ren0318

WOW, i feel like I was lead to your post! I am very similar to you, I have type 2, just was put on an insulin pump last week, I take about 7 different meds for Gerd, high cholesterol, sleep, diabetes, blood pressure etc....I recently started looking into weight loss options, I was leaning towards lapband, but the sleeve seems very intriguing to me. I too am on the low side having a BMI of only 32, I have been on and off insulin the past 10 years, every time I have to go back, the weight comes pouring on. I'm sure with the pump the same or worse will happen...I really can't afford the surgery on my own, but I'm so over all this I'm only 44 and want to be healthy! Sick of the shots, the pills, the back pain, all of it! I did call Dr. Curry's office here in Ohio yesterday and spoke with someone who was very informative, I guess I have to start saving money or hope I can gain 17lbs so the insurance will cover it (crazy I know), you would think the insurance companies would wake up and see that all the money they are putting out for meds, is crazy in comparison to surgery! Please keep us posted, you are truly an inspiration! Ren

Just curious, if anyone tried anything like Optifast before opting for surgery?If so what was your deal breaker that caused you to go ahead with the surgery instead? I'm on the fence my BMI is 32, I can't find anyone docs in my area that will do the surgery with my BMI, however I'm an insulin dependent diabetic, just was put on an insulin pump, which I fear will cause me more weight gain, I've looked into Optifast, wasn't sure I could do all liquids, but after reading on here, looks like for a time after surgery you are on liquids anyway. Any input would be appreciated.

Hello, I'm not in Cinni but the Columbus area, I just stumbled acrossed Dr. Curry's website, as I have a BMI less than 35 but I have serveral co-morbity conditions. I noticed he is the only Dr I can find around here that takes some patients with BMI's between 30 - 35. Now I don't know if my insurance will go for it, but I would be willing to pay out of pocket, I noticed on another post you metioned you were self pay, and insight as to how much it costs, payments plans anything would be appreciated. How are things going for you since your surgery? Looking forwarding to hearing from you!

Wow that's great, may I ask what insurance you have? Also here in my area in Ohio most of the Dr website's I've checked, won't do it unless you are at least at 35 BMI, I'm at 32.

Congrats!!

Good luck to you!!! Will you have to stay overnight or just outpatient?

wow, I was afraid of that.....Have you already been approved by insurance? Does your Dr think it will help your diabetes? are you type 1 or 2? Thanks for repsonding!

LOL, oh my! ok well now I know! Thanks for clearing me up!

not to sound dumb, but when you say sliders do you mean little sandwiches?

Do you get wighed at your information meeting about the surgery and dumb question clothes on or off?

Thanks! I found out yesterday that my BMI is not high enough....which is a real bummer, as I'm close...I'm a diabetic and I'm pretty sure that tomorrow when I see my Dr that I'll be adding a second type of insulin! Which I've taken in the past and I piled on the pounds in no time. I really want to get the band so I can be done with diabetes! Not sure what good it did for the FDA to approve the band for BMI's less than 35, at least in OHIO cause I can't find anyone who will do it for folks less than 35! I also don't think my insurance will cover at less than 35! I'm frustrated! Can you tell? LOL

Glad to see some lower BMi'ers. I just starting to look into this, I'm current at about 31 -32 BMI, but all the dr's website that I've viewed so far say I have to be at least a 35, what state are you all in that had the surgery under 35? I'm in Ohio.

Hey all, hope this post finds you doing well. My current BMI is a little less than 35. I know the FDA has approved lap band for 30+ but everything I read on here and on web searches only speaks to insurance approving at 35+ with conditions. I really hate to gain more weight to make this happen....Any insight? My doctor is backing me, but of course I'm sure he doesn't really know what the insurance company will do. I am going to call them on Monday and see if I can get an idea if they would go for it or not. I have to do something I can't take all this medicine anymore! Thanks! ren

Good Morning! Just found your site last night. Exited to read all the posts! I'm 44, married mom of 2. I've been overweight since I was a teenager. Never really been able to stay on a diet, to much work counting and measuring, I always busy busy. I have had diabetes for about 10 years, I also have high cholesterol, blood pressure and few other things. I take 11 differnt medicines plus vitiamins and supplements. I'm so tired of feeling bad, so tired of taking all this medcine. I have a friend who had similar issues, had gastric bypass and now takes no more medicine at all.... I know there are major lifestyle changes if I do this, but I feel so bad, I'm afraid what will come in the future if I continue on this path. I'm sure my liver is struggling to keep up with all the toxins from the meds I'm on. I live in the columbus ohio area, looks like Mt Carmel hospital is who accepts my insurance. I know most everything I read says BMI of at least 35 with comorbid condiditons, but I also read on the LapBand website that is is approved for 30 BMI with conditions. Has anyone had a BMI less than 35 and got approved... Thanks for letting me intro myself, looking forward to sharing this adventure with you. Ren0318