Making my decision...advice welcome

lessofjess · April 9, 2007

Hi everyone,

I am new here and am in the process of investigating lap band surgery. I am leaning towards having the procedure done, but am wondering if you could help me out on a few issues.

My BMI is 35 and I am pretty healthy. The only obesity related health issues I have right now are that I have hip injury that won't heal and I cannot strenuously exercise because of it and my good cholesterol is low. Will most doctors accept me for a lap band?

Also, I am nervous about the major lifestyle change. I want to do it. I am so sick of being fat. But I guess I am worried that because I have never had long term success with other diets, this will be the same and that somehow I will screw it up. My fears about not being able to eat reveal my problem with /addiction to food. liquid diet = scary.

Any advice, wisdom, etc will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Jessie

juliegeraci · April 9, 2007

You may have difficulty getting the lapband at 35. You have to do your homework with surgeons in your area. Also, most insurances will not approve a bmi

juliegeraci · April 9, 2007

Most insurances will not approve surgery unless you have BMI of 40 or above. I believe surgeons in Mexico do surgery on lower BMI

kyethra · April 11, 2007

I don't know if you could get approved. Your best best is to ask your insurance what their requirments are for approval for the procedure. Then you can see a surgeon about it. I don't know if the hip would count as a complication or not. According to a study I read fairly recently-- no I don't remember the name, people who had lower body joint pain had their quality of like improve the most from the band. I too have a hip injury (SI alignment issue) that is mostly healed from can come back if I change shoes or something and it is very disabling. And I know the amount of extra weight we put on our joints does make a difference. Also, if your insurance won't pay, are you willing to be self pay?

isabelle290 · April 11, 2007

Just look into your policy. Some cover BMI 35 with other health conditions. Although most only cover a BMI of 40. The insurance is going to want proof that you have been that weight for five years or more, too.