My BMI ranges from 35-40 depending on what diet i am trying...lol. I do have other issues ie: stress incontinence, knee joint pain, herniated discs (i am carrying so much extra weight it is starting to really effect my back) Severe Reflux and inactive thyroid and depression. I am being medicated for the last three. My question is...is there anyone out there with a low BMI that got approved for lap band surgery?? Thanks for any help you can offer. Kimberly

Insurance often approves surgery for BMI's of 35 or above with co-morbidities, or other health problems resulting from obesity. The problems you mention are all co-morbidities. The best way to find out if your insurance will cover surgery for you is to call them and ask!

My BMI was around 35 and my doctor confirmed that my knee problems, stress incontinence, borderline HBP and cholesterol and blood sugar levels were all co-morbidities with my weight, and I was approved.

I am in the same spot and my consultation in on Monday. My BMI is about 36-37 but I do have comorbidities including high high cholesterol and depression. I am self pay so I am hoping that goes in my favor too!

I had a BMI of 37 with co-morbidities (borderline high cholesterol and hypertension, edema, bad knees) - the letter from my regular doctor sealed the deal and I was approved in 1 week. Go for it!:redface:

I would think anyone who is a self pay would have no problems getting banded. Unless you only had like 20 lbs to lose, there would be no reason a person who wanted to self pay would be turned down.

Thank you for replying...you have given me new found hope. I was approved aprox 5 years ago for Gastric Bypass, but changed my mind and wanted to loose the weight...well we all know how that turned out...lol. I have an appt with PCP Monday..he is very supportive so wish me the best. If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them. Kimberly

Did you change your name around?

You were asking for suggestions, but I am not sure what it is that you want to know. I can't help at all with insurance questions, since I was a self pay, but I can probably answer anything you want to know about being banded.

I was wondering how much my GP's referral letter would have to do with my approval. He was very supportive and is thrilled that I brought it up. He does not suggest them, but said I was an excellent candidate. I was concerned that my BMI would hold me back, but he said that with my herniated discs, knee joint pain, depression and stress incontinence would be the route we would take. Now it is "hurry up and wait". I can't attend my first "info" session until July 17th.

Dennise, I LOVE YOUR QUOTE!! (definition of insanity) That says it all.. and yes I did have to change my name around...I had a problem logging in. Thanks again for your support and help. Kimberly

Hey Kimberly,

I have a low BMI as well and I was approved. I do have high blood pressure, and back pain so that was a contributing factor to my approval. My surgery is July 2. Good luck to you!

I wanted to wish you the best on your surgery tomorrow. It seems so far away for me and I just can't wait to hear how you do and how well you recover!! God Bless and do what the Doctor tells you...lol Kimberly