Just Getting Started!

[jayme 0]

Hi, I'm new!

After doing some research, I think the band is the way to go for me, I still have numerous questions and welcome any advice.

First, I'm 40 (ugh) basically healthy, and fall in the 33 BMI range. (need to lose about 80 lbs) I don't know what is considered a co-morbidity, but I don't have any serious problems other than hypoglycemia (which I should be managing with diet, but don't). Do I have a chance to get any insurance coverage? I have pacificare PPO otherwise I guess I'm a self-pay.

My biggest question that I haven't been able to answer by lurking on the LBT is where are all the people that have been banded long-term? Can you re-gain weight with the band? We all got here for a reason, and will power doesn't work for me. The only weight I have ever lost has been with diet pills and I've always gained it back after a year or so.

And, post-op, once you've adjusted to the band, are there any forbidden foods?

I would also like to hear from other -35 BMI's that have been banded.

Thanks for listening!!

[Lauren87 7]

Hi Jayme! Welcome to LBT!

Although I am not in the -35 BMI range I might be able to give some words of advice to you.

Here is goes, and don't think any of this is meant to be harsh or rude, I'm just presenting to you, at the best ability I can, the information I have.

Most insurance companies want you to have a BMI of 35+ to be considered for surgery. As far as co-morbities go, these are (but are not limited to) high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. If you don't have any co-morbities and have a BMI under 35 your chances for approval are very limited...but not unheard of. Each insurance company has its own set of standards and criteria so it's best to check with them about the requirements. A lot of the lapband system requires you to use a lot of self-control and discipline...it IS just a tool, not a magic fix. You can actually resist the band and gain weight. There is nothing preventing you from sucking down milkshakes or eating ice cream. So yes, you can regain weight...absolutely.

I haven't had surgery but I can tell you foods that are off limits.

1) (Drink) Soda (no carbonation is allowed)

2). Most breads, they gum up and clog the band cause you to PB

3). (sometimes) Red meats, they tend to have trouble going down.

Those are the big ones that I can think of but there are many, many more. It really varies person-to-person.

Have you attended a seminar yet? There are really helpful in understanding the system...and they could answer a lot of the questions you just asked.

I'm not going to ask your weight, but with a BMI of only 33 I have trouble understanding the need to lose 80lbs...and I think a physician would too. The lapband is typically for people who are morbidly obese (by l00 lbs. or more...and that is typically specified in the insurance paperwork, i.e. "BMI of 35 OR 100lbs over the person's ideal weight). With a BMI of only 33 you fall below the FDA BMI range...and you may have trouble finding a surgeon who will perform the surgery with a BMI that low.

Good luck, where ever your journey may take you.

Lauren

[jayme 0]

Hey!

thanks for your quick response! You can't offend me at this point, so I apprieciate you being to the point.

I did attend a seminar last week, the doctor answered alot of my questions but I was a little intimidated to ask anything out loud.

According to the chart at 5'10" 230lbs (female), BMI 33. I should weigh 150 = 80lbs. I'm tall and it's all spread out, but it's there and it's "weighing" me down.

[Lauren87 7]

Hey, no problem for the speedy response!

Ok, I see where your coming from now that I can see your measurements. I can sure hide 330lbs well. Let me tell you, people never guess it.

Good to hear you did attend a seminar....I didn't ask questions at mine so don't feel like your alone. It's a scary time and place!

Like I said earlier, each insurance company is super picky about requirements so make sure to check on that.

Good luck on your journey!

[bluekygirl 0]

Jayme,if this is something that you really want, and your insurance company turns you down, you have the option of self-pay. You may find a doctor that has no problems doing the surgery with a BMI of 33, if insurance is not involved.