I've been on the road to bypass surgery twice, beginning in 2008. The first time, my insurance stopped covering it and the second time I changed jobs and lost my coverage. When I was younger, one of my main motivators was appearance. Now I'm heavier (223) and I've been diagnosed with diabetes 2, hypertension and high cholesterol. I want the surgery just to prolong my life!! I have Medicare now and from what I've heard they cover the surgery and the required specialists, although I read that MediCare requires 6 months of a medically supervised diet. My physician has already referred me to a bariatric surgeon at a Center of Excellence in St. Louis, MO. So I guess my question is, Is there anyone here close to my age who's had the surgery? What was your experience with the surgery itself? I'm thinking recovery and complications are bound to be affected by age. If any of you are on Medicare, what was your experience with them?

Thanks!

Hi Dena, I'm about as close in age as possible, 59 yrs and 6 months. My surgery is scheduled for November 12, (this Wed.). I am on day 5 of my pre-op diet of liquids only. I will be happy to keep you updated as I go along if you wish.

So far my 5 days on liquids only has gone well with no cheats. For me, day 7 will be the worst because I have to drink that bowel cleansing stuff and it must be pure salt Water because that is what it tastes like. I've had it before and just the thought gags me. I've never heard of anyone else with this problem though, so don't worry about it. Once I am past that I think I will be fine.

I don't know if I will be in the hospital only 2-3 days with laparoscopy or if it will be 5-7 day stay because the surgeon may decide to do open surgery, he said it is a 50/50 chance for either.

What I am longwindedly getting to here is when I get home from the hospital I will post my experience as well as ongoing progress or setbacks...which I do not expect any of those though!

I hope this will help you. Feel free to ask me any questions you like and I will answer as honestly as possible.

You will do great, I'm sure. What you are doing is for your health and it is NEVER too late to do something positive for your health.

I'll see you on the other side!

I am 56 turning 57 on Jan 1... my surgery is in 2 weeks and 3 days ????

I really don't know why some surgeons require 2 weeks liquid and some don't. I only have the day before my surgery clear liquid.

I think the surgeon I'll be having has stopped asking for the liquid diet the week before surgery. I'll know more later.