New Here - What do you think? Need Opinions

Hello: I am new here, just started seriously considering lap-band surgery. I am seeing my PCP this week. I would really like everyone's opinions regarding if you think I could be a candidate, or if I should let it go for fear of being laughed at. I am afraid he will tell me I am so out in left field. I have a BMI of 36.6. I can stand to lose about 90 pounds, since my height weight range is 117-137 and I am at 220. I do have GERD, and am at high risk for diabetes because of my family history and borderline GD during pregnancy. I aquired hypothyroidism after pregnancy and cannot lose weight properly for the life of me. I think these are real issues that make lap-band surgery an option for me, but I may be wrong. HELP! Thanks liz

Liz, It won't hurt to try. Speak to your PCP and see what they say. Your problem may come with your insurance company though and not your Doctor. Check with your insurance and see if they cover Weight Loss Surgery and what are the qualifications. I know with my insurance they cover it with no problem, but you have to be over a 100 lbs overweight and have a co-morbity (which I had several, Diabete, Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, etc.). Good Luck, it doesn't hurt to ask and to try, and there are plenty of "light weights" (that is what they call you) on the board that have had surgery. Stop by the forums up top and there should be a light weight board where you can get some more information. Blessings, Jennie

Research the lap band and what it can do for you. You can actually see the procedure done at Brigham and Womans website - pretty cool. If you have specific questions, check out the lapband forum - the people there range from pre op to 4-5 years out. I had a lot of my questions answered there. There are seminars you can go to to learn more too. Good Luck with your decision. My surgery date is next Tuesday, 20th. I am considered a "lightweight" (ha - like I think of myself as that), but I just can't keep any weight off once I lost it. Just do a lot of reading and asking questions to be sure the lifestyle change is something you can do.

I'm a lightweight too (but def. not to me)..I weight 205 and have a BMI of 35 something, I do have medical issues and I have an appt to discuss lap band next week at Brigham and Womens. I already went to the seminar in boston a few months back for it. My PCP is the one that suggested it. I have cried to her many times regarding my weight. I'm on xenical now and have lost nothing...I have tried B&W hosptial based diets, no weight loss. I am just one of those people who don't loose now. I never had a weight issue before..have been like this for about 6-8 years now. I'm seeing Dr. Lautz in Boston. My cardiologist ONLY wants me to see him because of medical conditions and they work closely with patients together. Let me know how you do!!