Eligibility Question

[mims 0]

I received a recommendation from my husband's co-worker to come here and I'm finding loads of useful information.

I am in the early stages of researching lap-band surgery and have a question regarding if some one should have this surgery or not.

As many of you have, I have struggled with my weight most of my life. The only way I've ever been able to control my weight is to be hyper,hyper active (exercising 6 days a week for a couple of hours a day) and really constrict my calorie intake(less than 1000 calories a day). While this kept the weight off, it was just too hard to keep up as I was always exhausted. I won't bore you with all my history because I'm sure you're familar with it.

Anyhooo...to my question. I'm 5'5" and about 200lbs. I know I don't have as much to loose as many people do but after struggling with it for so many years I'm about to give up and just not care anymore. I really don't want to do it but I'm at my wits end. Most lapband sites I've looked at say I'm not eligible for the surgery and I'm assuming its because of my height/weight ratio. But does that make sense? Do I have to get out-of-control overweight before I do make use of a tool like the lap-band? I know I'm heading there. I'm 38 yrs old and been fighting this since I was 12. I'm so tired of the fight and I want something that will help me with the control issues I have.

Are there any people out there who are like me and had a lapband that can provide any words of of advice?

[princess_n_thep 2]

Your BMI (body mass index) is 33.3. Most of the US suggests a BMI of 40+ regardless of comorbidities or 35+ with several comorbidities. Mostly no one in the US will band under 35 is the "general" consensus. For your height you would need to weigh in around 241 for the 40+ category and 212 for the 35+ category as well as several major health issues that are comorbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc)

Yes, there are people like you. Yes, there are people like you that were banded. Yes, you have every right to use the tool like anyone else. Yes, you do have to be a bit larger if insurance in the states were to cover it (I was told to gain 40 and come back, uhhh don't think so doc). Yes, there are other options.

Many of the lower BMI patients (me included) who struggle with weight loss go to another country to have the surgery. I was a self pay and went to Mexico. There are MANY of us going to Mexico but I have heard others going to Australia, Belgium, Italy, Etc etc. The costs vary from surgeon to surgeon and country to country. I believe most of Mexico is around the $9-10k range. Most of us either paid in cash, financed it, second mortgage, equity takeout, got a low interest credit card (with miles), hocked a bunch of garage stuff in yard sales, ebayed stuff for the money, sold a car and rode the bus, whatever we had to do....

Going to another country is not for everyone though. It can be a bit nerve wracking. There are plenty of qualified fantastic out of the country surgeons and there are some whackjobs. You MUST do your research to make an educated opinion and decision if you decide to self pay out of the country.

Another option may be to look into a US test group of lower bmi bands. I know there have been some. One in New York was just done and they banded many with under 35 BMI for comparisons. I don't think they do it often and it probably is hard to get on, but might be worth a looksee.

I too did not have A LOT to lose but I had gained and lost it 4 times in 10 years. I do not have a problem doing the dieting to get it off, I have a problem with maintaining it. I lose, then gain with some, then lose, then gain with some, then lose, then gain with some.... over and over. It was a vicious cycle. The band has allowed me to diet and lose the weight and maintain that weight. For me, it was not the losing tool it was the maintaining tool. I lost most of my excess weight early on and I have been maintaining now without a crapload of effort at my current weight for 3 months now. I do wish to lose about 15 more till my goal but for now, I am good at where I am. It is not the bands fault I am not losing the rest of the 15, it is mine because I am not exercising properly.

The band will not cause you to lose the weight at your current weight. you will have to work WITH the band.

The band will not restrict you from eating that Twinkie for dinner and feel full and satisfied, but if you choose to have the small skinless baked chicken breast instead you will still feel full and satisfied. It is hard at first to get over the fact that you aren't eating to savor the initial taste and mental satisfaction that the Twinkie gives you.

I wish you much luck in your journey and your research. You are off to a good start in your research by coming to LBT. There is a search button up top that may also give you lots of great info in your journey. I know there is also a links thread that you may find useful.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11424 Links

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7959 abbreviations and what they mean

[lotsofkids 0]

I am only a 35 bmi and being considered because of my strong apnea situation, I believe and Hope the insurance will come through in the end for me. (I am working with the docs at Cleveland Clinic) ht 5'7 wt 229

I would not want to do a surgery in another country as I would be very sceptical of the standards. Here in USA there are checks and balances....and well...let's face it....Lawsuits....to keep everyone in line! LOL

hugs..diane : )