Hi, my name is Michelle. I live right outside of Nashville TN. I have just started the procedure to get banded. I went to Dr Mortons office yesterday, filled out paperwork, gave insurance information and got weighed. I am 5'2 and weigh 197. They said my BMI was 35.5. Can I get such a surgery with a BMI that low? I have been on numerous diets only to gain back what I lost. I have rhuematoid Arthritus so maybe they will count that in as a factor. Anyone have a similar story? I also am wandering how long it may be till my surgery. Love the Forum!!!

any help out there?

I don't know....I am a self pay, so I didn't have to meet any insurance demands...they denied me a few years ago, so I decided to self pay...My doctor says you don't have to be a certain amount of pounds overweight...you know, they use to say you had to be a 100 lbs overweight...that was not a problem for me, because I was plenty overweight....

Sorry I can't help you with your question, but I do wish you the very best....

Michelle,

I would look very close at what your insurance plan says. Mine was BMI over 40, or 35 with co-morbids. Just make your insurance company give you the qualifications for WLS. I am also 5'2, I did weight 225. So my BMI was over 40. Also your surgens office can find out what the requirements are. I live close to Nashville also, I had my surgery this last Wed. by Dr. Eckles in Murfreesboro. The staff at his office are great, they went to bat for me on the insurance. Insurance was taking their sweet time getting me an approval, and were quite snotty to me. His office called them and gave them the "low down" on how he wants his patients treated, I had my approval that day. Good luck!!!

My BMI was 38, but my insurance covered lapband if you were between 35 and 40 BMI with co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. I had major back surgery and weight loss will help, so my ins co. did cover the surgery. Check with the ins co to find if there is coverage for people with 35- 40 BMI with extenuating circumstances.

I am also trying to get approved, my doctor said that it shouldn't be a problem, i am 5'1" and weigh 263, so my BMI is 49.7 . Hope everything works out ok for you. I live about 2 hours away from Nashville, my doctor says i will have to go to Nashville about 4 times before my surgery. Robbie