Is having high cholesterol levels considered having a comorbidity? If so, is it bad that I am hoping to have high cholesterol, since my BMI is 37? Apparently a BMI of 37 isnt enough on its own to be approved for lap band...

My only co-morb was high colesterol. I was approved withing 2 weeks, no other questions asked. My BMI was much higher than yours though.

How's your knees? Do they hurt you at times? Like if you were sitting for a while, and went to get up, and you find yourself rubbing those sore knees?

Just asking,,, because that is a comorbidity.

thanks for the help! Its not that I really want something to be wrong with me, I just really want to qualify for the surgery and Im not sure what types of things they consider while deciding whether or not to approve you. thanks again everyone

Often your insurance will state what co-morbities they are looking for. Mine says: BMI between 35 and 40 with a co-morbid condition such as a life-threatening cardiopulmonary condition, severe or uncontrolled diabetes, or sleep apnea. The "such as" leaves a bit of negotiating room for other conditions.

Check with your insurance company and see what their requirements are.

Just read about gastric plication. It's like a gastric sleeve, but uses stitches instead of cutting. Qualifies with a BMI of27!

I am in the same boat as you...well...sort of. For my insurance to cover the surgery 100%, I have to have a BMI over 40 and one comorb. My BMI of just over 40 and when I was doing my at home sleep study, I PRAYED that I had sleep apnea, as I thought that would be the least severe of the comorbs. I havent got the results of my sleep study yet, so IDK if I qualify yet.

Of course you dont ACTUALLY want high cholesterol, but when you ave been dealing with weight issues your whole life, you just want a tool that is proven to aide you in getting back control of your life.

I TOTALLY understand.

Just read about gastric plication. It's like a gastric sleeve, but uses stitches instead of cutting. Qualifies with a BMI of27!

Lap band has been FDA approved down to a BMI of 25 now. I believe this question was related to having insurance pay. A surgeon can place a band whenever he feels it is medically needed. Even for 'off label' use. IF the patient is willing to pay for it.

Lap band has been FDA approved down to a BMI of 25 now. I believe this question was related to having insurance pay. A surgeon can place a band whenever he feels it is medically needed. Even for 'off label' use. IF the patient is willing to pay for it.

I understood the post just fine, thanks. Was trying to be supportive and offering more food for thought if there isn't a co-morbidity.