Bmi < 35?

[cubby_enough 0]

Hello, Group!

Please know that, while I realize that I'm not as ill as some, I am on a collision course with obesity and all that comes with it. Diet and exercise are keeping the extra pounds at bay with less success as the years go on. I know that my age may make others view me as "just a baby", but I feel that it is never too early to plan for a healthy, happy future.

I am a 31 year old female with a BMI of 33.

My concern is that there is a lot of obesity-related illness in my family and as I age, I'm finding it harder to get and keep weight off.

Both of my parents and my sister are morbidly obese. My maternal grandfather was diabetic and heart disease is rampant on that side of the family (as is obesity). Both of my parents suffer from high cholesterol and my father has high blood pressure.

So my question is, would a doctor place a band on a candidate that didn’t necessarily meet the basic requirements but who was at a greater-than-normal risk for inherited health issues?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[catzintj 1]

i wish i had the band placed BEFORE i had an elevated bmi. mexico will do your band with a low bmi. call and check with the different docs there. good luck.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Hello, Group!

Please know that, while I realize that I'm not as ill as some, I am on a collision course with obesity and all that comes with it. Diet and exercise are keeping the extra pounds at bay with less success as the years go on. I know that my age may make others view me as "just a baby", but I feel that it is never too early to plan for a healthy, happy future.

I am a 31 year old female with a BMI of 33.

My concern is that there is a lot of obesity-related illness in my family and as I age, I'm finding it harder to get and keep weight off.

Both of my parents and my sister are morbidly obese. My maternal grandfather was diabetic and heart disease is rampant on that side of the family (as is obesity). Both of my parents suffer from high cholesterol and my father has high blood pressure.

So my question is, would a doctor place a band on a candidate that didn’t necessarily meet the basic requirements but who was at a greater-than-normal risk for inherited health issues?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Most US docs will not band unless you have a BMI of 35 w/comorbidities or a BMI of 40 or greater.

The US is the only country that expects people to wait until they are full blown diabetics, have arthritis, joint problems, etc. All the other countries that I am aware of will band with a BMI of 30 or more. If you have a BMI of 33 you are already considered to be obese. You have passed "over weight" and are now at obese. I can understand your concerns, I had them when my BMI was that high and it climbed to 41.

I think it is Australia that has socialized medicine and they cover banding for a BMI of 30 or greater. The US is just slow, backwards, and hillbilly-ish when it comes to WLS.

So all in all you will have a hard time finding a US doc to do the procedure with a 33 BMI but you won't have any problem finding a Mexican doc do the procedure.

I don't know if your insurance excludes WLS or not, but even if it is covered you likely won't qualify anyway. You aren't morbidly obese yet and you don't have a slew of weight related problems.

Is self pay an option for you? If so, you will have no problem getting the surgery.

[Jachut 487]

I'd agree with all that and say as a lower BMI bandster myself, I felt enough personal anguish over my weight and enough concern about the "possible" health problems I may have in my future to do something about it early.

And believe me, 33 is obese! It only sounds not so obese in comparison to a lot of people who are far more ill. B ut it is obese, and it is bad for your health and puts strain on your body.

Its also a lot easier to lose 70 or 80lb than it is to lose 150 or 200, so if there is any way you can pay for this yourself and get it done then I would do so.

I'm glad I live in Australia!

[nikki_s 0]

Hi there,

I was banded 3 weeks ago with a BMI of 34. I am in AUS and the only real comorbidity I had was that I have suffered from depression in the past. My weight being the major reason. I have tried every diet and I too have family health issues that I know I will also have if I don't do something about it. I want to be proactive and do it now, not in a few years when I know my BMI will be higher and I may already have developed more health problems. I have done alot of research and I am well informed. My surgeon understood this and was supportive. At a BMI of 34 I am considered obese, so I do have a problem! Hopefully soon this problem will dissappear!!

Good Luck

Nic

[Merv 0]

Check out Obesity Surgery - LAP BAND - Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, - Texas - TX and Dr. Joseph Cribbins in Dallas, TX.

I don't know where you are in the US, but maybe he can help. I'm looking at having the LB done and I have a BMI of 32 and have been told that he will do it. Self pay of course. Hope this helps.

[aimees27 0]

Call around or send emails to many different centers. There are Dr.s in the U.S. that will band a lower BMI patient. Most likely, you will have to self pay. I have spoken to three Dr.s that have said, if I qualify health wise, they wouldn't have a problem at all banding me and I have a BMI of 32. You do not just have to rely on Mexico for lower BMI banding...just ask around. I think many surgeons in the U.S. are well aware that a lower BMI may very likely become an obese, or morbidly obese BMI within a matter of time...IMO!