Desy1701

Jachut - I agree with your statement that the Medical Professionals should be able to spot the people who may have eating disorders and would disqualify them, but my concern is that there always seem to be people in this world who will do anything for a dollar and people with eating disorders and money may be able to find doctors that are willing to perform surgeries on them just because they have the funds to pay.

Nanook - I mean that if you have a BMI over what is healthy for your height, with or without co-morbidities you should qualify for surgery, and that the current guidelines of having to wait until you have a BMI of 40 or more or 35 with co-morbidities to qualify is having to wait too long.

Thank You! I was wondering about this because I have Cigna insurance and I have heard they are very hard to approve WLS. They also require a 6 month supervised diet. I thought that provision was a way for them to get out of paying. I will remember to not be too successful.

I can't agree that just because someone has the money they should be able to get banded. There have to be limits and criteria (although I think a BMI of 40 and co-morbidities is too late). There are too many people, especially teens, who think they are overweight if they weigh 105 pounds. If we say "You have the $$$, you get the surgery" there will be people with a BMI of 25 or less getting surgery and creating different health problems such as anorexia. Yes, it is their body but 90% of the population see things they don't like about themselves. I don't agree that plastic surgery should be done on anyone with the money either. More and more high school girls are having surgical procedures because they are unhappy with the way they look. This isn't just teens either. People become addicted to these surgeries and want more just because they can afford it. What is to stop a self-pay from deciding that they haven't lost the 15 pounds they wanted to after lap banding so now they will have gastric bypass? I think anyone with a BMI over what is considered 'healthy' for their height should be able to have WLS, whether at their expense or not, but there has to be a cut off point.

If you lose weight during the six months and your BMI drops (below 40 - I'm right at 40 now) and your co-morbidities improve then can you still be considered a candidate for the lap band?

I hover around 40 BMI but have recently developed high blood pressure and have to go for more blood work Monday. I think they are checking for diabetes. I have suffered from depression and arthritis for years. I am just now beginning to check in to lap band surgery. I have Cigna insurance and have heard they are hard to get approval from and hate to admit that developing the co-morbidities may actually be an asset (?!). I'm curious about the 6 month doctor supervised diet that most insurances require. If you are successful at losing weight during the 6 months and your BMI drops and co-morbidities lessen would you still be a candidate for lap band?

I realize you were saying 'average height and in good health' and I don't think these people would meet the criteria. Even if they have the money a reputable surgeon should not do the surgery unless it is needed. I don't believe this should be used by someone for cosmetic reasons only. My goal is to look better but my health is more important to me so that is my reason for researching surgery.

I am 4' 11" tall and my weight fluctuates between 198 and 204 lbs. I have had arthritis and depression for a number of years, along with blood clots, and my parents and brother have type 2 diabetes although I don't - yet - but they all have high blood pressure and I was diagnosed last week and have started medication, and believe diabetes is just around the corner. Having said all this, my BMI is usually more than 35 and around 40 (depending on the calculator I use it may be just slightly over 40) so even though I am right at 200 lbs I still seem to meet the criteria. I haven't been to a seminar yet but am scheduled to go in July. I am just like everyone else, just because I don't need to lose 200 lbs or more doesn't mean I haven't tried and it's just as hard, if not harder, to lose less weight. I believe I should have the same opportunity to increase my health and decrease my weight as those needing to lose more. My weight still affects my life in an unhealthy way. If I am accepted as a candidate and my insurance will pay, then I plan to have the surgery.

Hello Springfield! I just happened onto this website because I am researching lap banding. I will be attending a seminar at St. John's in August. I hope I can count on you all for answers to the million questions I will have. I was surprised to find a Springfield group but am so glad! Now I will have the support I need as I start this journey.