How old is TOO old for WLS?????

L N
on 2/12/09 2:28 am

I am 51 years old and have been thinking about getting the VSG done. At my age though not sure if I should or not.

If I were in my 20's, 30's or 40's I would not even think twice about having it done.

My Ins will not pay for any type WLS, so I would also have to finance some of the cost.

So I am thinking, do I want to go into debt at age 51 for WLS????

Anyone that had surgery in there 50's, 60's, etc. let me know your thoughts.

krkmed
on 2/12/09 2:33 am - Reno, NV

VSG on 12/29/08

I'm quite a bit younger, but I will say this: I don't think 51 is too old at all. In fact, it probably makes a lot of sense. According to my surgeon's office, only 1 out of 11 morbidly obese people live to age 65. That was one the major statistics that convinced me.

Good luck!

~Katherine

TeriJ
on 2/12/09 2:38 am

I'm 46. My primary care doctor said that if I was going to consider it, do it sooner rather than later. How soon depends on the insurance company, lol.

playwithzoe
on 2/12/09 2:41 am, edited 2/12/09 2:42 am

VSG on 11/13/08

I'm 45, so I'm not quite as old as you wanted for feedback, but I would do it. At 51 you could potentially have half your life left to live. How is your health, how overweight are you? How much is the quality of your life diminshed by either your weight or health concerns due to your weight? Do you think you could comply with the diet and really work the tool so that you are successful? Are you clear and comfortable with the risks? These were the questions I asked myself. I wish I had gotten it done so much sooner but the VSG hasn't been around that long. I also was self-pay and choose to go to the surgery group who had the most experience doing the VSG in the US and they are not cheap. I am very happy with my recovery and the result but if I had it to over again I would go to Dr. Aceves in Mexico for half the price. He also has a ton of experience with the VSG and has had great results. My doctor (lapSF.com) will do surgery on people in the 60's even over 65 depending on their health.

46 yr old female; 5'6"; 11/13/08 VSG Dr. Jossart LapSF, SF, CA
SW 213, GW 150, CW 140, dream GW 130 and/or 20% body fat or less
12/22/09 mini face lift; Dr. Hove, Monarch Med Spa, KoP, PA
01/09/10 Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Sauceda, Monterrey, Mexico
U & L eye lid lifts, mini tt w/o muscle tightening, Brazilian buttock lift by fat grafting, Benelli BL & BA

(deactivated member)
on 2/12/09 2:42 am

VSG on 12/21/09

Hello..I'm 52 and I am having the surgery as soon as I can get
my finances in order..!!!!!

I'm looking sooo forward to THE DAY..!!!!!!!!!!!!

=)

(deactivated member)
on 2/12/09 2:43 am - Atlanta, GA

VSG on 01/29/09

I am 45 and did not have any problems. My primary care provider just wanted to make sure my blood pressure was under control before I left. I think the answer is if you have any other significant health problems. The doctors have minimum and maximum ages on their profiles and the lowest maximum I think I have seen is 68. YOU are a youngster!

(deactivated member)
on 2/12/09 2:51 am - WA

VSG on 12/26/08

ANY surgical or health related situation really depends on your health condition at any age. I am 62 years young and very active and live a very healthy life style, so my age was not even brought up during my consultations for WLS and I have done VERY well in this experience. I think for most people, it is more a question of the quality of their life than the expense. I had to self pay and I figure I can pay that expense off within one year, which to me, is very doable and very worth it to gain that quality of life we all want. But this is something everyone has to decide for themselves...it took me years to investigate the alternatives, find good surgeons and the right cir****tances and timing for me, so thus why I had this done later in life.