How can you qualify? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Greshym · 02-04-2010, 02:57 PM

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 · 02-04-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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

poet_kelly · 02-04-2010, 03:58 PM

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

cocoa · 02-04-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

Kyra112 · 02-04-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocoa

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

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 · 02-04-2010, 05:02 PM

.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 · 02-04-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocoa

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

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

poet_kelly · 02-04-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Kelly

GloryRN · 02-04-2010, 07:32 PM

you need a new doctor.