Lower BMI- Need Advice on LapBand vs Gastric Bypass

[dpotter 0]

Hello All:

I am scheduled for LapBand on 4/14/08; although I hav not been through all of my doctor consultations. (Those are scheduled for next week)

I have a BMI of 37 and I am self-paying; so I do not have to hassle with insurance approvals. Just trying to decide what's the best choice for me.

Both of my parents had Gastric bypass 5 years ago and were very successful. I am using the same doctors and surgen who I thoroughly trust.

My questions include:

1)- Does anyone know if Gastric Bypass is reasonable for a lower BMI person?

2)- Did anyone look into this other option? if so, why did you choose lapband?

Thanks!!

[Blund 0]

My surgeon said that he would RATHER do RNY on a higher BMI, like 40+, but did not say anything regarding your question.

The RNY scares me because of all the plumbing being rearranged. My BMI is around 36, and I liked the fact that the band is not a permanent change to my insides, and the surgery is less complicated. Now if my BMI were higher and my surgeon reccommended RNY, I suppose I would consider it. Since I'm at my highest weight now, I don't know how I would feel with a lot higher BMI

[dpotter 0]

BLUND: Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts. I agree with you but wanted to run it by someone else as well.

I have been going to weekly support groups at the hospital awaiting my surgery and it definitely appears that the band requires a different kind of "will power" (for lack of a better term) than the gastric.

Because the Ghrylin (spelling??) hormones are altered with the gastric they do not typically have the hunger issues that the bandsters do. But I do feel better knowing that I am not permanently changing my system. Especially at a relatively younger age still.

Thanks again!! And good luck to you.

[boomboom 0]

Hi I was wondering with your low bmi did you have in commobities. How did you get approved. I to have a low bmi but was denied by aetna. need some help badly.

[celticgirl 0]

Hi I was wondering with your low bmi did you have in commobities. How did you get approved. I to have a low bmi but was denied by aetna. need some help badly.

I am in the same situation. Did Aetna ever approve the lap band surgery for you?

[celticgirl 0]

My BMI is 38.8 with no co-morbidities. I have Aetna POS II. I'm currently doing 6 month diet with my PCP, but I feel as if I'm wasting my time. I have extremely high triglycerides/cholesterol, but that's about it other than BEING OBESE. Does anyone have any thoughts or positive stories to share? My hips/knees have been aching and I blame it on the weight. I exercise every other day at the YMCS (documented). I've been fat all my life. I'm praying for a miracle that Aetna will approve me in 5 months.

[Jachut 487]

They dont really do gastric bypass here, its all band.

But at a BMI of 36 I wouldnt have ever considered a gastric bypass. Way way way too drastic and risky for a moderate obesity problem with no comorbidities.

I havent found hunger to be too much of an issue, I get hungry, sure, but then I eat something. Like normal people do. I dont get inappropriately hungry anymore.

[boomboom 0]

Hi Celticgirl, Wish I could be a breath of fresh air for you but I cant. Aetna turned down every appeal I made. I did not have any of the four co-morbidities. There pretty strict on that. I tried for my knee's also ive had surgery on one and shots in them both. Athritis is both and aetna still denied me. So on open enrollment I switched health insurances. Medical Mutual has a co-morbidities for joints. Im waiting on my answer as we speek. Hope Ive helped you. Just remeber aetna goes strictly by the book. You have to have one of the co-morbidities or have a bmi of 40. Yes its sucks but we have to play by there rules. Good luck.

My BMI is 38.8 with no co-morbidities. I have Aetna POS II. I'm currently doing 6 month diet with my PCP, but I feel as if I'm wasting my time. I have extremely high triglycerides/cholesterol, but that's about it other than BEING OBESE. Does anyone have any thoughts or positive stories to share? My hips/knees have been aching and I blame it on the weight. I exercise every other day at the YMCS (documented). I've been fat all my life. I'm praying for a miracle that Aetna will approve me in 5 months.

[Kellster 1]

Hey all - I know Aetna is super strict about everything, gotta love ins companies, right?

My question is - for the comorbidities, does your doctor have to diagnose and treat you for them? My roomie has Kaiser now and a low BMI and both of us will have Aetna in 2009 and Kaiser, well.... they are shady and basically haven't officially diagnosed her with high BP or pre-diabetes. Does she have a chance at approval if she doesn't have the official diagnosis?

[ShiraSimcha 0]

My BMI is something like 36.5 or something like that. My PCP and I had a long discussion and he thinks the lapRNY is a better choice for me to achieve my goals. I am 5'4" (they think 3.5" so why argue! :biggrin:) and weighed 208.5 when I started my Lifestyle classes. I also have high cholestoral/triglycerides and asthma. I have Highmark BCNS PPO plan in Pennsylvania and when I called them they were pretty positive I'd be approved. I had originally wanted the band...but after talking to my doctor I AM going with the RNY simply because in his opinion its the better surgery. That doesn't mean the lapband isn't also okay...he said if I was set on it, it was fine too but we have known each other a long time and have a close relationship so I know he is thinking specifically of my issues.