any one older? 60<-------me

Hi. After reading many posts, I don't see any that are seniors. Or maybe I just wasnt looking good enough.  Have an appt. with DR Fitzer in Utica in Sept. This will be my 3rd year of trying to go thru the process. Due to ins. problems and lack of communications I'm trying a different practice. I had heard so many wonderful things about O'Malley, I started there. After 2 years and 2 ins. companies, I had still to meet the man. The office staff was indifferent, I just didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling when I was there. Good or not, if you don't get the right vibes..............try someone else. MVP only covers a center of excellence so Syracuse was out also.  This practise doesn't have a max. on age, so I'm willing to try, since they say it depends on each individual. I'm young on the inside but my body is going to hell in a hand basket.
I would really like to know if there is anyone besides me that had to wait until the time was right. I wasn't ready a few years ago,  but now with arthritis and the weight, many things are getting more challanging to do.

I was 55 when I had my surgery...better late than never!  My doctor has a cut-off age of 65 I think.  Keep trying...it takes dedication to get the surgery and to accomplish your goals...I think you have the desire...Go for it!

Rosemary

Thank you rosemary for the vote of confidence. I have alot of support from family.

A lot of surgeons have a cut off at 65 because of Medicare.  But I am 66 and have been through all the hoops and I have been working with AMC.  Before I did anything I called my insurance company and asked if they paid of WLS.  Once they said yes, I asked which hospitals/doctors they worked with and went from there.  I have an appt tomorrow with the surgeon at AMC.  I will let you know how things go.

I haven't heard. so how did it go? Hope it went well.

When I saw the surgeon, the nut report had not arrived.  I went to see her on 8/13 and saw her dictate the report but a week later it was not yet typed and sent to AMC.  ARGH!!
We move along a little further with scheduling of the dopler study and ultrasound of my gall badder.  If there is a sun in the heavens, he will give me a date when I go back for the endoscopy on 9/3.  In the meantime, I have to get a new pap smear and a new mamogram. 
All these extra hoops are to make the insurance company happy - or so I hear.

Good luck in your journey.

Thanks, and the same to you. Heard the hoops are worth it, I sure hope so, don't know about you but I'm getting tried of all the jumping.

Absolutely, I will say that the surgeon is asking for a colonoscopy report.  It is a deal breaker!!  I did that once and never again.  I have all the other things done and have been very organized about carrying my clearance reports with me because I did not want to be told that they had not been received as yet.  But a colonoscopy is a line in the sand over which I will not jump.

I left a message yesterday with the office.  The surgeon is suppost to call back today.  We will see.  I think that any other legitimate practice would take me since I have every other thing done.  There is always Ellis Hospital and Cooperstown.  Both have good reputations.

I'm sorry that your first colonoscopy was such a downer, it shouldn't have  been. Not pleasent, but prep is the worst. I've had 3. Try a different doctor to do it. Almost all surgeons do them as well as GI docs.
I must say, your doctor sure does want to cover all bases, wow. After going thru everything, don't give up now.
Sheryl

Hello -

Try posting on the Over Fifty Forum (OFF), there are plenty of more 'mature' people there.

My surgery was almost 22 months ago when I was 59 years old. It took me a long time and many failed diets to decide WLS was right for me.

At the time of surgery I was on 10 different meds, had trouble walking and weighed 320 pounds.

Today I am off ALL meds, feel great and weigh 111 pounds. WLS has added living to my life!!

Best wishes
Annette