New to group BMI 30 surgery in May

[bramante45 0]

I just spoke to a coordinator from Dr. Kuri's practice and he will not band anyone under about a 33 BMI. I also spoke with coordinators for Dr. Ramos Kelly and Dr. Ortiz and they don't seem to have an issue with low BMI folks. Dr. Kuri's rep. said that there is a greated problem of slippage with low BMI banders, while the other two reps said that they take a stitch and it isn't a problem. I am so confused now. My yoyo dieting is driving me crazy, and has for most of my life. I could probably be 300 pounds if I let myself get there. I just don't know if I'm a proper candidate for banding. Can anyone help me bet some clarity? Part of me thinks nothing will work for me, and it's totally crazy-making.

Thanks.

I am right there with you. Did you get my email? I posted recently on the May bandsters page how I am wondering if I should be doing this .....I have been going back and forth, but I am almost 100% yes now. I need this . I need to be a good weight and maintain it. Like you I could easily be 300lbs every day is a constant battle not to be. What is the difference between someone who is bmi33 and 30 really??? I have heard of so many happy people that if I don't give this a shot I will regret it and always wonder if I should have. Dr. ortiz can also do the procedure in one incision if you are that low in bmi. That is what they told me.

I agree with the previous post why can't we do it for cosmetic reasons???

[Mommydog14 1]

Branmante45, I send you a private email last evening.

What scares me about this is the possibility that it won't work. Then what? There are a lot of people on this board, it seems, who haven't met their goals. Why doesn't it work for some people?

[SticeLane 0]

Just wanted to chime in (butt in) and say that I had a band put in last September, at a BMI of 30 and, according to my doctor, 43 pounds to lose (I'd like to lose an even 50). I have not regretted it for a second, and am thrilled to have lost 40 pounds. I seem to be stuck at 40, but being stuck at this weight is so much better than where I was before.

I met a lot of resistance, but just didn't care what anyone thought. I also don't care if anyone is saying "Sure, she's thin, but she cheated!"

Welcome, and I wish you the same easy recovery I had.

PS - the 40-pound loss has been pretty much effortless. I figure to lose the last 10 I will have to work at it, which is OK. Summer is coming and it will be easier to be active.

[Mommydog14 1]

Thanks for sharing, Slice. Where did you get banded?

[SticeLane 0]

In suburban Chicago, self-pay, of course. There are two providers I know of in the Chicago area who will band at 30.

[LeighaMason 19]

I was low BMI, I got my band 5 months ago and when I lose 1 more pound I will no longer be considered overweight. I have been overweight for 16 years, if I could have fixed it I would have, long before now. I wouldn't trade my band for anything.

[Mommydog14 1]

Yesterday I was convinced that I would take the first plane to Mexico and have myself banded immediately. Then, I became concerned with the aftercare, which seems pretty critical, to say the least. I live in Northern Ca, and found that Dr. Waltrep is doing a study lower BMI bandsters and will perform the surgery on people with a 30 BMI. Of, course it's self-pay since insurance won't cover it. I was quoted $12,100, which doesn't seem too bad, and then I would be certain of aftercare, support groups, etc. I asked about providing aftercare if surgery was performed by a Mexican dr., and they said it is difficult since there are a variety of different bands, etc. I actually spoke to a doctor who answered the phone (shock). They have an introductory seminar this month, so I'm going to check it out. Do any of you have any comments on Mexico (less $$$) vs local (assured aftercare)?

[LeighaMason 19]

When I researched it I found they use the older model bands in Mexico, this was 6 months ago but that is what made my mind up to pay the extra, I paid $10,200 in Dallas. I would suggest if you can afford to go local, if all you have is $6200 go to Mexico, that is better than nothing.

[bramante45 0]

Just wanted to chime in (butt in) and say that I had a band put in last September, at a BMI of 30 and, according to my doctor, 43 pounds to lose (I'd like to lose an even 50). I have not regretted it for a second, and am thrilled to have lost 40 pounds. I seem to be stuck at 40, but being stuck at this weight is so much better than where I was before.

I met a lot of resistance, but just didn't care what anyone thought. I also don't care if anyone is saying "Sure, she's thin, but she cheated!"

Welcome, and I wish you the same easy recovery I had.

PS - the 40-pound loss has been pretty much effortless. I figure to lose the last 10 I will have to work at it, which is OK. Summer is coming and it will be easier to be active.

I am so glad you "butt in" :smile2: I needed to hear something positive. I have to go to Mexico 1. I can't afford more $$$ and 2. It is scheduled, tickets purchased and I have paid a deposit. You actually made me excited for the first time since I started this process!!

How many fills have you had to lose your 40? Do you think I should go back to Mexico to get my fills? He does flouroscopy so he can actually see how much he is putting in. Or get blind fills with a fill center about an hour from home......

[Past2present 0]

Anyone know of a Dr. in NYC that will band at 33 BMI? I'm hesitant to go to Mexico for the procedure as I would like the same doctor that does the procedure to do my followup care. I have been scouring the net, and sending email inquiries with no responses. Any help is greatly apprecaited. Thanks in advance.

Update: 4/12/10

I am being banded by Dr. Ward at Allied Surgical Group in NJ (out of pocket of course). I have researched him and the facility and have not found any negative results. The consult was informative and relaxed, no rush and he was very patient with all questions. I'm going in on the 20th. I'll keep you guys posted.

Edited April 13, 2010 by Past2present
Update!

[LATT90 0]

Well here it is! I too have a BMI of 36... somewhat lower. I go to the Dr. next Thursday to see if I'm a candidate for the surgery or not. I am soooo nervous they are gonna tell me no! It's nice reading all of your stories and input on here!

37 yrs old

5'8"

240#

BMI 36

[Golden 0]

I'm from Canada and have a BMI of 34 I am going to Mexico because Canada will not do Band surgery less the 40 and 35 without comorbids.

I am very excited!

[SUSANG0264 0]

Who in Mexico are you using?

[SUSANG0264 0]

I am also a low bmi (32) and anxious for surgery. I have researched Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and am a little leary about leaving the country. I'll take all the input I could get. :thumbup:

[jxp2008 0]

I had a BMI of 31 and I paid out of pocket for mine. My insurance would not cover it. I feel ya! Obesity runs on both sides of my family and I was headed that way. I took a stand and saved me many more years of heartache. Don't feel bad. You did the right thing for your health and you future!! :thumbup: