Question:
Self-Pay for Band of Lap RNY?

My 30 year old daughter is looking into having the band procedure or lap RNY. She is 5'9" weighs 210 has BMI 30. She has been denied by her insurance co.She is morbidly depressed and has not been able to lose weigth on her own. Has anyone self-payed? If so how much? She lives in California but I would want her to have her surgery in Massachusetts where I live. She WLS surgery was very successful for myself and younger daughter. Does anyone know who does the Band surgery in Boston? My WLS does not. I am appreciative of any responses. Email me here or at home [email protected]    — Donna B. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
I doubt that even as a self pay any surgeon would be willing to do this for her. Her BMI is just not high enough. In fact, I would be a bit suspicious of a surgeon who would do it as, IMHO, he/she would be doing it only for the money. Have you thought of getting your daughter to some counseling. An eating disorders therapist might be able to help her with some of the issues, including her body image.
   — garw

February 23, 2003
I have to totally agree with the previous post. She is not that overweight. I'm sure it feels like it to her, but at 5'9", she would never qualify for any of the surgeries. Now I realize she doesn't want to wait until she gets bigger, but she really should try other programs first. Please take her to Weight Watchers. With the amount she has to lose, she should do well there. Also, try to get her on an exercise program. My daughter is in the same boat. She's a little taller and may weight a little less, but she is very depressed about her weight. I am working really hard with her so she doesn't ever have to go through this.
   — Kathy S.

February 23, 2003
I am 5'9 and my goal weight is around 200 lbs. There should not be a doctor in the world that would perform WLS on her. She is not morbidly obese, which is the criteria for this surgery. Like someone else said counseling is a good place to start to find out if there are other things from preventing her from achiving a healthier weight. Based on weight charts she is only 45 lbs at the most overweight. This is one he!! of a hard way to lose 45 lbs. If she wants to get lower than 165 then one should be asking what is driving this need to be too thin. Eating disorder jumps out at me also. Granted none of us know her, but this is just not the right thing for her now, nor do I think she should try and gain 55 lbs to qualify.
   — zoedogcbr

February 25, 2003
I'm also 5'9" and my goal is 185-200. Your daughter shouldn't be getting surgery. The fact that she is considering this for being only 20-40 pounds overweight signals that there are deeper issues. Get her help for her depression and she might be amazed to see her weight go down as a result of not overeating for emotional reasons. I've got the band and it's great but it's not for people as light as your daughter. It is quite safe but it is STILL major surgery.
   — M. B.