Hi there, just getting started looking into all this, so please be patient with my ignorance!

I've been to quite a few sites where they say they'll do the operation at a BMI of 40 or 35 with complications due to weight. I have a BMI of 35 with no other complications other than I have a very hard time losing weight (I have PCOS - for those of you with that, you'll know how hard it is). I've been 10 years overweight. Once I got down to 165 on Atkins but God awmighty I don't really want to do that again. I'm back up to around 210, my mother is around the same size, along with all the females in my familiy - so genes are playing a role. I don't want to be fat forever, and I feel in my heart like this would be the thing that could save me. I'm just wondering how likely it is to get this operation with a low BMI. I'm booked in to see a few seminars, but when I book they ask me my BMI and seem very hesitant as though the doctor is not likely to operate with such a low BMI. Is anyone else in the same boat? If you're self-pay, does it really matter anyway? Is it just an insurance thing? I'll stop my rambling now. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Linda

If you're self pay I dont think it will matter? Someone correct me if I"m wrong.

I live in Australia thankfully, we dont ahve to fight for stuff like that. My BMI was 35 and I had no problem at all with no comorbodities. As for it being "such a low BMI", well I was most definitely OBESE and feeling every kilogram of it.

Tell me about it. I feel every single pound as well. I just meant in the general scheme of things it seems like a "lowish" BMI for this surgery. Hey, I know I ain't skinny! haha

I don't think the doctors will be hesitant to do the surgery for someone with a 35 BMI. They probably just know that getting it done through insurance is going to be almost impossible without co-morbidities. I don't think you'll have a problem if you're self-pay and can probably get it done pretty quick too!

<p>I understand your concerns. I had a BMI of 35 with no co-morbidities. I couldn't find but one doctor willing to even look at me. I did a BUNCH of research, and decided on going to Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico. He's a leader in the industry. VERY good at what he does. He took me and my wife with no problems, of course we had to self-pay. I would recommend a quick trip to Mexico if you are really interested.</p>

I was in exactly the same situation - about a 34.5 BMI, 215, 5'6" - no real complications, yet. I called around my town and found a doc willing to do it, and just myself got banded on July 5th! You may have to be a self-pay. Can't say yet if its going to work for me, but I have high hopes. Feel free to PM if you want to talk more.

MM

I am at a BMI 34.5 also and I have found a wonderful doctor in Mexico Dr Corvala. I was referred to him by 2 friends that had it done earlier this month. I am due to be banded on July 26th. If you would like i can send you their email address. I can say that if you are paying for this on your own Mexico is much cheaper then the states.

I am from Toronto, Canada and we are all self pay over here. Depending where you live Toronto might be closer but it is $16K CDN.

I firmly believe that if you want it bad enough - if you really believe that it is the answer for you - you will do whatever you have to to get it.

<p>I understand your concerns. I had a BMI of 35 with no co-morbidities. I couldn't find but one doctor willing to even look at me. I did a BUNCH of research, and decided on going to Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico. He's a leader in the industry. VERY good at what he does. He took me and my wife with no problems, of course we had to self-pay. I would recommend a quick trip to Mexico if you are really interested.</p>

I also have a lower BMI (33) and also am choosing Monterrey with Dr. Rumbaut. I leave Monday. He's supposed to be the best.