over sixty seven

rosaliedesonia · January 8, 2008

I am over 67 years of age. I was wondering if a lot of people my age hae had the surgery, and if they wondered about their age before having it. I have been obese all my life nearly, being born weighing one ounce under 12 pounds. Ihavedoneallthe programs out there almost, getting my lowest weightever down to 179 pounds. I weigh neasrly 250, and I would like to get rid of this weight. I haven't had heart or diabetis trouble and I am thankful for that. I don't want them and that is only one of my reasons for surgery. I would just like to hear from someone my age. I am scheduled for the surgery on the 16th. of this month. Thanks Rose

sfeiner · January 9, 2008

Well Rose. I am 67 and I got the band on Oct 28. Surgery went fine. They didn't seem to think my age was a factor. I weigh 270 after losing 15. I had one fill and didn't get any restriction. Next tue I get another and I sure hope it helps. Medicare payed and AARP ins picked up what medicare didn't . I never saw a bill. I wanted to lose weight because I ache all over,esp knees and feet, I'm short of breath, I need a CPAP at night, I can't even walk my dog! I just want a better quality of life.

joyceq · January 10, 2008

Hi Rose, I was so happy to find this forum and find that there are some "older gals" like me! I am 69. I have just finished my tests but haven't had the consult yet. I was so afraid that the surgeon would say that I am too old. Good luck with your surgery, I'll be rooting for you! Joyce

rosaliedesonia · January 10, 2008

Hi. Thanks for the reply. Like you, I have pains in my knees. I went to the doctors and he said I have arthritis. Also again like you, I have a Cpap machine, but I have yet to fall asleep with it on. I am having a terrible time. It nerves me all up. I was told yesterday that I have to be using it for them to do the surgery. I see the sleep apnea doctor today. I also sondered how long they keep the compression stockings on us after the surgery, if anyone will let me know, I appreciate it. I guess I am full of questions. Thank goodness I am doing ok with my two weeks on the shakes. Rose

sfeiner · January 10, 2008

I have a cpap too. I've had it for 5 yrs and I can't sleep without it. I never had a problem with it. I guess I was afraid of dying or having a stroke in my sleep. So I'm nerved up if I don't have....like if I decide to take a little nap.........can't unless I go to bed with the cpap. Today I got a new mask. Actually nose pillows instead of a mask. I'm anxious to try it out.

lee41 · January 10, 2008

I am over 67 years of age. I was wondering if a lot of people my age hae had the surgery, and if they wondered about their age before having it. I have been obese all my life nearly, being born weighing one ounce under 12 pounds. Ihavedoneallthe programs out there almost, getting my lowest weightever down to 179 pounds. I weigh neasrly 250, and I would like to get rid of this weight. I haven't had heart or diabetis trouble and I am thankful for that. I don't want them and that is only one of my reasons for surgery. I would just like to hear from someone my age. I am scheduled for the surgery on the 16th. of this month. Thanks Rose

Hi Rose,

Yes, it's good to know there are other 'oldies' having the lap band. I'll be turning 67 in March and will be having the lap band procedure Jan. 21st. I don't, at this point, have any health problems but I have little energy which keeps me from engaging in all the activities I want to and if I don't get the weight off, I'm sure health problems will emerge--soon. Good luck on your surgery and give us updates from time to time.

evvy · January 11, 2008

I think this is a GREAT idea! I've browsed this board several times, but this is the first time I've posted.

62 (well in a couple of weeks) here! 300 or so lbs. (top was 356.5 a few years ago) BMI of 56!!!

This next Tues, I have my 3 appointments, including seeing the surgon. Am SO hoping I'll be approved, (but not counting my chickens before they hatch! =was turned down 2x for gastric bypass due to health issues) as nothing has EVER worked. I've been obese/morbidly obese since about age 5!

I DO have diabetes, on insulin pump, AND I have a multitude of other health issues, some of them genetic, some rare.

