Too Fat For The Band?

[nela mariposa 3]

Soooo, I had to attend a support group as its one of my doctors rules. I went. Boy, do I regret finding a random group to attend. I attended (by accident) a group that had done the duadnal switch and the leader/nurse of the group told me that since my BMI is 53, I am too fat for the band. She told me that my doctor should've known this and offered the duadnal switch.

Has anyone been told this before? What are your thoughts on this?

[readytogoforit 172]

love it when they decide what YOUR doc should do!!! Do you trust your doctor? If the answer is yes, then find a new group. I know there is a group on this forum for over 50 BMI, take a look.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/130-bmi-over-50/

[running_scared 125]

I had a BMI of just over 50 at surgery. I think it isn't an automatic 'yes' to people with a BMI over 50, but it isn't an automatic 'no' either.

[rwebb 2]

My bmi was over 50% but if I had the choice to do it all over agin I would go sleeve

[Mjv013 67]

I was at 52 bmi and no one said a word about being "too fat". How horrible is that leader???!! In my pre -op classes I was not the heaviest one and we all opted for the band with full support from our leaders and Dr's. Do what YOU feel is right!! Its a life changing surgery and so very glad I did it.

Good luck!!

[Phoebster 5]

My bmi was over 50% but if I had the choice to do it all over agin I would go sleeve

Why would you go for a sleeve? did you have pilication also? it is sorta like a sleeve

[bigenuff 302]

My bmi was 54 and I got the band.they just trying to sell their surgery.my friend is being sold the sleeve with the same messgage.

[Anume 937 314]

Soooo, I had to attend a support group as its one of my doctors rules. I went. Boy, do I regret finding a random group to attend. I attended (by accident) a group that had done the duadnal switch and the leader/nurse of the group told me that since my BMI is 53, I am too fat for the band. She told me that my doctor should've known this and offered the duadnal switch.

Has anyone been told this before? What are your thoughts on this?

My BMI was 54 and I had the surgery

[TracieR 88]

My BMI was 54. I'm glad I had the lapband. I agree with the above poster about how you really have to trust your doctor. Do your research and find what is right for you!! Good Luck!

[Humming Bird 275]

There are many people who get the band with a BMI over 50. After speaking with your doc and doing all your research you will figure out what is best for you. I have had very good results with the band and am a big cheerleader for it. (I started with a BMI of 43.1) I know it must be hard to know what is best when you go to a meeting like that, but try to keep an open mind when you choose what is best for your own situation. I think the worst choice would be to do nothing and stay obese. For me the band seemed so much better for my organs.

[2muchfun 8,928]

Support groups may be helpful for some but for me, not ever again. Last one I went to was back in March. I made a comment that I was a little disappointed in my band as I had been plateued since 4 weeks after surgery on 11/28/11. I guess I said the wrong thing as about 4 people ganged up on me. Never again.

I'd go with your Drs guidance. He/she should know best. Some folks who have had other types of WLS may feel some kind of misguided competition with bandsters.

BTW-I got a fill 3 weeks later that seems to have moved me closer to my green zone and I've lost 11 lbs since.

tmf

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Soooo, I had to attend a support group as its one of my doctors rules. I went. Boy, do I regret finding a random group to attend. I attended (by accident) a group that had done the duadnal switch and the leader/nurse of the group told me that since my BMI is 53, I am too fat for the band. She told me that my doctor should've known this and offered the duadnal switch.

Has anyone been told this before? What are your thoughts on this?

Sounds like you need a different support group. My BMI was 72 when I was banded and it's still higher than yours even now. You are not "too fat" for the band. At all.

[yvonne74 73]

I went to three different doctors before I found someone who would do the lapband on me. I, too, was told that I was too fat for the band. However, after tons of research, I found many people who have had success with the band and I was determined to get banded. I had my surgery on March 9th and loving it. Like the others said, do your research and if you still want the band, don't let them tell you no.. I would also find another support group. I haven't gone to any support groups yet but don' think I will either.

[Cazzy 725]

That was a sales pitch to get u to sign up for suurgery with them i bet. Its utter rubbish to say u are too heavy to have the band with your bmi, i started out with a bmi of 68.7 i was operated on at 61.5 tell them to get their facts straight before making a sales pitch sound like medical advice

[honk 780]

At consult I had BMI 57. I was told by the nurse to loose 30 pounds; which would have taken me to 51 BMI. After loosing about 18 I met with the surgeon and he said he could do the surgery at that time having felf my abdomen.

Keep in mind this nurse has never reviewed your files or examined you. It's like going to a car dealer and having them insist car A is the one you must have. Is it the best car for you, no, but it is the model they have way to many of and want to sell.

That said please remember the band is a slower weight loss in general than bypass. It bothers me when people post on here that the weight will just melt away. I have lost weight and it was the best decision of my life; but the weight has'nt "melted away".

Yes I eat very conservatively and I exercise 7 days a week sometimes up to 2 1/2 hours.