I am thinking about lapband. I am 50 years old and have been overweight for the last 10 years. I am 5.6 and 192 lbs. I have tried exercise off and on, off more than on lately. My insurance covers it but I'm not sure if I am a candidate, I was told by a friend that you have to be at least 100 lbs overweight to be considered. Is that true?

I am thinking about lapband. I am 50 years old and have been overweight for the last 10 years. I am 5.6 and 192 lbs. I have tried exercise off and on, off more than on lately. My insurance covers it but I'm not sure if I am a candidate, I was told by a friend that you have to be at least 100 lbs overweight to be considered. Is that true?

The only way you can find out if you will be eligible is to make an appt with the doctor. Especially since you already know your insurance covers it... You could also Google it, but that won't be as accurate...

With a BMI of less than 35 it is extremely unlikely insurance will cover. I was in same situation when i had my band (BMI 32-33) and my doc said no insurer will cover in that range. The research I did supported that. I paid cash.

I wouldn't even think about it at your weight.

My BMI was 39 but I had co-morbidity's of Type II Diabetes and sleep Apnea.

At 192 you would be a good candidate for Lap band I would think. I was 229 and was one of the "thinnest" people in my support group to get it. Some questioned me about having it done. Don't listen, listen to you and your doctor. I do assume you have at least one co-morbidity ?

My doctor said Lap band for morbidly obese and Gastric Bypass for really really morbidly obese people.

I am so glad I did it. I feel terrific now.