WLS over 65?

Hello all!  I posted this on the main board because I didn't know this forum existed.  Could you guys possible help me out with this? I have a friend at work that has been looking into having RNY or the Lapband.  He is 70 years old and in relatively good health except for being overweight most of his adult life. Does anyone here know of any doctors that do either surgery for patients over the age of 65?  Both his cardiac doctor and PCP gave him the go ahead on having the surgery.  I know that he is willing to travel if needed.   Thanks in advance. Monique

At the top of these posts there is a link that says: find a: bariatric surgeon  click on it and you might find some in your area, you can read about them also and see testimonials from patients.... Good luck.....

Thanks I've done that already for our area.  Docs in our state have it stated on their sites that they do surgery up until the age of 65.

I have heard that Insurance companies won't cover people over 65 but Drs too?? I was hoping my sister who is 64 will be able to have the surgery. What is the reason for the age limit? Does anyone know??? Millie

If a person is 65 and on Medicare, they will cover WLS...provided you are 100 lbs. overweight and have co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. As you can see I live in Michigan, and had to go to Grand Rapids (102 miles) to a "Center of Excellence" for my surgery. I think I may be my surgeon's oldest patient at age 68. I had absolutely no problems and was approved in a short time. I did lose 26 lbs. prior to the surgery. I don't know why some surgeons chose not to take anyone over 65. As far as I know if the person is mentally and physically able to handle everything, they should be approved, Just my thoughts.....

Thanks Lew and Grammy... Those are words I wanted to hear. I really hope my sis can have the WLS.. I think she would be so much happier and healthier. Millie

I know i am quite a bit away from you all but my surgeon does patients way past 65 and up his oldest patient was 78 so far.  He accepts medicare and works out of a hospital that is a center of excellence which they have to be for medicare to pay for it.  He only does gastric bypass , he says the lapband is just a fast way for some people to make money (not the patient) he says he wont do something for someone that wont give them the results they want.  email me if you want his name and phone number.