My BMI is 61 and I was wondering has anyone here had that high of a BMI and had great success. Looking into self pay and was wondering what to expect. I viewed the thread on losing over 100 pound but what about over 200lbs. is it possible.

I really think you need to consider a different surgery. I've met very very few people with that high of a BMI who have lost 200 pounds with a Band. If you're not comfortable with a malabsorptive procedure, look into the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. It's a restrictive-only operation, that was originally done as the first step of a DS procedure on very high BMIs like yourself (low op risk). Docs found out that many patients lost enough weight that they never needed the second part of the operation (the intestinal rearrangement). I know quite a few people who have lost over 150 pounds with that op. ObesityHelp has a VSG forum... and check out the www.lapsf.com website. Costs are similar to a Band. Self-pays in the States can be as low as $11,500... although $18,000 is the average. Mexico is about $10-12,000.

Hi,

I am planning on having my surgery done with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. Heard nothing but great things about him and I also bought his book Lap Band for Life from Amazon.com. It explains everything in there and I know for a fact that all he does is lap bands and have done many surgeries on high BMI patients. My BMI is over 50. You will have to go on a pre-op diet to lose some pounds before your surgery, but from what I have read on his forum lapbandforum.com, it's rough, but worth it if you are serious enough to get banded.

Hope this helps somewhat. Good Luck with whatever you do.

Judy

Hi Dedee, you might want to check out this thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/thread-super-sized-t16168.html. I started it a while ago specifically for people with BMIs over 50. Many, many of the people who have tacked onto the thread have 200 lbs or more to lose.

When I was looking into the options, most people I saw getting the band were getting banded at my GOAL weight. Or had maybe 60 lbs to lose. I couldn't find many people at all with 200lbs + to lose, so I began to think - maybe it can't be done with the band. I posted on another board, asking specifically for people who had to lose 150+ lbs, and got SO MANY positive responses I couldn't believe it.

I would not say you need to consider another surgery. I would say you need to be honest about why you are overweight, and balance that against what the band will, and will not, do for you.

BTW, I've been baded for about a year and have lost... going on 140 lbs. A lot of this was in my first 6 months, and the loss has definitely slowed down and I am currently plateaued. However, I have no dounbt that I will meet my goals. I just understand that *I* need to meet my goals, and not wait for the band to meet them for me.

I was 50+ when I was banded. I'm a slow loser, but slow but sure.

I am 6'1, weigh around 385, large frame. My BMI is 50 or so. Been heavy all my life and moreso since about six years ago, starting after my first pituitary surgery, and then hysterectomy.

I have lymphedema in my legs, so that is a big part of it I guess.

I figured I would chime in on this thread. I have never actually posted my stats on here before and felt now was a good time because I too was like you looking for People with High BMI's and a Large Amount of Weight to lose. I also need to update my ticker.

I was banded in July 2006, My weight was 566 lbs and I had a BMI of 103, I have since lost 110 lbs and I have yet to have a fill. My loss has slowed because of no fill, but I am going to go get a fill on April 2nd to kick start my losing again. The band is a tool and you have to work it and be willing to do the work and You can meet your goals. I chose the Lap Band because I was not comfortable with all the other types of WLS and In my 3 years of research on the Lap Band before I had it, I found many people with High BMI's and who had over 150 lbs to lose. I have even had several who had as much or more then me to lose and they have lost it.

I hope this helps. Do what you feel is best for you.

Wow! VelvetKiss, you are an inspiration for sure to us higher BMI people that want or are looking to be banded. That's amazing that you never had a fill yet.

Best wishes and good luck to you after your fill. I so hope that when I am banded, I will drop weight as well as you have without needing a fill too soon.

If you don't mind, could I give you my email address and we can keep in touch? Maybe you could help me figure out how to and when to eat?

Peace,

Judy

Judy,

Please do send me your email address, I would enjoy hearing from you. Thanks for the kind words.

Dedee~

I'm 52 years young, 5'2" preop weight was 331 and my BMI was 61. I too am a self pay. I chose the band: 1)wanted restriction not malabsorbtion, 2)cost-band was $16,500 vs $24.500 for the more readical surgery and

3) in case something goes wrong,,its possible to have the band removed. Good luck in whatever you choose is right for YOU!

Banded-1/29/07

Dr. Ken Cleveland-CMMC-Jackson, MS

331/298/150

no fill todate

My BMI is 61 and I was wondering has anyone here had that high of a BMI and had great success. Looking into self pay and was wondering what to expect. I viewed the thread on losing over 100 pound but what about over 200lbs. is it possible.

Hi Dedee:

We have the same BMI!!! Dr. K told me he has banded individuals with high BMI's. Just need to stick to his pre-op detox diet to shrink the liver so he can reach that sweet spot and get the band in.

I have over 200 to lose. I expect to go one month with only fluids, anticipate losing about 30 pounds that way. That will make me lighter on my feet. I have issues with my tiny little ankles bearing weight on them hurts.

I personally have not met someone who has lost over 200 with the lap band. I plan to be the first one. (would that be a great gift to yourself?) smiling!!!

Let's keep in touch. I'm 3 weeks from my surgery.

Best to you. Keep me posted