5 Year Question...

Tracyde730 · February 17, 2008

I went to the seminar last week and 1 of the requirements for surgery is being morbidly obese for 5 years. I don't think I have been morbidly obese for 5 years, but DEFINITELY way overweight. Only morbidly obese for the past 2-3 years. Do you think that will make a difference? I have or will have all the othet requirements done, plus high bp & on meds...help! Neep opinions...

Nuff · February 17, 2008

HI. I think it may be different here in New Zealand where I got my band done. The surgeon just needed to know that I had been obese for a long period of time and that I had tried more than once to lose weight. I also made sure that he realised that my parents/grandparents had all had obesity related diseases. I think that was what tipped the balance as I was relatively light (BMI 32) when I was banded :wink_smile:

Tracyde730 · February 17, 2008

Thanks a lot Nuff! I hve been overweight my whole life & my dad died at age 52 from heart disease, so I think that's a plus to me (that doesn't sound right...LOL)

Nuff · February 17, 2008

Ha, yeah, sounded weird but I know EXACTLY what you mean! :wink_smile:

Good luck with the band :wink2:

Longhorn · February 17, 2008

There can be a difference between what insurance companies require and what the doctor requires. I didn't have to document anything. I was self-pay with a BMI of 35 and no co-morbidities, though I've had knee problems and my sister, brother, uncle, and grandmother all have/had diabetes.

The FDA has certain requirements for the band but there seems to be a little leeway for the surgeons to make their own evaluations. And the Mexican doctors do not have to follow the FDA rules for implanting the band.

Good luck!