I am 61 and live in Austin, Texas. I am waiting for Southwest Bariatrics to get the news that Tricare is now paying for the lap band. Their Patient Advocate said that they had heard it, but have not received anything official, so they will not see me until they get the information. I am doing a lot of reserch on lap banding because I am fairly new to the idea. I thought about gastric bypass, but it was just too scary. I am really interestied in reading posts on this thread becuase I AM 61 and have several serious health problems.

Welcome to our site Nanjo. We are never too old to improve. Keep reading and you will know just what to expect by surgery time. Hope you get seen real soon.

Hello all,

That's right !! you're never to old to improve yourself!! I'm 63 and I'm having my surgery onFebruary 26th!!! I'm so excited!!!!

Jaunderwood

akaKentucky Gal

How cool for you folks who actually get your insurance to pay some or all of the cost of the band --- ours wouldn't even discuss it.

Is there any truth to the rumor that Medicare will pay for lap band surgery?

Angie in Texas, US

That is not a rumor. It payed for mine and my AARP supp ins paid the rest. You do have to go to a hosp and DR with "Center of Excellence" credentials.

My mom was 74 when she got approved, so there's hope :eek: three years ago, go mom!

Medicare and AARP Supplemental Ins is going to pay for mine. Surgery is scheduled for Feb 12......

That is not a rumor. It payed for mine and my AARP supp ins paid the rest. You do have to go to a hosp and DR with "Center of Excellence" credentials.

I am new to these boards and to the Lap-Band. I am waiting, too, to hear if my doctor of choice is accepted by Medicare. I am 59 (will turn 60 in Aug.) and on SSDisability. I live in northwest Ohio, just across the line from Ft. Wayne, In, and have had weight issues all of my life, and not successful with any type of diet. I have a lot of medical issues, (type2 diabetes (which my mom died from), heart disease (had a triple heart bypass 9/05, and a heart attack in '91),hypertension, high cholesterol, and am currently on a blood thinner. I weigh 270 (5'8"tall) and have a BMI of 41.

Have any of you lapbanders had to go off of your blood thinners for the surgery, and for how long? This is the only part of the surgery that worries me...I am very susceptible to blood clots since my heart bypass. :biggrin:

Have any of you lapbanders had to go off of your blood thinners for the surgery, and for how long? This is the only part of the surgery that worries me...I am very susceptible to blood clots since my heart bypass. :wub:

An increasing number of surgeons are asking people to take blood thinners for a couple of weeks before surgery, just as a precaution, so I don't think you'll have any trouble there.

Welcome to the community!

Angie in Texas, US

Thank you, Angie....that's very reassuring.