All of which would improve (not to mention quality of life) with even a 50 = 60 LB loss.

joyceq · January 11, 2008

Hi Evvy, I'll be thnking of you on Tuesday and hoping all goes well. Be sure to let us know. Joyce

Serenissima · January 13, 2008

Hi! I am 67 and had my surgery November 9, 2007. I have diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol--the whole metabolic syndrome. I had surgery on one knee, but it didn't go well; carrying all the extra weight has destroyed all the cartilage, so it's bone on bone. I wondered whether I would (or should) be accepted for surgery at my age. But my primary physician, a geriatric specialist, urged me to do it. Now I am so glad! And Medicare plus Medigap insurance covered it all!

sfeiner · January 13, 2008

Hi Serenissima, I'm the same age age you and had my surgery on Oct 28. You have done much much better than I have. I'm getting my 2nd fill tue and hoping it will do something for my ferocious appetite. Welcome to our group!

Serenissima · January 16, 2008

Thanks for the welcome, Sharon! But try not to make comparisons. We are all going to progress at our own speed. If you are losing, it's working. As my friends in various 12-step programs say, "Progress, not perfection." Easy to say, of course. I had one day this week when I gained two tenths of a pound, and I was distraught! But I've learned from 17 years with diabetes that there will be days when you do everything the same as the day before and end up with different blood glucose numbers. I have learned not to make myself nuts wondering why, because I will not get an answer. The body is very complex!

Best of luck with your refill!

lkgrubb · January 17, 2008

I am 65, have every co-morbidity you can think of: diabertes, 4 stents, pacemaker, sleep apnea, arthritis, bad knees,and on and on.

I am scheduled for lap band on 1/31/2008 om Scottsdale,AZ

I have spent the first 40 years a a thin person and from 40 on gaining weight and strugling to loose it. I want to live life again not huff and puff, not be able to walk without pain and to maybe even ride a horse. PLUS shop for regular clothes.

Best to all of you.

Thor · January 18, 2008

Hi all my screen name is Thor, my real name is Becky, Thor is my 125 rottie who loves me unconditionaly, I will be 60 in Feb, would love to be part of your group, I have my surg,long time coming, January 25th, excited, nervous, worried, all at the same time. Right now I am on my liquid diet, which I might add is doing only fare by my standards, My biggest problem is getting all the Water in, I feel like I'm drinking it all day, then I go the the bathroom all day. Spend more time in the bath-room than at my Desk at work.....May the Lord Bless each and everyone of us and make our Journey easy and uneventful. Thor

skittles108 · January 18, 2008

I've found an over 60 group and that is exciting. I'm 65 and had the surgery at 64. I'm not 1 1/2 years out from the surgery which I think saved my life. I was unable to walk because of bad knees that they said needed replaced; heart surgery; hypothyroidism; sleep apnea, and many other problems. The surgery has changed my life. I have lost 115 lbs. and feel wonderful. I'm 5'8" tall and weight 160 lbs. for the first time in years and years. When I had the surgery I was 275 lb. and unable to get around. I now have no more sleep apnea; my knees are like new; and although I still take Synthroid it is a much lower dose. Life is good and I'm so happy to have met older bandsters. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

If you are considering the lapband, it is the best thing that ever happened to me. I've had zero complications..no gas after surgery, nothing. My fills have gone perfectly, although I'm at 4 cc in a 4 cc band (which holds 6 cc). The restriction is perfect. I don't PB or anything and I'm full very fast. Life is good.

I wish you all the best.

Skittles:biggrin:

lkgrubb · January 18, 2008

Skittles:

Thanks for the update on your journey. Sounds as though we are on the same path. It is so encouraging to know that we are regaining our lifes and moving forward. I tell my husband (of 43 yrs) I want our life back, no medical problems, of fewer, I know that many are my own doing but I want to have the next years to be joyous instead of not being able to do things.

We all will benefit from this more mature group sharing I am sure so many of us feel alone, no more!

13 days and counting!