Is age a problem?

I am new to this board although I have been "lurking" around the website for a couple of years off & on. When I first became interested in WLS, my PCP told me I was too old. Now it is 2 yrs later and my sleep apnea dr is still after me to have the surgery and I have a new PCP who has agreed that the surgery would be a benefit for me. Is age a big problem with the surgery? Who is the oldest person to have WLS? I will be 59 next month and would love to see 69, 79, 89+ but at this rate, I'll be lucky to see 60. I have depression, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis in my knees & spine, spinal stenosis, and a herniated disc. Plus my BMI is quite high. Any help, suggestions, prayers, $$ would be appreciated!! Linda

I'm sure your current health status plays a role in the whole age consideration also, but mostly I've seen surgeons willing to operate on people under 65. I'm sure there are some that are higher and some lower - you'd just have to check out particular surgeons that you're interested in working with. Amy

Linda, I'm right behind you at 55 but I have at least one friend a few years older who had the surgery done last year. My surgeon's website states he will do it up to 65 but I'm pretty sure the lady who had it done the same day as I did 2 years ago was older than that. All I can tell you was that without the surgery I was convinced I wouldn't live another 5 years and now, 2 years later, I feel younger than I did 15 years ago. I'll be happy to offer suggestions & prayers. The $$ is a little short though on this end. Dixie

Linda, if you feel that you will be lucky to see 60 then you need to do something about it. Your age, by itself, is not a problem. I had WLS when I was 59. Mercy Capitol is a good place to start. They offer a full support team approach and have great surgeons. Dr Cahalan was great to work with and he is very up front with you. Good luck.

Thank you all for your kind words. I am planning to attend the Mercy Capitol lecture on February 4th. I wanted to go last night (Thursday, 12th) but my daughter wanted to go with me and she had to work last night. So we will make the one on the 4th of Feb. My sleep apnea dr is Wendy Fluegel and she wants me to see Susan Beck. I now that Wendy F had suggested the lapro. but my insurance has already said they will only pay for the open which sounds like the surgeon has more control anyway. Hopefully this will be a quick process...but I doubt it. I didn't get in this shape overnight so know that it will take a while to get it all off again. Keep me in your prayers. Linda