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Trouble finding a surgeon for 72 year old.



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I am 72 and all the surgeons I have contacted around here won't operate because of my age. I live in the San Francisco Bay area. Does anyone have suggestions, experiences to share?

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My surgeon will not do anyone over 60 so I know what you mean. I think it is an insurance thing.

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Hi

Don't have a good suggestion but to keep asking other surgeons

In my case, I declined surgery after completing the pre-op testing and dieting at age 75. Surgeon said I could continue later if I changed my mind

Roy

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Not sure if this is something you would consider at all, but I got my band in Mexico. I'm not sure if they have age restrictions, but it might be worth a try. Here's a link to their site:

Lap Band Surgery in Mexico - Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center

The only issue to consider is finding a doc in your area for fills and such. You could also go back to Mexico if needed. I found this thread because I'm trying to find a doc in SF for my sister who was banded with me. I live in NYC and have a great doc here. But she has had to go back to Mexico for all fills, and at this point I am worried that she needs a little unfill, but she doesn't feel like making the trip down there for a small adjustment.

Good luck!

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I am 72 and all the surgeons I have contacted around here won't operate because of my age. I live in the San Francisco Bay area. Does anyone have suggestions, experiences to share?

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I am 73 years and was banded in Oct 2011. No problems as of yet

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I am glad to hear that you got your band. You must have really wanted it to work all this time trying to get it.

Good Luck!!

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Please don't listen to that guy and go to Mexico! Screeeww that!

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I was 70 when I got my first band. Because of slippage, I was recently re-banded at 74. Medicare paid.

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I am 70 and was banded back in June of 2010. My experience has been wonderful up until this past June. I lost a total of 98 lbs. However in June I got stuck and against my wishes the doctor emptied my band. When I went back for my refill I got 6 1/2cc, but no restriction. I went in again and I am now at 9cc in an 11cc band. Still no restriction. The doc will not put any more in. They are talking band replacememt or the sleeve. I'm not sure I want to undergo two more surgeries to make that happen. I have gained about 15 lbs. so I am going to try to do everything in my power to keep it where it is. Although I don't have restriction, I am not hungry and I have learned to eat smaller portions. I have increased my activities and I'm praying to God to give me the strength to at least stay where I am. I intend to live with the band in place inless some other complications arrise that require its removal. What I need now is plenty of encouragement.

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