POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
Almost 67 and Headed for First Consultation with my Surgeon. Idaho Falls, ID
ORIGINAL POST
I am hoping my age won't disqualify me. My bmi is...
chukkarMay 3, 2015
I am hoping my age won't disqualify me. My bmi is 40 and I do have hypertension. I have recently had spinal surgery and it was my neurosurgeon that encouraged me to investigate this. I have other spinal conditions that while not be corrected will be helped by loss of weight. I have a relative that had the sleeve about 22 months ago and has lost 95 lbs and is off all her meds and is full of energy. She has given me a realistic view of the procedure and the hard work it will take. There is only one surgeon nearby that does the sleeve. I went to his seminar last month and met his team and some of his past patients. I meet with him for my first one to one on 5/6/15. I have been reading this site for about a week and am so impressed with the people I have found here. The information I have gained is helping me make a list of questions to ask my MD. My immediate family has no idea I am seriously considering taking this step. After I talk with MD I may ask them to watch his seminar that is also online. I haven't decided yet. I will have to tell someone as I live alone.
I want to especially thank Puppy's Mom for her responses to me and to everyone else. I always come away feeling better, more informed and encouraged.
Yesterday I just wanted to do something towards this process. So I purged my pantry! I figured even if I am not a candidate I can start making healthier choices. I am also going to get a fit bit. So onward and downward I hope!
I want to especially thank Puppy's Mom for her responses to me and to everyone else. I always come away feeling better, more informed and encouraged.
Yesterday I just wanted to do something towards this process. So I purged my pantry! I figured even if I am not a candidate I can start making healthier choices. I am also going to get a fit bit. So onward and downward I hope!
UPDATED FROM chukkar
Almost 67 and headed for my first consultation with my surgeon,Idaho falls ID
chukkarMay 7, 2015
Good news and bad. Too old for Medicare to pay top limit for them is 65! My full retirement age had to be 66 ! What's with that? Good thing I will still have my work coverage until Oct 1st and they will cover about 1/3 of cost here. Good news is there is no waiting period. So I go for all the consultations 1st week of June and may be scheduled for late June early July. GULP!
Replies (5)
May 7, 2015
Good for you!! Don't back out the best thing you'll ever do. My insurance wouldn't pay at all and I had to use my whole savings(almost $20,000) but I would do it again in a heart beat!!!!
May 8, 2015
Thanks. I will also need to use a chunk of my savings. But I am thinking ok, I had a choice. Hold on to my money and stay in bad condition or change my priorities and live with less entertainment and travel but in better health. I chose health!
May 8, 2015
You sure did get good and bad news. Well, glad that you still have the opportunity to have your surgery. That is just around the corner.
May 8, 2015
It is just around the corner because I was thinking it would be sept or oct! I started my week out right I bought a ninja on sale and then the fit bit. Then I found out over the last month I am down 8 lbs! You and this site have gotten me to action! Thank you so much!
May 8, 2015
I love my Ninja, glad yours was on sale. I have a regular pedometer, but a lot of people at work have the FitBit and like them. 8# is amazing. YAY! This site is valuable, It has helped me so much.
UPDATED FROM chukkar
Had my first consultation and yes, age matters!
chukkarMay 7, 2015
Good news and bad. Medicare doesn't pay over 65. So if you are thinking about procedure make your mind up by time you must register for part A, and that is 65. Good news is that my work insurance will pay about 1/3 cost and there is no waiting time. My surgeon said he has no problem with my age. So I am scheduled first week of June for consults with nutritionist, psych, exercise specialist and upper GI. I could be scheduled by end of June for surgery. We'll see.
Replies (5)
August 22, 2015
I WILL BE SO UPSET IF MEDICARE REJECTS ME!
My surgeon said he works with Medicare all the time, but I will definitely be asking about that. In his practice, the records of people over 65 are reviewed and approved/ disapproved for surgery by a committee of Dr's.
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
My surgeon said he works with Medicare all the time, but I will definitely be asking about that. In his practice, the records of people over 65 are reviewed and approved/ disapproved for surgery by a committee of Dr's.
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
August 22, 2015
There are 12 states where Medicare doesn't cover and they are all out here in the west/northwest. I have had to have a cardiology consult, done yesterday, and will have echocardiogram Monday. I have pre op class Wednesday and they are trying to schedule me for within first two weeks of Sept. The new surgeon is starting on 9/8 but will be in office this next week. The second surgeon has been delayed. They have 70 surgeries in the pipeline. A very busy practice. So I am hoping all goes well this week.
August 22, 2015
ConnieMay I don't know if you read on further in my review but my surgeon left o go back east and so everything came to a screeching halt here. We now have 2 very experienced surgeons coming so we are rolling again. Hopefully before my work insurance is up Oct 1st I will be sleeved! Where are you in the process now?
August 23, 2015
Me too chukkar! I so hope things line up well for you. Even if you can't know what the time frames will be as long as it all happens in your favor you'll be fine !!
Replies (3)