Hi everyone...I am new to the site and considering getting the lap band surgery, I have been a diabetic for over 5 years and my bmi is around 32. I was recently turned down for health ins in part due to that. I weigh around 170 and I am only 5' 2" I am looking in the Baltimore area for a good doctor to call about the surgery.....any suggestions?

Hi everyone...I am new to the site and considering getting the lap band surgery, I have been a diabetic for over 5 years and my bmi is around 32. I was recently turned down for health ins in part due to that. I weigh around 170 and I am only 5' 2" I am looking in the Baltimore area for a good doctor to call about the surgery.....any suggestions?

I had my surgery done at St. Agnes by Dr. Singh, who is excellent. Dr. Averbach and Dr. Von Rueden are also there. Von Rueden came from GBMC to St. Agnes. The hospital has a Bariatric Center of Excellence rating too. If you are curious and want some information you can register for a free seminar (a required first step if you go forward with surgery, otherwise no obligation). Just call St. Agnes and ask about the Bariatric Seminar dates. You can also come to the group support meeting. It is the third Monday of each month for Lapbanders, and the next one is Monday January 19 at 6pm in the Alagia Auditorium. You meet people at all stages, people thinking about surgery, pre-ops, post-ops, people several years out. They talk about issues and you can ask questions. I started going to the group during the summer of 2007, at least 6 months before my surgery. you can learn a lot.

You may have trouble qualifying with a BMI of 32, but the criteria is changing all the time, so don't let that deter you. At least find out what your options are. Hope to see you at the meeting.

Most surgeons wont accept a BMI of 32 even with a co-morbidity like diabetes in the US even if you are self pay. It never hurts to call around though and double check. Perhaps the Lapband or Realize websites might give you more direction on who might accept you.