who is weight loss surgery for?
 

i doubt i am a candidate, and don't think it'd be a viable option for me anyway, but just out of gross curiosity, can anyone get it? i am 5'7 or 5'8 and 180lb. my BMI is around 28.5. are there certain requirements regarding height and weight or body fat percentage?

I don't have it, but from what I've seen on this board, if you can afford it you can get it. Mexico is one option. The UK. I'm sure you can get it in the Dominican Republic. India. Thailand. Where the liability/legal laws of the US won't follow you...sigh...

Kira

I do not believe you meet the requirements to have this surgery; you must be at least 100# overw:goodluck::goodluck:eight and have a higher BMI.

In the UK, you can get lap band privately if your bmi is 30+, meaning that at your height (5 ft 8), you would be eligible at 197 lbs.
http://privatehealth.co.uk/hospitalt...gible-surgery/

For Mexico, bmi of 33+ meaning you would be eligible at 217 lbs.
http://www.worldmedassist.com/Weight...ery-Abroad.htm

In India, you don't need a doctor's referral to get this done:
http://www.treatmentabroad.com/obesi...rs-healthcare/


Standards vary from country to country, and I don't think there would be much problem finding someone to do a lap band for example if you had enough cash...

Sigh...

Kira

Depends on your insurance, each one has different requirements. I would suggest calling them to see if 1. your covered and 2. what the requirements are.

If your self pay you'll most likely qualify.

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I would strongly recommend that you do a lot more research before you jump into lap band surgery. While it works for some people, it's starting to look like it doesn't work for a lot MORE people. Besides, it's major surgery and can have some serious complications, including death.

i should clarify, this isnt really something im considering for myself. i was just curious about the procedure, whether they just do it to anyone or if there is specific criteria.

Ya, actually you were pretty clear in your original post IMHO!!! I think that in the US there are strict standards. In Canada, too. In other countries, not so much!!!

Kira

i thought i was too, lol. but, ya never know. thanks for all the info!

I'd never go for surgery in Mexico- I've seen some horror stories!

That being said- I'd never recommend it for someone with a BMI of under 40- mostly because you have to go through a lot before and after the surgery, and I hear you have to take vitamin supplements for the rest of your life.

Unfortunately many people seem to go into it not understanding the repercussions of this surgery. They don't understand that they can't eat the same way anymore (I've heard of patients restretching out their stomachs), they don't understand they will have mental as well as physical problems that can occur, and so on.

I think if someone is willing to go through all the proper steps, do EVERYTHING the doctor says, and is determined to get possibly some therapy and so on to make sure the process is as safe and effective as possible THEN it's a good idea.

My mom's friend thought about going through it but when I talked to her about the fact she has to change her whole lifestyle she changed her mind. I said if you aren't willing to change your lifestyle and eat better and exercise and so on, then don't do it because you'll just get fat again AND you'll have to stick with the supplements and other things you have to do post surgery for the rest of your life.

[QUOTE=beerab;2877431]I'd never go for surgery in Mexico- I've seen some horror stories!

I have seen many horror stories in the US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True, but I would think the US is better regulated than Mexico at least.

Dont know about specific country standards of practice.Considering malpractice issues, And licensure standards, I would guess risks are pretty equal.Its a high risk surgery in general because It will be years before we truly understand the long term risks.I see people every day with compliactions,many years after surgery.