I am seriously considering the lap band but have found that many of the docs have a minimum BMI of 35 with co-morbidities and 40 w/out co-morbidites. My BMI is 33. Has anyone overcome these minimums to have the lap band surgery without intentionally gaining more weight to reach the minimum BMI number?

I am seriously considering the lap band but have found that many of the docs have a minimum BMI of 35 with co-morbidities and 40 w/out co-morbidites. My BMI is 33. Has anyone overcome these minimums to have the lap band surgery without intentionally gaining more weight to reach the minimum BMI number?

Most US insurance co's will not pay for the surgery without a 35BMI w/comorbidities or 40 without.

Don't be too quick to gain weight to have surgery. Some insurance co's require a 5 year history of 40 or better.

The US is the only country that bands and requires such high BMIs. Everyone else requires 30 or more without comorbidities.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/lower-bmi-bandsters-26697/

When I first researched the Lap Band or I should say before I became obsessed with it, :nervous I called a few local surgeons and the people who I spoke with were pretty discouraging to me and told me I would not qualify for surgury period with a BMI of 36 w/o serious medical issues. They were wrong as there are plenty of surgeons who will do it now.

Thanks FaithMD... I never saw this thread... very helpful.

Yes... makes sense. I wouldn't intentionally gain.

My aunt did that!

I don't know about becoming fat on purpose....