I am 5'2 191lbs. I think that is 34 BMI. I am considering the lap band and have been reading alot of the post here. You all are doing great! However I haven't found anyone who started at below 200 when they got banded. I am struggling with wether I should or shouldn't get it, am I heavy enough? I feel like I am and I have exausted most of the diets out there. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Danyielle

Only you can answer the ? if you're heavy enough. Were you able to go to the lapband seminar and get some information? How much weight are you wanting to lose? Do you have any co-morbidities (existing health problems)? Does your family have a history of health problems? If you're planning on self-pay, is the financial investment worth it for the amount of weight you want to lose?

Regardless of whether you're banded or not, please try to start living healthier and making better choices.

Things that could be helpful with or without a band: drink plenty of Water during the day, try not to drink with your meals so you feel full longer, find some form of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly, avoid starches - potatoes, rice, eat lean meats and healthy vegetables first, avoid high carbs, and of course limit sweets.

I have no health problems, except for the aching joints, sore back don't want to move kind of things. The only bad thing in my family history is Systemic Lupus, my mom died with it at age 49. I have been tested twice and results are negative. I will be a self pay. I would like to loose down to 135, that's almost 60 lbs. Sure seems like alot to me! At only 5'2 the extra weight just seems to overcome me.

I have no health problems, except for the aching joints, sore back don't want to move kind of things. The only bad thing in my family history is Systemic Lupus, my mom died with it at age 49. I have been tested twice and results are negative. I will be a self pay. I would like to loose down to 135, that's almost 60 lbs. Sure seems like alot to me! At only 5'2 the extra weight just seems to overcome me.

I understand. I'm 5' even and I made it up to 250 - something I still can't believe sometimes.

I'm very sorry to hear about your mom I have systemic lupus also. Thankfully, I have a mild case, but as you probably know, it only takes one serious infection and it can be fine one day and horrific the next. I've had major blood clotting problems, which has yet to be blamed on the Lupus, but I seriously think there is some connection. The band has definitely helped me to regain some semblance of health so that I might be able to fight any future problems better.

Good luck to you with your decision!

I'm also a shortie. I did have a lot of co-morbidities that I know are directly related to weight gain (high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis). The things I listed to do are things I didn't start doing until after being banded. I wish I'd known to do them before I got to my max. weight! I sincerely hope that your Lupus tests will remain negative. Good luck to you in your search for better health!

I think the most critical thing to think about is whether or not you are sure that you have tried every possible non-surgical method to lose weight. Do you feel certain beyond doubt that you will not be able to lose and maintain the weight on your own? If you are sure that nothing other than surgery will work, then my advice would be to seriously consider having surgery. Your BMI is lower than what most U.S. surgeons would consider, though, so you may need to go to Mexico or elsewhere. I wish I had had this option when I was "only" 60 pounds overweight. Perhaps if I had, I would not have acquired the health problems that I have now. It certainly would be better to take action before obesity-related health problems arise. As far as the cost is concerned, I would love to know what I actually spent on Diet Center, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig over the years. It may not be quite what surgery costs, but I bet it's close.

Nancy

Hi Danyielle - I second what Nancy said. Remember, it's your BMI that matters and not your actual weight; 191 pounds on 5'2" looks a lot different than on 6'2" -- you know that already, but it's worth repeating, because the 200-lb. mark is irrelevant for shorter people. (At 5'9", I wouldn't have been a band candidate at 191 lbs., but you might be.)

Some doctors use a 35 BMI as a cut-off point, but not everyone has the same standard. Surgeons will still consider you a good candidate for the band if you have serious weight-related complications. Sounds like you're in pretty good health; that's great, but a disadvantage if you're set on getting the band! You might want to start documenting any joint problems -- have an orthopedic specialist check you out, if you have decent insurance.

If you really think the band is for you, do as much research as you can. Let us know if you have more questions. Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

In mexico you can get banded under 200 lbs ..Most insurance companies will not pay for the band if your BMI is under 40...unless your weight is causinbg you major health problems and even then it is a fight with most insurance companies. Very few cover the lap band, but it is becoming more popular and more insurance companies are starting to cover it. Mexico will band you..there are several great doctors in Mexico who are more experienced then most US docs in doing the band surgery.