Question:
surgery for seniors

looking for anyone who is over 55 and had the RNY or VSG- I am concerned I may be denied surgery due to age. Would appreciate some answers    — Windy1 (posted on October 30, 2009)

October 30, 2009
Hello there I don't believe that will happen , I was 58 when I had it done , and the dr. said I was the best patient he had , that I aalso done the best , I'm 10 yrs out now from r/y was 327 now 124 and a very happy woman .Good luck to you sweetie.....Sandy
   — Sandra S.

October 30, 2009
I'm 58 and was approved by Kaiser to have RNY. My surgery is scheduled for mid-Nov. I know a woman who had her gastric bypass at age 67.
   — Janell C.

October 30, 2009
There was a lady in our support group that was 63.and she is completetly off her diabetic meds and off blood pressure meds.she had lost 60 lbs from DEC to march.i believe she said she had the lapband because surgeon didn't want to do rny due to her age.but to answer your question about age i have met some seniors that have had it done around 55-60 years old.best wishes!
   — carolyn1970

October 30, 2009
Hi...I am 54, and I am scheduled for RNY on Nov. 17th.
   — dasie

October 30, 2009
i was 61 when i had rny 6 yrs ago.lost 265 lbs and keeping it off.some people are young at 70 and others r old at 40 what does u'r Dr say?
   — Bette Drecktrah

October 30, 2009
I had my surgery at 57, August 13, 2009. I am having a heck of a time eating protein, but I am losing. I supplement with protein shakes. Everyone tells me I am newbie and it will get better. So far I have lost 62 lbs and I am thrilled. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

October 30, 2009
Hi Karen, I was 56 at the time of my surgery. Now 15 months out from RNY surgery I am doing well. My DR never was worried about my age...just cared about the fact that the quality of my life would improve and it has. Don't let age deour you from a healthier life. Best of luck.
   — tootsie52

October 30, 2009
Hi. I am 59 years old and I am booked to have my surgery in December
   — cuppaloopy

October 30, 2009
Had RNY this time last year at 58 and doing well. Down 120 pounds from 343 to 223 and feeling great. Off almost all prescription meds.
   — sheri139

October 31, 2009
I had the sleeve this past Feb. and I am 65. I have had no problem and have lost 78 pounds. I thought the sleeve(VSG) would be better for me. Good luck.
   — joejoe2

October 31, 2009
I am 56 and had my surgery in March of this year. I had no problems at all with age-based concerns. The insurance company just had me jump through all kinds of hoops and my surgeon had me get all kinds of tests... but really, he asked for the same kinds of tests from everyone else he does surgery on. In fact, I got to skip the sleep study test, because I did not have sleep apnea, and my neck size was very small.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

October 31, 2009
I'm 55 and covered under Federal BCBS and was approved with the first submission. I'm scheduled for surgery 12/28/09
   — Mountain Mama

October 31, 2009
I had VSG on 7/31/09. My surgeon and cardiologist were more concerned about my co-morbidities than my age. I was 62 at time of surgery. Turned 63 on 8/12. I feel better than I have in many many years. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!
   — flybaby46

October 31, 2009
I was 69 when I had RNY almost 3 yrs ago. I have never been so happy. I Feel young and sexy after losing almost 80 pounds and now at goal weight. My problems were no different than if I were 30 yrs younger. Go for it and the best of luck to you.
   — nanabana

October 31, 2009
Hi Karen - I had my surgery on May 28, 2009 at age 59. I did everything the doctor said and it was not a problem getting the insurance to approve. The surgery itself went extremely well - I had surgery on Thursday and came home on Friday. I'm 5 months and a few days out and have lost 70 pounds. I wish I had done this years ago - but better late than not at all.
   — nanalois

October 31, 2009
Great question! Look at all of us "seniors"! I had VSG at 56, 7 months ago. I self paid; United Healthcare refused to cover it. I took money out of retirement since it was all vanishing in the stock market anyway. As far as I know, it's still tax deductable. Besides, I wouldn't need money if I didn't survive my super morbid obesity. I've lost over 40% of my excess weight now and have just started going to a gym. I hope to start working again within the next year, something I couldn't have done before. I have hangy skin everywhere, but I can stand up straight and walk easier. I'm not on any meds. My life is much richer already, plus I have hope that it's only going to get better. Do what you have to do.
   — jtoothman

November 1, 2009
Hi, I had rny 23 months ago at age 61! For me life began at 61! I am now 123 lbs (and holding for the last 10 months), down from 248 lbs. I wear size 2-4 (down from 3X and size 26) and am off all medication! All my vitals are normal. I was approved for surgery 15 minutes after my request was submited to Humana because of all my comobilities.
   — elizabethannemarch

November 2, 2009
im 56 and having my surgery nov.6. Good luck
   — kig

November 3, 2009
A lot of surgeon have an age cap. My surgeon does. He will not do RNY on anyone over 65 (at least at the time of my RNY - 3 years ago). Check with your surgeon/PCP. I am sure there are plenty of surgeon out there that will do surgery on seniors. Good luck.
   — jammerz

November 20, 2009
I had my rny last Nov.5th 2008--I was 65--best thing I have ever done for myself!!! Medicare paid for it--even better!!!
   — sophie1girl

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