Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 4/5/2009

Question
Hi...

I am interested in getting lap band surgery. Is it true that in the US you must
be over 40 BMI for any doctor to look at you?
I'm 35, 5'0 . 180lbs, I need to lose weight and have tried everything. Each
time I lose weight it comes back!
I am willing to pay for the surgery since I don't think insurance will cover it
for me. Can you suggest someone outside the US, maybe France who would
be will to do the surgery at my weight? I feel like if not my option is to gain
more wight, so I'd be considered!
Any suggestions would be helpful!

Answer
Diane,
The height and weight you've provided translate to a Body Mass Index (BMI) just above 35.  At that level, it is generally accepted in the U.S. that it is medically appropriate to do Band surgery, particularly if you suffer from any weight-related medical conditions such as:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
high cholesterol
back pain
knee pain or other joint pain
GERD (heartburn or reflux)

I suggest it is certainly worth your time and effort to contact a bariatric surgery center in your area.  Your best bet is to go with a designated Center of Excellence, which you can find on the web at:

https://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx

Best of luck!

Dr JP