Age 61 - Is It Too Late?

[Diane626 1]

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.

[elcee 3,343]

I don't believe it is ever too late to do something positive about your health. There are a number of older people on this forum that have had the surgery.

I'm not in the US so I can't give you any advice about insurance.

But the best thing for you to do is to start researching WLS. Go and see a Dr. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions here too. It is important that you know in advance what surgery involves, what you will need to do to make your band (or other wls successful) etc.

All the best.

[Kime-lou 648]

I had people in my WLS group who were older than that, so no 61 is not old and not to old to make a change for the better. As long as your doctor says you are good for surgery (which everyone has to have) you can go for it.

[djbryan51 8]

I'm 61 and I don't think it is to late to have the surgery, in fact I will start making arrangements about October. My insurance won't pay for it so I am going to have to self-pay but it will be worth it.

Check out the sixties forum. You'll meet a lot of people our age and older who have been banded.

[Sojourner 2,446]

It's never too late to improve the quality of your life...and I'm an older bandster with 2 wonderful grandchildren.

My primary motivation to have my surgery was to avoid several additional medical conditions...but there are many benefits which I was not focused on. How nice to not need to adjust the seat in my car to comfortable get in, get out , and fit in it while driving...not to mention the feeling of a degree of increased agility after loosing 60+ pounds.

Definitely do your research, attend a seminar for additional information...and decide if it is the right choice for you. Though I have experienced a couple of weight loss related medical complications since having my band placed, they are mild compared to what my weight loss is sparing me from.

Best wishes to you as you "weigh" your options...

[Rojasanoll 920]

There is NO AGE for someone improving their health and quality of life. Go for it!

Be positive and Best Wishes. I'm way over "39". Banded Aug 6

[kyrasgrandma 228]

I am 61 and will be having lap band surgery later this fall.

Just wish I had of done it last year when I first started researching but I chickened out and wasted a whole year.

Lynn

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Granted I'm only 39, but I don't think it's every too late to make changes to improve your quality of life.

I say do your homework thoroughly, know what you're getting into, and if it feels like a good decision then go for it.