Hi everyone,

I am new here and am in the process of investigating lap band surgery. I am leaning towards having the procedure done, but am wondering if you could help me out on a few issues.

My BMI is 35 and I am pretty healthy. The only obesity related health issues I have right now are that I have hip injury that won't heal and I cannot strenuously exercise because of it and my good cholesterol is low. Will most doctors accept me for a lap band?

Also, I am nervous about the major lifestyle change. I want to do it. I am so sick of being fat. But I guess I am worried that because I have never had long term success with other diets, this will be the same and that somehow I will screw it up. My fears about not being able to eat reveal my problem with /addiction to food. liquid diet = scary.

Any advice, wisdom, etc will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Jessie

You may have difficulty getting the lapband at 35. You have to do your homework with surgeons in your area. Also, most insurances will not approve a bmi

Most insurances will not approve surgery unless you have BMI of 40 or above. I believe surgeons in Mexico do surgery on lower BMI

I don't know if you could get approved. Your best best is to ask your insurance what their requirments are for approval for the procedure. Then you can see a surgeon about it. I don't know if the hip would count as a complication or not. According to a study I read fairly recently-- no I don't remember the name, people who had lower body joint pain had their quality of like improve the most from the band. I too have a hip injury (SI alignment issue) that is mostly healed from can come back if I change shoes or something and it is very disabling. And I know the amount of extra weight we put on our joints does make a difference. Also, if your insurance won't pay, are you willing to be self pay?

Just look into your policy. Some cover BMI 35 with other health conditions. Although most only cover a BMI of 40. The insurance is going to want proof that you have been that weight for five years or more, too.