Question:
LapBand surgery on lower weights

Would like to know of any doctors that perform LapBand surgery on lower weights (not 100+). I live in Indiana and am 59 Years old and am 45 pounds overwight. I have fought being overweight and the diet yo-yo all my life and quite frankly I can't do it anymore. I am always hungry and I get so depressed after I eat. I can not seem to be able (and really never have) to get a true handle on this. I use to also be able to help control my weight by running-now I have arthritis in my knee and can't do that anymore and aerobics/or even walking hurts so bad. I am 5'2 and weight 165 lbs. I would like to conquer this for once in my life-any help out there?    — pdaigner (posted on February 6, 2008)

February 6, 2008
I am running to a WLS support group and will write more later. I relate to your issue. My BMI is 34.6, was 37.5. Scheduled for surgery in two weeks. Will stay in touch.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 6, 2008
If you read the research on lap band it can be done on a BMI of 30 or higher and your BMI is a 30 - so yes it could be done, for you it is more of finding a Dr who will do it. If you are paying cash you would probably have a better chance then trying to get insurance to pay.
   — jhart

February 6, 2008
Yes - doctors will do the surgery but insurance will not cover it. I had lap band surgery 2 weeks ago. Like you, I am short and need to lose 50 lbs. I paid for it myself (cost just under $13,000 for outpatient surgery). Call doctors in your area and ask if they will do sugery on someone with a BMI in the low 30's. Good Luck!
   — Pam-TX

February 7, 2008
yOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT GETTING YOUR KNEE FIXED. i GAINED SO MUCH WEIGHT WHEN MY KNEE FINALLY GAVE OUT. THEN I HAD GASTRIC BYPASS AND WHEN i HAD LOST ENOUGH WEIGHT, i HAD MY KNEE REPLACED. BEST THING I EVER DID--EVEN BETTER THAN WLS.
   — celtcat

February 7, 2008
I was not 100# overwt and had my band done at DAY ONE HEALTH in Chicago. They do have information sessions in Merrillville. Their web site is www.dayonehealth.com . (I was a self pay at 16,000.They also do financing).It was worth it for me.
   — pattyann