Hello everyone. I am thinking of getting the Lap Band and have a couple of questions.... My BMI is 36, now I know that is a little low, but I have high cholesterol, major back pain, and joint pains, and a few other minor issues. I have tried everything under the sun to lose the weight on my own but the weight never comes off. I will admit I have an addiction to food (since I quit smoking) and I know this has led to much of my weight gain. I have a family history of morbif obesity, and other major health issues. I am wanting to get my weight and health under control before it becomes majorly out of control and I have major health issues. And I am on the path to it!

So here goes the question... do you feel that I would make a good canidate for this? Do you think I will be approved? My insurance pays for damn near anything. Should I wait till my BMI is more?

Thanks for the help.

Jenn:crying:

You probably qualify now. Insurance companies are different but generally the guidlines are: a BMI above 40 or a BMI of between 35-40 with comorbidities. Comorbidities are conditions brought on by obesity, back pain and high cholesterol would count.

Good Luck!

Your family history sounds like mine. Had to guit smoking for spine fusion surgery. Only 4 pack a day + a couple bottles of rum. The Caribbean Diet. I don't think you should wait for problems in health to add up. Morbid Obescity is right in the neighborhood of 36 BMI like dead center. I would beg insurance company to take my case. Make sure you are ready for the fastest changes of your life. It's all in your head, make your head better pre-op. Read, Learn, exercise . It's not really a diet but portion control you need to develop. Run to the dr. & tell him you'll do anything for a longer quality life. Hasta Pronto, George:shades_smile:

i had a low bmi too 36, but I had severe back pain. The longer you wait the fatter you will get. Five months and 55 pounds later my back does not hurt anymore. Do not wait !

You should not wait, my BMI was barely 35 and I was approved. I have PCOS, hTN and GERD. I had my surgery about 2 weeks ago, I lost 26lbs prior to surgery and 5lbs since surgery. You should expect that your weight loss may be much slower that others with higher BMI's. The band is not a magic bullet, just a tool. If i were you I would educate myself as much as possible and start a healthy way of eating today. The better shape you are in prior to surgery, the easier time you will have, good luck.

Hi Erika, I too have a low BMI and somewhat similar co-mobities Gerd, herniated discs in my back (with an MRI to back it up) terrible joint pain in my knees, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress incontinence, and fallen arches. I have been trying to dot my i's and cross my t's in preparation for my first surgical consult. I was thrilled to read your post...one woman wrote to me saying to stop....she too has Cigna and was denied with similar issues. My OBGYN is writing a letter as well as the podiatrist that tried to treat my fallen arches. I have also started a PSWLP with my PCP just in case the insurance company requests it. Do you have any suggestions as to what else I can do. Thank you for posting....Kimberly

Thank you guys so much... you have really help confirm that this is something I need to go after.

Jenn