Question:
Has anyone at the age 55 or more with heart history & diabetis had this Bypass surg?
My diabetic doctor, Heart doctor and regular MD think this surgery will help cure my diabetis and get me off my medicine. I am presently appealing my BCBS who has denied my surgery but after reading a lot of problems of people after the surgery, I'm a little scared of it. I would like to check into someone with my kind of health problems and age that has had this surgery. — Marsha1 (posted on January 10, 2007)
January 10, 2007
I am 61 and had the surgery dec. 2005 and had a lot of problem also- have
lost 122 lbs and am off of my meds and feel the best I have felt in 2 years
are more would do it again tomorrow . I feel great and would tell anyone to
have it.
— rosetta
January 10, 2007
I am 58 and 1 month post op. My blood sugars were constantly in the 300's
or higher, my blood pressure was high. I have heart arrethemyias (sp)
Today, one month, no blood pressure pills and NO diabetes pills. I have
lost 34 lbs within the month. My heart doctor strongly recommended that I
have the surgery. It's not a fix all, it's very hard work, but I am more
than pleased!
— Diane C.
January 10, 2007
I had open RNY In March 2006 at age 66. I have coronary artery disease, a
blocked coronary artery, a stent and took insulin. I had no problems
during or after surgery. Am off of 4 shots of insulin per day ( I do take
a dibetes pill) off all anticholesteral meds, off two diuretics and a
antidepressent. I feel better than I have in at least 10 years. I dould
do it again in a heartbeat! I am however a relatively slow loser. Three
different specialists have told me in the past week that Gastric bypass was
the best thing I ever did for myself and I agree!!!!!
— sratliff
January 10, 2007
Thank you all so much for you answers. I have looked into the gastric
bypass surgery for over a year and really felt it would help my health
problems as well as my weight. Speaking with people around my age and with
similiar health problems and finding out what type of surgery you all have
done and how you're doing now really helps me.
— Marsha1
January 10, 2007
I am 53 and had a RNY August 2006. I am off my diabetic and high blood
pressure meds. I've lost 68 pounds and I feel great! I haven't had any
problems. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
— [Deactivated Member]
January 10, 2007
I had surgery Dec 2005 and I am 55 yrs old. I was an insulin dependednt
diabetic on an insulin pump for over six years. Also three high blood
pressure pills. I have taken no insulin since about two weeks after
surgery, and all three high blood pressure pills are gone. My A1C is 5.4. I
have lost 122 lbs and feel great ! I wish I would have done it sooner, but
am thankful for having it done now.
— toula21
January 11, 2007
I am almost 53 and having gastric bypass was a no brainer for me or for my
insurance company, Horizon BCBS of NJ. I got approved immediately. I've
been diabetic for 17 years. I am still taking 2 oral meds (down from 3 and
byetta) have lost 32 lbs in 9 weeks and I feel and look great! My blood
sugars are coming down. This surgery is so refined now and if you get a
good surgeon (do your homework - I considered 3) you should do very well.
My cardiologist and endocrinologist were both thrilled that I did this!
Have your doctor fight with the insurance company to cover it! Good luck
and keep us posted!
— Sheri A.
January 11, 2007
I am 55 years old, male, had a heart attack 10 years ago, had type 2
diabetes, and sleep apnea. I had the surgery (RNY) 4 months ago.
According to my endocrinologist, I no longer have diabetes and have been
taken off all those meds, I returned my CPAP machine ( I no longer snore).
I have lost about 70 pounds, I now work out and go to yoga 3 times a week.
My doctor had an insurance person that worked with Blue Shield, and got my
surgery approved within a week of applying. I have heard that Blue Cross
is not as inclined to pay for it. Hopes this helps. RNY has changed my
life.
— Ted R.
January 11, 2007
I had surgery at age 64 and feel wonderful, no complications. Had diabetes
type 2. No longer take anything but thyroid and premarin.
I feel like age 45 now.
— geneswife
January 12, 2007
I am 55, had RNY on 7/27/06. My surgeon put me thru the ringer with tests,
getting a new cardiologist (had quadruple bypass surgery in 2003), etc.
Went to one set of cardio dr's and then surgeon wanted me to go to another
set, second opinion for him). The new cardiologist gave me all kinds of
tests (Carthrization, etc.). Ended up having 5 stents put in my right and
left groin, right and left kidney, and right extended groin. This was to
help me walk better and it did (before I could only walk about 6 houses and
back and I was in extreme pain in my legs).
I am also a diabetic. Gone from 190 units 4 times a day to 20 units once a
day in the evening. Gone from 20 medications to 8. Once I lose more
weight I suspect I will come off the insulin completely. Probably will be
on the heart medication for life except maybe the bloodpressure hopefully.
I have lost 55 lbs in almost 6 months. I am what is called a slow loser.
But that is okay maybe I won't have to have my gallbladder out.
Just before my surgery the surgeon was talking Lap Band ranter than RNY for
me (due to my health issues). But my insurance (BCBS) would not pay for it
so in the end I had the RNY. The only complication I had was from an NG
tube that the surgeon felt he should put in me because of my health issues
to give me a way for them to give my nutrition and meds. But in the long
run (hind sight is 2020) it caused me more trouble than it help for the
first month. After that was taken out and healed things have been great
and I have had no problems.
I still worry about not losing all the weight that I want, 50 more to go.
But I would definitely do it again.
— ccstann
January 13, 2007
I am 56 & have just been approved after BCBS of IL denied me twice.
Then I went to the appeal board. 18 months & maybe two more weeks
before my surgery. I have been to support groups, conferences, lectures
& exploring this web site while I waited for the powers that be. I can
hardly wait. I know it is absolutely vital for me to live! I don't have
diabetes, but I have high BP, depression, sleep apnea & a dragging ass
that I am convinced will be better, better, better, as soon as I get my
chance. I take 9 prescription meds a day & a dozen others to keep me
moving. I expect them all to be gone. Email me if you wish.
[email protected] MKK
— asinmouse
January 13, 2007
my best friend had surgery in May 06 at age 55 with diabetes, high blood
pressure and heart blockage. she had to have surgery at a hospital with a
cath lab just in case she developed problems. she was 360 pounds and now
259 pounds. so, surgery helped her. Angela
— A Q.
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