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Donna, They will have you lose 5% for lapband, it's 8% if you go gastric. I have to lose 12 lbs. Ann

Ann, do they figure that percentage off your total starting body weight?  If I drop 5% I'm gonna go blow a 35 BMI. ~Donna

That's what they did with me -- weighed me there and then took 5% of that to determine how much I have to lose. Ann

HI Donna,

   Just thought I'd chip in with this - the weight your insurance will use to determine your BMI and thus your eligibility is the starting wt your program records.  So, in a sense this means the wt loss the program requires from you (5 % or 20 lbs or whatever) will not count against you.  I was very confused by this as well since I started just at the edge with a BMI of 41.  But I have a wealth of co-morbidities, LOL - so my PCP reassured me that I needn't worry.  Oh thanks, huh?  Best of luck - Treading

Thanks Treading!  I wasn't quite sure how that one worked and had concerns. I've been leaning toward lapband, but I'm still open to RNY.  There are pros and cons to both.  I'm not sure if I would be more likely to be approved for one over the other.  I may have to search to come up with the enough co-morbidities.  My boarderline B/P has come down astonishingly as a result of the daily walks and meditations I've been doing for the past couple weeks.  The whole point in having the surgery now is to avoid developing medical issues in the first place.  Oh well, I'm just going to keep a positive attitude and take it one step at a time.  This is my year and one way or another I'll make it to my goal.  ~Donna

That's the ticket, Donna.    I believe a postiive attitude, a good deal of flexibility, and some perserverance will take you to the loser's bench.  I really do.  You have the support of your medical people and so it is a matter of seeing what your insurance says.  My medical people think I'm a slam dunk.  And maybe I am but I am still bracing myself for issues and taking nothing for granted.  I am not in a rush so I'll take it as it comes and keep my knees bent so I can ride the waves.  I expect waves.      From what I've seen and my own experince - insurance covers certain procedures but doesn't get involved in deciding which one is right for you.  My insurance covers RNY and LapBand only.  If I meet the requirements and get approved, I am approved for either surgery and the choice is then up to me and my medical team.  Hope that helps - Treading