Curious newbie

August 16, 2004

Hi everyone! I'm really, really new. I actually am just recently checking into lap banding. I have done Weight Watchers, L.A. Weight Loss, other diet drugs, but wasn't very successful on any of them. The scariest part is I'm not sure if I would qualify for the surgery. I think I'm right on the border as my BMI is 38, I am 5'2" and 209 lbs. It seems that they are much more stricter in the states. I feel fatigued all the time, back pain. I also have a history of high blood pressure, but that fluctuates. I've always struggled with my weight. Any advice is welcome.

Neicy · August 16, 2004

Hi Kelli, My BMI was 37.5 when I got banded. Of course, I did go to MX, but Dr. Rumbaut did not take issue with my need for banding. If you get banded here in the states, and you self pay, I don't think you'd have a problem either. Usually the problem is with ins. pmt. However if you have several co-morbidities, they may consider you. You have to document that you've seen a doctor relative to the problems also. Usually the surgeon's office can help you work through the kinks. Give it a try!

La_madam · August 16, 2004

For most insurances to even think about touching you, you do need to have a BMI of 40 and have co-morbitities is what I was told ..I had the BMI over 40 (42) but no comorbitities. I was a self pay in TJ Mexico becasue my insurance company said NO so instead of haggling with over it with them for months I went to Mexico..4 months later down 40 pounds ..I'd probably still be going back and forth with my insurance company 4 months later.

New Hope · August 17, 2004

Kelli, it certainly can't hurt to try your insurance company first. I did have co-morbidities (blood pressure, asthma, hiatal hernia, arthritis). It took an appeal and a total of 8 months for the final approval. Most people don't seem to have to wait that long. It's really a shame that we have to have major health problems before ins. will consider WLS. I can honestly say that I'm healthier now than I've been in years. I'm taking half the RXs. than I was. I'm saving me AND the insurance a fortune in RXs right now. Best of luck to you!

August 17, 2004

Thanks for all the advice. I see a lot of you did self pay...I was just wondering if you took out a loan? I'm sure some of you have saved, but that unfortunately wouldn't be me. After reading the forum I'm really considering going to Mexico...it seems that most of you have had a really good experience. Of course, my husband is a little uncertain about that, but he hasn't seen the forum either. Thanks again everyone and I just want to say that this is a great site!