I've been reading a lot of posts on this board, books, and anything I can get my hands on.

I have a BMI of 58 (pre 10% weight loss before surgery) and it has been mentioned that doctors won't band someone with my BMI, even if I lose my 10%.

I have no health conditions and I want to get this weight off before I develop any issues.

I don't want to have bypass surgery because of the risks.

:biggrin:

Anyone out there who can help?

I am not totally sure but I think it varies with insurance companies. I was told that my BMI had to be under 50. I have Anthem BC/BS. I just made it at 49. I think since then (2007) they have even changed.

My BMI was 68 and my Dr did it. I'm in Colorado and my insurance paid for it.

My original bmi was about 52.7 and was 50.1 on the day of my surgery. My doctor did not mention there being a ceiling on bmi for lapband surgery. I would defiantely get a second opinion.

My BMI was 71 when I began my process. I weighed 415 lbs. My doc made me get under 400 lbs before he would do the surgery. He said that the bmi being so high makes surgery difficult but not impossible. keep your head up, there ARE doctors out there who will do it. Good luck to you.

I was banded last week with a BMI of 60...i feel great and my surgery went smoothly. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for all your posts!! It really helps.

I haven't met with the surgeon yet. I'm just at the very beginning stages of this whole thing. I will be banded (hopefully) at Kaiser in South San Francisco. I have my orientation class on Monday, June 15. So, I have a long way to go before surgery.

My question came after reading other boards and comments by other people, so I was curious.

I think the thing they worry about most about doing something with a higher bmi is the fact that it might be a little longer recovery. You're defintely not the highest bmi, there was a woman on here with one of 68 and she was approved within 48 hours. And here I was with my bmi of 45.5 thinking mine was the biggest.

My BMI was 53 when I started. Now it's 44. I've been banded since January 28, 2009. Hope this gives you some confidence to continue on your journey!

Hi, My BMI was 60 when I started the process for approval. It can be done