New here and have a few questions...

[jeromysgrl 0]

Hello everyone. I am thinking of getting the Lap Band and have a couple of questions.... My BMI is 36, now I know that is a little low, but I have high cholesterol, major back pain, and joint pains, and a few other minor issues. I have tried everything under the sun to lose the weight on my own but the weight never comes off. I will admit I have an addiction to food (since I quit smoking) and I know this has led to much of my weight gain. I have a family history of morbif obesity, and other major health issues. I am wanting to get my weight and health under control before it becomes majorly out of control and I have major health issues. And I am on the path to it!

So here goes the question... do you feel that I would make a good canidate for this? Do you think I will be approved? My insurance pays for damn near anything. Should I wait till my BMI is more?

Thanks for the help.

Jenn:crying:

[Jodi_620 37]

You probably qualify now. Insurance companies are different but generally the guidlines are: a BMI above 40 or a BMI of between 35-40 with comorbidities. Comorbidities are conditions brought on by obesity, back pain and high cholesterol would count.

Good Luck!

[georgebals 0]

Your family history sounds like mine. Had to guit smoking for spine fusion surgery. Only 4 pack a day + a couple bottles of rum. The Caribbean Diet. I don't think you should wait for problems in health to add up. Morbid Obescity is right in the neighborhood of 36 BMI like dead center. I would beg insurance company to take my case. Make sure you are ready for the fastest changes of your life. It's all in your head, make your head better pre-op. Read, Learn, exercise . It's not really a diet but Portion Control you need to develop. Run to the dr. & tell him you'll do anything for a longer quality life. Hasta Pronto, George:shades_smile:

[erikadawn 0]

i had a low bmi too 36, but I had severe back pain. The longer you wait the fatter you will get. Five months and 55 pounds later my back does not hurt anymore. Do not wait !

[meredithrock 0]

You should not wait, my BMI was barely 35 and I was approved. I have PCOS, hTN and GERD. I had my surgery about 2 weeks ago, I lost 26lbs prior to surgery and 5lbs since surgery. You should expect that your weight loss may be much slower that others with higher BMI's. The band is not a magic bullet, just a tool. If i were you I would educate myself as much as possible and start a healthy way of eating today. The better shape you are in prior to surgery, the easier time you will have, good luck.

[kfgates 0]

Hi Erika, I too have a low BMI and somewhat similar co-mobities Gerd, herniated discs in my back (with an MRI to back it up) terrible joint pain in my knees, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress incontinence, and fallen arches. I have been trying to dot my i's and cross my t's in preparation for my first surgical consult. I was thrilled to read your post...one woman wrote to me saying to stop....she too has Cigna and was denied with similar issues. My OBGYN is writing a letter as well as the podiatrist that tried to treat my fallen arches. I have also started a PSWLP with my PCP just in case the insurance company requests it. Do you have any suggestions as to what else I can do. Thank you for posting....Kimberly

[jeromysgrl 0]

Thank you guys so much... you have really help confirm that this is something I need to go after.

Jenn