I am 25 years old and I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I called and scheduled my consultation for May 10th. The nurse was very helpful, and she took a lot of information on me prior to making an appointment for me. I am 5'6 and 235lbs. I have a hard time losing weight, and I have done several diets that have failed. My BMI is 37 or 38 I can’t remember which she said. However, I suffer from 3 herniated disks in my lower back, shoulder pain, knee pain, and my right ribs are a bit inflamed. My primary doctor tells me all these ailments will ease with weight loss. I am so excited about this surgery... yet so nervous the dr will tell me that I am not "big" enough. I know to qualify you must have a BMI of 35 with medical conditions or have a BMI of 40+. I wonder if my back qualifies as medical? When the nurse told me my BMI, she asked if I have any ailments due to my weight and I told her all of the above. She then booked my appointment. I asked her if he ever turns anyone away. And she said it’s VERY rare, and mainly because of severe medical problems.

What do yhall think? Do you think with my BMI and ailments that I can qualify? I’m so nervous... I look forward to this. I have attended support groups / meetings, been reading on this website, and I even set up my psychologist appointment 2 hours after my consultation.

Opinions? :smile:

You should probably be o.k. being approved with your BMI and other ailments. I had a BMI below 40, but had high blood pressure and diabetes. I didn't have any issues at all being approved. My insurance company had a whole list of 'co-morbidities' that they would approve lower BMI's with.

The bariatric doctors office is really good at wording insurance paperwork in such a way that the insurance company will approve it. They have to be good at it or they wouldn't have any business!

Hang in there and I wish you the best of luck with the insurance approval. Please let us know how it all works out for you.

If you are not approved and really want it you could always go to a private lap band doctor. Lots of people go to Mexico and its half the price, but do your research. I think Dr. Ortiz was on Oprah that seems legit.

Happymom,

Thank you for responding. I am not worried about insurance because I am a self pay patient. I am more concerned with the Dr. not approving. Maybe I am just too nervous lol.

Dr's will do low BMI patients (I was 34) if they think it will help you. Be truthful about your eating habits and weight history and if the band is right for you the Dr will do it for you.

LeighaMason,

Thank you, that does make me feel better. I do plan on being very honest, because I don't want to have any regrets. Thanx again!

Please don't worry - I'm sure you will be fine and with your health issues I'm sure your L/B surgeon will certainly help you.

When I had my surgery my BMI was 36, (although I had had a higher number). No one ever mentioned my BMI.

Good luck and let us know how you got on.

I was banded at 34 and am a self-pay as well... I'm in Canada though, so maybe we're different??

Best of luck- I was banded 2 weeks ago and am really happy about my band!