Good morning,

I'm from Maine and I am somewhere between 5'6" and 5'7" I weigh 260 lbs and I am 27 years old. I have problem with my feet, lower back, and sleeping as well as headaches. My BMI is around 40-42 depending on where I put in my info. I went to LapBand.com and their site says I may qualify and if i want the informational booklet give my info and they would send it in 5-7 days. Well I did this twice and instead of a booklet i get a letter that says i don't qualify????

I am so confused because on their website it says you have to be 18 older (I'm 27), have to loose at least 100 (I have to loose 125), Have a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with comorbidites (mine is between 40-42)...Am I wasting my time by going to the seminar in maine next wednesday? I want and need to have this surgery so badly and I am willing to do whatever they tell me to do! I feel like I am the perfect candidate for the surgery. Any suggestions or similar experiences?

I don't see why you would not qualify, unless you have some other medical condition that would make surgery a risk. I would definitely go to the seminar and schedule a consult with a MD. Good luck!

I'm with the previous poster.. I'd go, and schedule a consult. I'm at 43 BMI, and I qualify... Oh and I'm 37.

teri

This is something that you will have to discuss with your doctor.

I' ve seen several people who had BMI's well in the qualifying range say they got the same response from lapband.com. I think their site is not programmed correctly.

When you say "qualify" do you mean, will the doctors do the surgery, or will your insurance pay for it? Generally the rules are BMI 40 or over, or 35 and over with co morbidities (health problems stemming fom obesity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, joint problems, etc.) for insurance coverage, IF they cover it at all. My doctor recorded my BMI as 35 (5'6", 222 lb) with comorbidities of borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol, acid reflux, and pre diabetic. My insurance paid for most of my surgery.

Contact your insurance company and ask if they cover procedure "43770" and what is needed to prove coverage. Ask them to fax you the portion of your policy that relates to this procedure.

43770 = Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band

You can go to seminars and talk to as many people as you want, but until you find out from the money holder, it's pointless to do anything else. Unless you want to do self-pay which can range from $10k - $40k. A bit less if you decide to go to Mexico to have it done.

Call insurance first. Arm yourself with information.

Well it's not really up to lapband.com to know if you qualify... Thats between your doctor and your insurance...

Go to a consult they are free.

I got a letter last week as well from lapband.com that says that I do not qualify but I am well above the "requirements". I am in Maine also and got a referral last week and have an appt in October. Good Luck!

You need to contact your insurance. I am 265lbs 5'7" and I have any other problems, except that i'm tired a lot. Other than that I'm healthy (all my stats are perfect EXCEPT my bmi) and I qualify. It's been 3 days since my pre-op orientation and meeting with the nutritionist. Good luck!