I attended one of the free seminars on LapBand surgery at my local hospital and they went through all the requirements you must meet to be eligible for surgery. The minimum BMI, age, etc. Nothing was said about the BMI being too high. I filled out the health survey and mailed it back. I received a phone call to set up my appointment to discuss my surgery. They informed me that my BMI is too high for them to perform the surgery. They are only allowed to band up to a 47 and I'm 55. I was so angry that nothing about this had been mentioned before. I really don't want to travel to get my surgery done. They suggested I try dieting and lose 35 pounds prior to the surgery. Yeah, right. It's not that easy. I could eat healthy for weeks and my weight would stay the same. Has anyone else encountered this problem??:party::Banane20::thumbup:

Hi I didn't have this problem but the liquid diet they put you on prior to surgery will probable bring you down about 35 lbs. by the time insurance gives you the approval. They had me on an 800 caloreie diet with 2 adkins protien shakes, 2 fruits and 3/4 cup steamed veggies a day prior to surgery you might start there. maybe change it up a little so the 800 calories you use keeps you feeling fuller longer. You can do this you just have to set your mind to it and jump through all the hoops. Good Luck

This is bull. Find another surgeon. I started at 54 and there re patients here that started with a BMI over 70.

I agree soooo many people on this forum had BMIs way higher than that. FIND ANOTHER SURGEON!!!!!! It is fairly easy to find one , and you can call just to find out if you will be accepted. Ive never heard of this

At my first appointment my BMI was 57 and I was told I would need to loose about 34 pounds before the surgery was done. I met that requirment but had to postpone the surgery for other health reasons. I have since lost an additional 11 pounds. While I would look for another doctor; you should be prepared that most doctors will expect you to loose 10% of your body weight before they will do the surgery.

Just got banded yesterday.

Started out with a BMI of 58. Dropped it down to 54 after two week liquid diet.

Find a new doctor.

Don't give up. You can personally lower it, or look for another surgeon. You have options. Good luck!