BMI 32 - would I be eligible?

**olivegirl** · 04-05-2013 05:54 PM

Hi, just wanted to say you won't have a problem. I was sleeved 2 wks ago in Brisbane. My bmi was 31. Go for it. After all you have been through it will be a piece of cake!!! All the best. Allie. Also an RN.

**AngelNP** · 04-05-2013 06:26 PM

I believe I was 33 BMI at the time and having great results! Good luck to you!

**Dee Leshuz** · 04-06-2013 11:55 AM

Dr. Almanza's office told me that Mexico itself doesn't have a BMI limit, so I wouldn't worry about it-I've seen women at perfect body weight who wanted to just maintain as they were afraid of regaining. Not exactly my thing, but whatever the case, Mexico has much more lax standards for BMI.

**bloss2u2** · 04-09-2013 03:56 AM

I'm in Adelaide and same BMI as you, no problems getting surgeon to agree to it at all, only the 3month wait in between that she wouldnt budge on.

**carol62** · 04-09-2013 05:46 AM

Go and see Dr James Chau based in Miranda Sydney...I am two week post op..He was brilliant..My BMI was around 35..Feel free to PM me...No testing other than a blood test. I had no pain what so evert and my incisions have healed already

**vickybeads** · 04-09-2013 06:14 AM

Your current bariatric surgeon should have all the documentation showing the band's failure and, hopefully, does band to sleeve transitions. Talk to your current doctor, see what they say.

**MiMiCeeBee** · 04-09-2013 06:48 AM

My insurance company almost didn't cover my band-sleeve revision as my BMI was just under 40. But then they did. I am 2 weeks out and have lost about 17 pounds. I can hardly eat a thing. And I have a cold.

**Janny** · 08-06-2013 05:21 AM

My surgeon recommends a BMI of 35 or more, unless there are other health factors, which you obviously have. I don't think you will have any trouble, given your history. Good luck!!

**Bruce53** · 08-06-2013 05:36 AM

I have Aetna insurance in the States and I was approved with a BMI of 33/32. I had sleep apnea, pre diabetes and GERD and a two year weigh history of being obese. I think they will take your history into account when making the approval decision.

**vickybeads** · 08-12-2013 05:58 AM

Here in the states (TX anyway), you have to have a BMI of 40 or higher for most insurance to pay for the surgery; or 35-40 with co-morbidities.

Self pay - most doctors still want a BMI of 35+ and co-morbidities, but they'll take your money, eventually. A number of surgeons are no longer doing the lap-band and are doing LB to Sleeve conversions. I would think with your history of problems with the LB and health issues, the conversion to sleeve would be a logical next step. Depends on if there are health issues left over from the band (scar tissue in the esophagus, stricture, etc). Keep your spirits up and stay in touch.

Cheers.

**AngelNP** · 08-12-2013 01:26 PM

I know in Mexico, you had to be BMI of 30 or greater.

**LadyAngela** · 08-12-2013 01:39 PM

Hi Ranil I am a band to sleeve patient and today I am 4 weeks post op, based off all your defects with your port site and band replacement I am surprised your PCP did not recommend to just have it removed, that's just with those complications and further more with your medical history you are a candidate for a sleeve, so how you go about is to request a REVISION SURGERY TO REPLACE YOUR LAPBAND WITH VSG, to MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHTLOSS, do to a FAILED LAPBAND, that is the easiest way to get it approved, your insurance should approve it immediately long as your PCP specify all your previous issues, my request for VSG was approved within 18hrs literally the next morning, they faxed in that evening and in the morning I had a approval, I have UHC/California, well best wishes dear and keep us posted.

**Sabrinamarie305** · 11-20-2013 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by blessedahf

I'd go for a sleeve. I've known several band to sleeve individuals who couldn't be happier. I've actually known no one who was happy with the band. Not sure why they still perform this procedure. But nonetheless, you can self-pay for the sleeve in MX and other places I'm sure if you can't get approved thru insurance. MX doesn't have a minimum BMI requirement. I guess they figure its your body, they'll take your money if you want the surgery lol. But seriously, I think you'd be very happy with the sleeve. I've had ZERO complications. My mom's had it, ZERO complications. And my husband is headed to Mexico March 1st to have his done. Search it out. You should at least consider it. Good luck!

Would you mind sharing where in Mexico you had it done? Like the doctor? My bmi is too low for the states and I would love to know to use a doctor in Mexico that was so successful for you

**Shandy** · 01-09-2015 08:07 AM

Hi Ranil.
I was 89kg with a BMI of 34 when I had surgery a couple of weeks ago. Im From Wollongong NSW. I had a fantastic surgeon by the Name of Dr James Chau based in Miranda. I dint have any medical insurance so used some of my super and paid the rest myself. Dr Chau or any surgeon should understand the terrible time you have had and do the surgery. I know of many people who have done the same as you and removed the band and had the sleeve. Good luck.