Age
I do not think there are age limits (just health limits), and I believe Medicare will pay when their requirements are met (weight, health, etc.)..
Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish
Yes, it is more a matter of health and strength than age; IIRC, my doc has done DS's on patients in their early 70's. Some may be just fine for surgery in their 70's while others my not be in good enough shape in their 50's or 60's.
Medicare has been covering the DS for around the past ten years - that's what finally caused most insurance companies to throw in the towel on denying coverage for the DS calling it "investigational/experimental". If Medicare is routinely covering, it ain't experimental.
1st support group/seminar - 8/03 (has it been that long?)
Wife's DS - 5/05 w Dr. Robert Rabkin VSG on 5/9/11 by Dr. John Rabkin