I believe I meet all the qualifications for Lapband and insurance, just starting my journey and wanted to document it for myself and for others who are in a similar situation.

I saw my PCP and she felt I was a good candidate for the LapBand and told me she would recommend it for me. This was after having to go through a lecture for I believe the 3rd time on dieting/exercise, she also struggles with food, but she is thin, still I know she battles it and can relate somewhat. Finally I went through my entire history of dieting/exercise from the early age of 13 to present. I am experiencing early onset of joint pain that may/may not be arthritis, had bloodwork done for that. I also had hypertension for the first time. I'm being tested for diabetes. Pretty scary road to look down at 32.

I also saw my cardiologist as I have a heart condition he has been treating me for and recently had a successful ablation (the 2nd time we've tried). Unlike my PCP he was less then enthusiastic about me having the LapBand and lectured me for 30 minutes about dieting. I honestly felt he thought he LapBand was exactly the same as the RNY. Don't get me wrong I love the guy, he performed a procedure for me that has altered my quality of life, but I finally told him that somebody like him can't understand what it is like to struggle with weight/food and if he were to give me a test on nutrition I would pass with flying colors, that is not my problem. He was sweet about it after that and told me that, yes, my heart can handle a surgery with general anesthesia and that if I didn't get my weight under control he would be treating me soon for obesity heart related problems so I better figure out what I need to do fast.

Interesting for me to note that neither my PCP or Cardiologist really seemed to grasp/understand the difference between Lapband and the RNY. PCP seemed to have a better understanding then the Cardiologist. A shame since you would think a specialist who deals with many people who are obese would be able to offer something like this as an alternative to the extremely invasive RNY. I see him again in 9 months and I'm going to bring him some literature along with (hopefully) my recently lapbanded, on my way to healthy self as educational proof.

I am 5'2" and on my way to 40 BMI at 39. Successful yo-yo dieter with the weight piling on quicker and higher every time the yo comes back up.

Welcome Luuu.I have found lots of health professionals who know nothing about Lapband. My dentist was very interested and asked millions of questions. My PCP had heard a little about it and knew it wasn't the same as lapband but not much about fills, diets etc.