Greshym

Hi guys. I'm curious as to how one qualifies for lap band surgery. I've seen a doctor before, and he cites two reasons why he won't prescribe it. One, I'm not heavy enough, and it's not a life threatening situation. (I'm 230 pounds for Godsake.) Second, 4% of people die within one year, so he's putting his license on the line if it isn't necessary (his words).

So... I currently have Access insurance, so I doubt they'd cover it. Now, I put a lot of effort into staying healthy, and I've been struggling with this since kindergarten, so I know this isn't purely my lifestyle or eating habits. I need help with this. Any suggestions?

Cynthia

Hi there I would try calling your insurance and asking what they require. Most insurance require the same thing (bmi above 40, or bmi over 35 with co-morbities, and 6 month Dr diet) If your Dr is not supportive I would look into changing your PCP. I hope it all works out for you I know how frusterating it can be

__________________
10/16 started 6 month diet
11/20 2nd weigh in (DONE)
11/25 seminar (DONE)
12/1 New Med Group
12/8 Psych appt (DONE)
12/9 Approved for surgeon consult (DONE)
12/18 3rd weigh in (DONE)
12/24 1st Appt with Kelly(DONE)
1/7 Gyno (DONE)
1/7 Dietary Support Group (DONE)
1/7 4th weigh in & EKG (DONE)
1/14 g/b ultrasound (DONE)
1/14 Pre-op Group (done)
1/19 2nd Appt Kelly (done)
2/2 Dietician 5th weigh in (Done)
3/3 APPROVED
4/6 LAP RNY SURGERY

poet_kelly

If your doc says 4% of people die from lap band in one year, he is flat out lying to you! In one study of over 1700 patients, there were no deaths at all. Not four in 100, which your doc is saying. Another source I looked at said the mortality for lap band surgery was .2%, which means two in 100 patients die, not 4 in 100. Honestly, I would confront your doctor about this. Lying to patients about the risks of surgery is unethical. It might even be illegal.

To qualify, you usually have to have a BMI of at least 40, unless you have comorbidities like diabetes or sleep apnea. Then it's a BMI of 35. Some docs will do surgery if you weigh less than that if you are self pay.

Kelly

__________________
RNY 11/4/08

surgery/current/goal
270/133/140

cocoa

Wouldn't 0.2% be two-tenths of 1 person? Or are my math skills that lacking, which may be the case.

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Banded 2-15-2008 / Begin Pre-Op Diet 210

Dr. Charles Callery / Day of Surgery 202 / Current 154

San Diego, CA

All time high, 217.

Kyra112

I was gonna say the same thing... .2% wouldnt even be one person if it was a 100 person study... i believe it would be 1 person every 500 people dies.

Anyway, here is the website that states the 0.2% mortality rate fact:

Is the LAP-BAND Right for You?

If i were you, id print out this page and bring it to your doctor. And on that webpage, it actually states : "In America, the LAP-BAND® has also shown promising results. The main advantage of the LAP-BAND® is safety"

He is concerned for a surgery that is notorious for it's safety? Is he crazy, or lazy? Lol


So what is your BMI? And do you have any comorbs?

Kupcake

.2% would be 2 out of 1000. I dont know if its a typo or not. But 4% is a really high number, that i have NEVER heard.

poet_kelly

I suck at math, but I asked someone else to make sure I was figuring it right. .2% means two out of 1000 people.

Kelly

__________________
RNY 11/4/08

surgery/current/goal
270/133/140

poet_kelly

No, it would not even be one person in a 100 person study. Apparently they have at least 1000 people in the study.

Kelly

__________________
RNY 11/4/08

surgery/current/goal
270/133/140

GloryRN

you need a new doctor.

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234/204.3/188/140
Starting weight/ day of surgery/ current/ goal

Karen Officially in ONEDERLAND

It's working and it's wonderful!