Vertical gastrectomy? Almost 65?

Hi everyone,

I will be 65 in April of this year and I am very seriously considering a VSG.  I live in San Francisco and am considering doing a self-pay in Mexico.  I am petrified about any surgery, but I really feel like my body needs a "reboot".

Has anyone here had the VSG at an age as old as me -- or older?  And what kind of results did you get?  Are you willing to talk on the phone?  I am looking for support.

Thanks and Happy New Year everyone.

Ruth in San Francisco

Ruth,

Welcome to OFF, not sure that anyone here has had the VSG procedure, but I'm sure if someone has they will respond to you, as overall, we are a very supportive group.  Suggestion would be to see if OH has a forum that deals with that procedure.

Surgery is a scary thing, but if the provider you use, as well as the hospital where the procedure is to be done has a good reputation, then all should be well.  Important thing is to get clearance by your primary care physician as they will know what if anything could prevent you from having a surgical procedure.  65 is not too old to have this life changing surgery, so long as your doctor feels you can withstand it.

Best wishes, Laureen

Hi Ruth,
I strongly considered the VSG- it was my first choice for weight loss surgery when I looked into it. My insurance would not cover it, so I went with the RNY. I had my RNY in San Francisco! I live in the Bay Area. I do know that there is a VSG forum on this site. Check it out. As far as anyone here that has had one- I don't know. I think most on here have had lapband or RNY.
Good luck with your research!
Julia

Hi I am 72 and I am waiting to have Lap Band by Mar.  When I went to my WLS    Dr. I wanted the RNY and he told me  because of my age.  But he would do the Lap Band.  So make sure you clear with your Dr. I have been seeing a weight loss Dr. for 20 years. He is in Ontario I am in Quebec so the surgery has to be done in Quebec.  Quebec Medical Plan will pay 100 %.  I just need to pay for pre-op diet. Do you have any Insurance?      Doris QC.

 Hi there,
I had VSG surgery in October at Kaiser South SF.  I am 66. I had no problems with the surgery, but had a tough time in the first 6 weeks or so.  I don't believe this was age-related, more not following the rules as close as I thought (because I was feeling so good).  Medicare covers the sleeve so you may be covered. I am very happy I had this done (just wish I had done it earlier).
Good luck.

Thanks everyone.  I really want the VSG, and am trying to get my insurance to cover it before I turn 65 (this April).  I understand that medicare will make you pay out of pocket, even if it is your secondary insurance.  That is what I was told, but I don't understand it.

Ruth

Thats good glad to hear from you.  will let you know what they decide.  I am  having my blood work done on the 11 th.    My provincial health care will pay for it.       Doris  QC.

I have been on the LapBand list but now they are considering VSG.  I am 72 .   Doris QC.

I gained 3 lbs. over the holidays.  I am doing a cleanse diet for 5 days.  I finished day 3 today. so far so good  .    Doris  QC.

WOW  I got my surgery date  Feb. 28th.  they have changed my surgery to
      Gastric Plicature           Because of my age. I assume.  check it out less invasive.  Let me know what you think.   Doris  QC.