I have been noticing more and more new bandsters joining here who have way less than 100 pounds to lose. I know that BMI is also an indicator, but some people have "only" 70 or 80 pounds to lose. I wonder why the switch? When I first started researching ALL the literature said docs/insurance require you to be AT LEAST 100 pounds overweight in order to be considered a good candidate.

Just curious as to why the change in numbers.

I was told 100 lbs overweight or bmi of 30+

100 lbs is my own goal weight, but the Nurse Practitioner threw out a number that would put my loss at closer to 80 lbs. From what I have seen (I started this process in November of 09,) everything is predicated on a BMI of 40 or between 35 and 39 with at least 2 comorbidities.

The number of pounds was not mentioned in the seminar and my insurance company does not reference that either.

Like everything else, I am sure this varies widely among surgeons and insurance companies! :thumbup:

kagead

Edited February 20, 201016 yr by kagead

My BMI was 35 with sleep apnea and foot problems. I was self pay and I expected my Doctor to give me hell when I first went in and told him I wanted the lap band. I was following a very strict diet to stay under 200. I dieted (was hungry) probably 2 out of every 3 days for the last 15 years. When I went to my initial consultation, he had me do a barium swallow and said I had an exceptionally large stomach and that is why I had to eat so much to feel full, he then told me it was amazing that I had kept my weight so low. I could have cried to hear that this wasn't all in my mind. I feel like lap band should be available to anyone who needs it. We shouldn't have to get to the 100 lb mark to "qualify". If you have cancer you don't have to wait until your tumor is large to have it removed. If obesity is negatively affecting your health you should be able to do something about it.

In Australia you can have the op if you are obese i.e BMI of 30 or above. Mine was almost 32. To many of you that may not sound like a lot but I looked and felt awful. Being short I did not carry it well, I looked 10 months pregnant, my arms looked awful as did my face and it was extremely difficult to buy clothes. If something fitted around my stomach it would be too big every where else and vice versa.

Had I not had the surgery I would have just continued to get bigger. Surely there is no point in waiting until a person is MORBIDLY obese or worse. If a problem can be resolved earlier rather than later that has to be better.

My doctor's goal is WAAAAY higher than mine; if I went with that, I would have been at <100, too, by the time I hit the OR.

Still, my BMI was darn close to 40.

When I first started researching ALL the literature said docs/insurance require you to be AT LEAST 100 pounds overweight in order to be considered a good candidate.

I'd guess the ever increasing rate of obesity in the U.S. is part of the answer...but also I think the weight requirement was more of an insurance requirement. Doctors tend not to be as strict.

If I could have had this surgery when I was 180 pounds (back when I was 25)...and gaining every year at a steady rate...I would've done it and gladly paid for it myself even though I only needed to lose about 60 pounds at that point.

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Interesting array of responses. I was just wondering. I agree that we should not wait until we hit the morbidly obese mark. Thanks for your answers.

I have struggled with weight since the 10th grade. I had to lose 10 lbs to get into the Navy, and struggled with weight my whole 20 yr career. When I retired, I let go. I had a time in the Navy where I dropped 50 lbs and hit 225 lbs. I ran a 26.2 mile marathon at that weight. Then, after a transfer and a marriage, I put it back on. And more.

Today I hit 300 lbs. I have not seen that weight since 1995. In 80 more pounds I will be below that 225.

I plan to run another marathon. I plan to skydive (weight limit 230), I plan to scuba dive again. I am going to live!!!

I wish I could have had gotten the band in 1985 when I was at 225 and fit. It would have kept me from gaining it back. I had always struggled with weight, but If I could have gotten the band at a BMI of 31.4, knowing what I know now, I would have. Life, (or at least 25 years of it) may have been healthier, happier and more fullfilling.

I cannot fault ANYONE, for realizing that they cannot keep the weight off or lose it and taking the steps we have. Give the band to the 50% of Americans that are overweight. That alone would reduce National healthcare costs.

I love feeling in control now. I absolutely love it.....

Good luck to all, and be proud to be banded!!!

TJ