Question:
Looking for a doctor for lap band surgery for some one who needs to lose 50 lbs.

Please HELP! Does anyone know of a doctor that will do the Lap band surgery for someone who needs to lose 5o lbs.? I have very high cholesterol and triglycerides and take med ofr this. My doctor is now wanting to start me on dibetic med. It's a visious cycle. I just hate my self when it comes to food. Please please help me. thanks    — Texaslady (posted on March 9, 2007)

March 9, 2007
Did you check with your insurance company to see if you are a candidate? I do know of doctors who will take lap band patients with 50 lbs to lose so you probably qualify. I think if you are a self pay there would be no question. It's great that you are being proactive to get your health in order. You need to call doctors in your area and ask them for a consultation.
   — Sheri A.

March 9, 2007
I work in healthcare and hence work with alot of insurances. I don't know of any that will pay for surgery on someone who is not considered morbidly obese. At 50lbs you are overweight, not even obese.
   — tazthewiz23

March 10, 2007

   — hayes673

March 10, 2007
You might try one of the respected surgeons in Mexico. They do not fall under the same regulations as stateside doctors. It does not come down to actual pounds that need to be lost, but rather to the level of the BMI. I was banded by Dr. Pedro Kuri in August of 06. I have nothing but praise for this skilled surgeon, who has performed appx. 3,000 of these surgeries. It is the only surgery he currently does. His entire team is wonderful and skilled. The hospital he operates in is a new facility and is cleaner than most hospitals I have visited in the US. In the US, the band has become a day surgery in most cases. Dr. Kuri's patients spend the night before and the night of surgery in the hospital, and then are put up at a beauiful hotel for a day or two. They also provide chauffer service to and from the San Diego airport. Because of the type of professional that Dr. Kuri is, he would consult with you to determine if this is an appropriate surgery. He would not agree to do surgery to simply to "turn a buck". He would advise you to do the medically appropriate thing. His reputation is impecable. Since most insurance companies do not even cover the band(crazy!), most patients are self-pay. The cost of the day surgery in Washingon State was going to be appx. $17,000. My surgery in Mexico cost just over $8,000, and I feel that my care exceeded that of a friend of mine who had hers done locally. Three other friends of mine have gone to Dr. Kuri for sugery this year. It is best decision I could have made. Also, the surgery and associated travel costs was tax deductible. :-)
   — karentherese

March 12, 2007
All surgeons performing any type of weight loss surgery should be adhering to the NIH guidelines for surgery. BMI of 35 or greater with co-morbid factors or a BMI of 40 or greater, history of weight loss attempts. Most insurance companies rely on these criteria as well. Any surgeon who operates on patients that do not meet these criteria are setting themselves up for problems.
   — anyce