To band or not to band

Lettie · July 31, 2003

Hi. This is my first time here in this site. I'd like to know if Lap Band if right for me. I am 5'3 and weigh 200 lbs. I do not have any health problems and all if fine health wise.

How do I know if this proceedure is right for me?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lettie

Alexandra · July 31, 2003

Hi Lettie,

what exactly is it?

For a quick introdution to the LapBand visit www.inamed.com and follow the links for Obesity Solutions.

At your weight your BMI is about 35.4 (according to our handy-dandy BMI calculator!), and that's not considered "morbidly obese" according to the AMA guidelines. The Band is recommended by its manufacturer only for people with a BMI over 40, OR with a BMI of over 35 if accompanied by at least two co-morbidities.

In English, that means that unless you suffer from negative health effects of your weight--such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, bone or joint pain, etc.--you are probably not heavy enough to make bariatric surgery of any kind medically necessary. If you do suffer from these or other related health ailments, you might be able to qualify--but that's your doctor's call.

All of this is irrelevant if you plan to go out of the country and self-pay for the surgery. Doctors in Mexico and Europe follow different guidelines for choosing their patients.

sheryl · July 31, 2003

Hi Lettie!

Great question, really only one that you can answer. Personally, I knew that I had to get help in order to lose this weight. Though I was over 350lbs, I too didn't have any health problems. I should say YET. It was just a matter of time. I wanted to be able to run and play with my children. I want to have them grow up in a healthy and active lifestyle. After failing at every diet that I tried (and I have tried most of them), I decided that I needed help. That is what the lapband gave me. It is my tool, so I can have a healthier and more active lifestyle.

I don't know how your life is, so you really have to answer that question. Getting the band is a committment.

Good luck to you!!!

quakergirl · August 1, 2003

The lap-band is much safer than the RNY surgery, so if you're going to get weight loss surgery, I'd say that lap-band is the best bet by far for someone in your position: not particularly heavy and not suffering from co-morbidities. However, ANY surgery carries a degree of risk, so I don't think it's worth it to get any weight loss surgery JUST for cosmetic reasons.

Personally, I had no serious health problems when I was thinking about the band. My worst complaint was some very mild back pain and knee soreness...which fortunately has resolved with just about 15 pounds weight loss.

However, I'm very severely morbidly obese, so I wanted the band to PREVENT future problems...especially with my horrible family history of health problems.

Perhaps the band could help you if your weight is really affecting your quality of life and/or if your weight is still climbing upwards. But my advice is don't resort to surgery if you don't have to.

Good luck.

wednesday · August 1, 2003

I think you would be a perfect candidate for the band. The RnY is just to drastic for the amount of weight you would need to lose... about 75lbs, right?

Like Alexandra said, the chances of you getting approved by your insurance company in the USA is not good, but if you self pay and go out of the country they would definitely do this for you!

You would be so happy with your decision!

leo · August 1, 2003

I agree with Wednesday. My doctor told me that I am healthy when I had my last physical. But he said I should try to loose some weight otherwise when I get older I would have a lot of complications because of my weight.

Thats the main reason I decided to get banded.