Question: I am 5’2″ and 205 lbs, I have tried many diets and have been attending a weight loss clinic for the past 3 months. Unfortunately I have not lost much weight. I am wondering if I would a candidate for the lap band surgery?
Oceanside, CA
Answer: From Dr. Rachael Keilin, a doctor who
performs weight loss surgery in Texarkana, TX.The simple answer is yes, but when have you ever had a doctor give just a simple answer :-)
The more complicated answer is that, in general, diets will only help most people lose a fraction of the weight that they need to in order to be healthier and statistically almost everybody regains the weight that they lost.At 5’2″ and 205 pounds, your BMI (body mass index)- which is the most common marker used by insurance companies to determine eligibility for the Lap Band – is 37.5.
Most insurance companies will cover the Lap Band in patients whose BMI is greater than or equal to 35 if they have at least one medical problem associated with their extra weight. These can include back pain, high blood pressure, joint pain or problems caused by the extra weight, sleep apnea, GERD (severe heartburn), diabetes, PCOS and many others. Check your insurance policy or call the toll free number on your insurance card to find out exactly what your specific policy requires.
In my personal opinion, regardless of what insurance will or won’t cover, there is ample evidence to suggest that the long term, significant weight loss that one can achieve with the Lap Band if you are seriously overweight is invaluable. The weight loss is larger and more long lasting than any medical diet alone can provide.
You can learn from our lap band surgery insurance guide.
Hope that helps and best of luck!
Posted by Dr. Rachael Keilin+
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