Diane626

I have just started to research lapband surgery. I am 61 years old, 5'7" and 280 lbs. I am so tired of living this way. So tired of having to tell my 3 year old granddaughter that "Grammy can't sit on the floor with you to play." ( because it would be so hard to get up). I am a type 2 diabetic ( well controlled on pills), take meds for high blood pressure, and both knees are in terrible shape - getting shots in them every couple of months. My question is, am I too old for this surgery? Most of the posts I have read on this forum are from younger people. Also, I inquired about coverage through my insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida) and they have said thy don't cover weight loss surgery. Have any of you encountered this and if so, what did you do? Thanks so much for any help.....or hope...... You can give me.

Hi everyone. I just started exploring the Lapband and had made the decision to go for it. I inquired with my insurance company and tis is the response I got back: "Your plan specifically excludes : Weight Control Services including any Service to lose, gain, or maintain weight regardless of the reason for the Service or whether the Service is part of a treatment plan for a Condition." I am employed full time and pay extra to have a better BCBS plan so I am very discoraged with this response. I am 61 years old, weigh 280, take meds for high blood pressure, take meds for Type 2 Diabetes, and both of my knees are extremely painful. I know my primary care physician as well as my orthopedic doc (who gives me shots in the knees for the pain) would definitely approve of this surgery and would write letters if it would help. Has anyone received this kind of notice from their insurance and was able to finally get approved? Thanks so much for any info you can give. I truly appreciate it. Diane

I just posted on the intro forum but now found this one. I am 61 years old and just beginning research on getting banded. I feared I was too old. My mind is very young but my body feels old and hurting. I am a Type 2 diabetic - well controlled with pills,, take high blood pressure meds, and both knees hurt badly. I want to play with my grandchildren. Right now my insurance company is saying they won't pay for the procedure....but I am going to keep at them and have my docs contact them . Hope it works. Any advice with insurance companies would be appreciated. So glad I dound this group!