Hey Everyone,

I am just starting to think of getting LapBand but I have a lot of questions.

I have read about all the dieting and rules for post-op and everything. A friend that I work with has the band and she has been a great resource for info about living with the band. She had numerous health problems and really good insurance at the time so she was approved very quickly.

In my case, I am 20 years old, 5'7 and 265.

I really dont have any weight related health problems at this point. Maybe poor circulation and my knees bother me sometimes, but thats it.

I am doubtful that my insurance will cover me becuse of this.

Anyone out there been in a similar situation and have any advice? As far as paying for it yourself, I definitely dont have the money to shell out in a lump sum. Any advice about medical financing or anything?

How long does everything take as far as pre-op appointments to surgery? Does it go quicker if you do selfpay?

If anyone has advice or would just like to share their story, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

The NIH guidelines say you are qualified for WLS if your BMI is over 40. Yours is 41.5 so you should be fine unless you have one of the few insurances that doesn't follow that guidelines.

I would be careful not to lose enough weight to drop under a BMI of 40 though. Some insurances will go with your initial weight at your surgical consult but some are kind of crappy about it and will deny you.