had wonderful results. Congratulations to you. I am seeing my family Dr in mid July and will see if he has any recommendations as he was the one who first suggested this.

[Great2BThin 5]

MountainGal, good luck in your research. One other thing I forgot to mention, I was self pay and all my medical costs were deductible on my taxes. My tax refund this year was about $4000 higher than it's ever been before as a result of that deduction so a bit of it did come back to me. Of course, everyone's tax situation is different and I am in no means giving tax advice! It was a cost that was so worth it to me, it has given me my life back. And of course the grocery bill is much smaller! BUt clothing bill much higher! LOL

[Mountaingal 322]

Long2bThin, thanks for mentioning the tax deduction for medical bills. I had completely forgotten about that which would lessen the bill a bit.

[Headhunter 6]

Some of the limitations (age and otherwise) that some of these Doctors come up with are baffling. How do they come up with this stuff?

There are PLENTY of Drs that will Band you at your age, and much older. Just make sure you research them TOTALLY. Check with WasaABubblebutt on this forum, she is the very best resource for finding out about reputable Surgeons in Mexico.

Good luck in your process!

HH

[nawlinzlady 1]

What is the purpose of the whole pre-op liquid diet thing? Is it to make the surgery go easier or a jumpstart on the post-op liquids? ...

[Great2BThin 5]

What is the purpose of the whole pre-op liquid diet thing? Is it to make the surgery go easier or a jumpstart on the post-op liquids?...

There's probably as many answers to that as there are pre op diets. It is supposed to shrink the liver however and make surgery easier. But it would do all of the above. Some docs seem to require it for up to 2 weeks before surgery and others not at all. I only had to do 24 hours of liquids. But then again it may not be so much differing docs opinions but differing patients conditions as well.

[Cecy 0]

All of the time. My doctor says it is normal. I throw up so easy, but I am so happy to be losing weight consistently even though slowly that I will take whatever comes with it. I know I am not getting a complete diet, because most veggies will not go down. Thanks for giving a place for us to respon (I'm 52)

[peaches9 3]

what is the purpose of the whole pre-op liquid diet thing? Is it to make the surgery go easier or a jumpstart on the post-op liquids?...

it is in order to shrink your liverÇ

that way less complications from moving your liver out of the way to acceess your stomach which sits behind the liver.

Good luck to you

[deepinfl 0]

Oh yeah..sometimes it all comes back up. I have learned not to eat potatoes, they always come up, bread, etc. But, some things I can eat one day and not the next. Go figure. Just started to be able to eat lettuce. Wasn't able to before. Why doesn't ICE cream and chocolate come back up, that's what I want to know, hahahha.