Ideas for us older girls-- Who to Go To

[Vicky]

I just got a rejection note from the Suporn Clinic that his surgical method would not be suitable for someone my age (just over 60) and with Type 2 diabetes.  OK, there is some current weight too that I am losing as quick as I can. I was wondering if anyone could name drop or rat fink on surgeons in either Canada or the US who do not have problems with older girls.  I am feeling pretty hurt at the minute and not in my best mind for research, so as I asked, Name Please??  I know that I need to get my surgery done in the next year or so if it is going to happen at all, and the result of the "sorry we can't do it" is that it has confirmed my real desire for it, and the life beyond.  Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Kristyn]

I know of/heard of quite a few older women in their 60's and older who have went to Brassard.

[Janet_Girl]

I am thinking of going to a local doctor, Dr. Nguyen in Lake Oswego.  He did my Orchie, and has no problem doing my SRS.  But then again I have not hit the big 6-0.

[Karynm8621]

When I was at Brassards a few weeks ago there was someone who was 59 getting surgery and a younger girl with diabetes so he may be open to it.

[SweetShannon]

Janet,

What is the information on Dr. Nguyen?  He did my orchie last year.  I am older, 58, with diabetes.  I know he does a two step.  But pictures and reports on Dr. Nguyen have been hard to find.

Shannon

[Janet_Girl]

He does not have a lot on his site.  But I asked for some references and those ladies had nothing but good things to say about their experiences.

[Susan Kay]

Hi Vicki,

I wouldn't worry. I don't know that all surgeons particularly want older patients, but I know at least some have no problem.

I am 65, have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and at 5' 11" and 215 pounds probably have been 30 plus pounds overweight for years, undoubtedly the main cause of the high BP and diabetes. In reviewing possible surgeons, I didn't find any one who rejected me immediately in my initial survey. I selected Dr. Sherman Leis in Bala Kynwyd (Philadelphia) PA. He had no problem with my situation, though he certainly did advise me to "lose some of it." I went on a diet (I chose the South Beach Diet, but any diet you follow will work). I like the balanced nutrition of the South Beach. Since starting HT a year ago, my weight reduction progress came to a screeching halt, but on the diet I've lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks. He also required an EKG and the usual blood tests. I'm sure several surgeons will work with you, but Dr. Leis' credentials and informative style and staff won my bid.

Susan Kay

[Vicky]

Thanks every one for the suggestions.  It has given me two names at least now that I did not know about at all.  Oregon is the closest one distance wise, since I am in Southern California.  Back to the old keyboard for an old transbroad!!   I bought a new scale today, I hope its nicer to me than the old one was.  I was REALLY down the day I started this, and just the responses to date have made me feel much better. 

[Susan Kay]

Hi Vicky,

I'm glad you found a couple of names. Also, don't forget Marci Bowers, who recently moved from Trinidad Colo. to San Mateo Calif., almost in the neighborhood for you. She came in a close second in my surgeon survey, and there appeared to be no concerns about age or health issues. She also has a very informative web site: marcibowers.com.

I'm sure they all will give you helpful information; for me, I tend to the systematic (some say much overly systematic). I Had my therapist on board supporting me, another therapist in mind for the second letter, on hormones for a year, living several months full-time and my financing pretty well lined up. I then surveyed 10 surgeons. I heard from 6, and selected Dr. Leis.

Good luck hon.

Susan Kay

PS:  One consideration I gave to surgeon selection was location. I just could not see myself stuck in Thiland or wherever, and have a medical emergency. The air ambulance home would more than break me.

[paulault55]

Several people i know that are in their 60's went to Dr. Mcginn in New Hope Pa, one just last month, i am 59 and in 21 days will have my surgery with her, i was over weight, had a heart attack and stroke in 2001 and i have type 2 diabetes, kind of a triple whammy, she told me if i lose the weight and get to her under BMI of 28 requirement, my cardiologist ok'ed it and my labs, physical and chest x-ray came back ok that she would operate, just that she would have to take extra precautions, i was 235 at the time of my consult last June and am now 185, other than a error reading my blood work which has since been resolved, i am good to go.

Paula

[SweetShannon]

My problem with McGinn is her BMI requirement.  With a healthy body fat contant as measured by a hydrostatic weighing my BMI is at 31.  BMI is an absoute joke!  If you're really skinny to the point of being unhealthy, you have a "good" BMI but a person otherwise healthy in every other way could have a BMI above 28.  I am being penalized because I have a much larger than normal chest cavity.

[paulault55]

I agree going by bmi does not take into account your body type, even though i am now 5'-6", lost 2" due to age and gravity, i have a large frame, when i got down to 169 after my heart attack and stroke i looked like death warmed over, i ballooned up to  245 pounds and 15 months ago started dieting, i am now down to 188 pounds and still losing, still not below her 28 bmi requirement but close enough that she will operate, i do want to lose more weight and am still working on it but now there is no huge rush, i can lose weight slower and stop when i feel i look and feel the best.

Paula