Just wondering if our age has anything to do with winding up in ICU, lung collapses, etc. I am 61 and hearing all these stories of serious complications is sort of scaring me....but not exactly putting me off having it done!

I think how we come through band placement has more to do with our general overall health/condition than anything else.

Also (it seems) people with a higher BMI have additional challenges with the procedure.

I know people that are in their 60's and they are very fit and healthy - and then there are those in their 30's who are not.

I'm on my 12th day after surgery and I am 49. I had a lower bmi (34) than some and my health was good and I had no complications whatsoever.

At least in the short-term (knock-on-wood).

I went to Dr. Kuri in TJ, Mex - I lacked any insurance for this so I was self-pay. Dr. Kuri is one of the best in or out of this country - so if you do it, find yourself a surgeon with an excellent reputation and one that has done at least 300 bands on his own (not the clinics total).

Patti

I was 55 years old when I had my lap band on 12/07/04. I was 232# at the time of surgery, BMI of 41. I had a very smooth surgery. If I hadn't gotten sick from the Tylenol with Codeine, I would have had a remarkable recovery. As it is, 5 days later I did all of my Christmas shopping. Unlike what I read from these message boards, I had restriction from the very beginning. After losing 75# I had my first and only fill on July 23 when I had .8 cc's put it. Since then I haven't lost much but I have recently stepped up my exercise program trying to pass this plateau. I still have restriction, but I do eat more than I originally did.

I do believe that it is easier when you are younger, because isn't everything? Losing weight in general is so much easier when you are younger. Why didn't we realize it then?

But when you are older I feel you have a better chance of success because you realize this is it! It's now or never!

Good Luck, Paula Aurio

I am 49 and have had no complications with the surgery (band related.. the rest is another story). Prior to my surgeon giving his approval for the surgery, I had to undergo a gauntlet of tests ranging from a psychological evaluation, to $600 worth of blood tests, to a sleep study. I also had to get a seal of approval from a Pulminologist (heart/lung specialist). By the time I laid on that gurney to be prepped for surgery, I felt 100% confident that I was in good shape for surgery and that the odds were very low that I would suffer from any avoidable complications. It was an added expense to go thru these pre-tests, but also a great comfort to my family and me.

I was 62 when I had the surgery, and I am now 15 months post-op and NO complications! Have lost 67lbs. and 2 fills (total 1.5cc), I eat about 1/3 of what I ued to eat. I don't eat any white flour, NO bread of any kind, and NO suger. Lots of meat and chicken, fruit and veggies and eggs. Still have a problem getting all my water in, but trying. I am quite restricted early in the day, so usually don't eat till after 10 AM. Get stuck now and then, but it is usually when I have waited too long to eat, and then I eat too fast and don't chew enough!

I would do this again in a heartbeat! I can walk without pain in my knees and feet now, and just have more energy....and can wear a size 14-16 now, NO more plus sizes! If I can answer any more questions for you, please do not hesitate to email me.

I agree with both Susan and Sharon. I too had to go through extensive testing before surgery. But I was due for that testing years earlier, but didn't have the courage or motivation to go through with it. Wanting the surgery gave me the motivation. I had an EKG 6 months before and again 3 days before surgery and passed with flying colors. All of my blood work was good, but then being obese I was borderline everything (diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.)

I also eat now better than I would have ever predicted. No diet soda, no bread, no rice, no fast food, and I don't miss it.

But the most amazing thing, even surprising my kids, is the amount of exercise I do. I took over the recycling at work so I walk every day checking my bins. (I work at the Honolulu Zoo.) Additionally, I take Aerobics twice a week, Pilates once a week, and I work out at a Women's gym 3 or 4 times a week. I never exercised before this surgery.

My daughter asked me the other day, "Why do you suddenly care?" My answer is, "I wish I had cared sooner, but it just wasn't the right time." In February we are having our first grandchild and I want to be around to see him go to college.

Aloha, Paula Aurio

I'm only 23 and had more complications than anyone ~ as I duck to avoid shoes flying at my head, I AM TOO only 23!

((ducking away from the lightning bolt)) LIAR! LMAO!!

Although.... if beauty, personality, and fun were measured by age, I would put you in your early 20's too girl!!

Although.... if beauty, personality, and fun were measured by age, I would put you in your early 20's too girl!!

You would??

Well Ms Hep one, you'd be way off. I'd put her at at LEAST 50--because everyone knows a good woman just gets more beautiful and fun with AGE.

Chriminey... you young 'uns don't know nuttin.

:cake:

Like fine wine, Baby... Revel in the flavor of experience!!

:]

"Well, We're Scared - but we ain't shaken. We're kinda Bent - but we ain't breaking.

Who is gonna make it? We'll find out in the long run..."

Love your quote Rene!

I had my surgery a week before my 57th birthday. In 5 months, I have lost 53 pounds. So far, I haven't had any problems. The amazing thing is that I haven't had a fill yet. When my weight loss slows down, I will get a fill. It is a shame that the lapband wasn't available when we were younger, but we have it now. My son says that the best thing is that I act younger.

OMG this is my big Five O year and I soooo wanna be under 200 pounds before then (Dec 3). I don't want to be old and fat! *sobs*

(My inner voice is now saying: well, stupid, you had enough years to prepare for this and what did you do eh? You sat around getting fatter, whinning about how old you felt and how much you hated it. What did you expect??)

good grief! 53 pounds in 5 months! That is phenomenal! Wow!

I had mine put on 8 days before my 61st birthday...No problems at all, and almost 70 lbs lost...

Wow to you too Bell! That is what...about 10 to 11 pounds per month? That is great! Congratulations! Hope I do as well!