BMI Requirements

Hello. I was wondering if anyone has qualified for the lap band with a BMI under 40. My BMI is between 30-35 right now, but if I keep gaining it won't be long before it hits 40. Most of my life I was within normal weight - from 1998 on, I have been gaining at a ridiculous rate. Thoughts would be appreciated. AMB

I have not heard of any insurance paying for any weight loss surgery for BMI below 35 and only at 35 if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other bad co-morbidities. So I think your chances are very slight.

Ann from what research i've done over the last couple years like Lana said it's pretty slim chance that any insurance company would approve with a BMI under 35, esp if you have no health issues. Andrew

I was afraid of that. My husband has Type I diabetes (insulin dependent from the age of 9 - he's now 41). Anyway, he is normal weight - always has been. Recently we found out he has vascular disease. Next week he's scheduled for angioplasty & stents in both hip arteries....then further tests to see if there is blockage anywhere else. My husband (quite frankly) pointed out to me the other day, that I'm headed straight for Type II diabetes. He's absolutely right. My family history includes heart disease, Type II diabetes, high cholesterol and cancer. Though some of us were normal weight most of our lives - myself and my siblings all reached varying levels of obesity by middle age (I'm 45). Over the past few years, I've been the classic yo-yo dieter. I've tried many of the pills, excersie, WW, SSHE, etc. Ultimately, the result is that I end up gaining even more weight. I have a 6 & 7 year old who need at least one healthy parent. Sorry about the long winded story, just trying to justify my hopes for the surgery - it's not simply a matter of vanity, but a hope for prevention of health issues that seem inevitable if I don't get a grip on the weight. Thanks for your responses. Ann

ANN if i were you right now while you are still under the requirements i would start writing all of the things you have tried to lose weight and put it somewhere . put in the family history put in all your health problems as they arise. then if you get to the point where your insurance will pay for the surgery you will have all that infor to give them and believe me it is hard to think of all the things you have done and said to who later on when you are trying to justify the surgery to a insurance company. Myself i think they should lower it to less than 100 pounds over weight to make it to where it is prevention instead of repair. but maybe in the future. Meanwhile you can keep coming on here and we will all give you support while you try some of our diet tips and see if they help you keep your weight in control. First off get rid of all the sugar and white flour and white potatoes and white rice in the house , dont bring them into there no matter what, oh and pasta. none of this is anything but filler and not needed. Jan

Thanks Jan. I just found this site yesterday & I've been obsessed with reading the message board. I'm so impressed with the support and care that you all share together. I will follow your advice about keeping some sort of log & I'll stay tuned to the message board. Thanks again. Ann