65toGo

Emily and Heartfire, thanks for the advice. I did read on the UCD web site they perform the RNY procedure with no mention of the band. That's too bad. As long as I can handle NO, it never hurts to ask though, right? ) If I do have WLS, I absolutely do not want the bypass procedure. It's just too invasive. I've lost 51 lbs. on my own (it's taken me three long years) and if I am denied by insurance, or UCD will only perform the RNY procedure, I will continue on my path until I reach my goal. I may never reach what the BMI charts suggest is a healthy weight, but I will reach a reasonable weight for my frame. Thanks again.

Hi Morningoasis811. I live in Elk Grove and notice you had Dr. Fuller at UCD Med Group as your surgeon? I, too, have UCD as my med group (Anthem Blue Cross). I have an appointment with my PCP mid-March and was wondering if you have any advice? I've done some research and will ask for a referral to Drs. Ali and/or Fuller at UCD. I called Anthem BC to see what my coverages were but they told me I had to go through the medical group. I have a relatively low BMI of 35 and am concerned I may not be big enough for the surgery? I do have high BP (already on meds) and high cholesterol, so I'm somewhat optimistic I will qualify. Thanks for any advice. Best of luck to you.

Thanks to all for the information! and thank you Yellowroseaz for the tip on the 35-40 BMI link. I found some of what I am looking for. Best of luck to you all.

Hi all, First off, I have never posted anywhere before so this is completely new to me. A friend suggested I come to this site to learn more about the lap-band procedure (she's in the process of getting a date for her surgery). Please bear with me :smile2:). I live in the Sacramento, CA area and have decided to look into lap-band surgery. I had looked into it several years ago but was told by my doctor at Kaiser that I wasn't fat enough (I had a BMI of 42 at the time). I was under the impression that a BMI of 40 or above was pretty much a guarantee that a person would qualify. Apparently not. I've recently switched from Kaiser to Blue Cross HMO and so I'm thinking of trying again. I've made an appointment with my PCP so hopefully I will get somewhere this time. I don't even know if I'm a candidate for the surgery. I have lost 51 lbs. on my own over the past three years (my BMI is now 35) by being very disciplined (i.e. exercise 6 days/week, eating 1200-1500 calories). It's grueling and every single pound has been a struggle. I've found that if I stop exercising or slip up on my food choices, I regain the weight. The reason I am once again considering WLS is that it has taken three years to lose 51 lbs. and I'm starving and exhausted! According to the BMI charts, I have 65 lbs. to go. I don't want to wait another three years or more to reach my goals. Anyway, I'd like to know if I am excluded from the surgery because I have less than 100 lbs. to lose and I don't really have any co-morbidity issues except for achy hips and knees. I've visited the UC Davis website regarding their bariatric surgery program and was disappointed to learn they only perform the regular gastric bypass and not the lap-band procedure. Does anyone know if this is the case? Sorry for my randomness. Any information would be really welcome. Thanks so much.