Another happy bandster here. Information and personal choice are definitely key. However, I wanted to add a little more info on insurance. Unfortunately, many insurance co. automatically deny the lap-band hoping you'll go away. Many people have successfully challenged their insurance companies on appeal and won (and some don't!) so if you are denied it's not automatically the end.

I hear ya!

Would the surgeons consider surgery if you are only a couple of stone overweight?

How many do you consider a "couple"? If you literally mean two - then you're talking about 28 pounds (1 stone = 14 pounds). So no a reputable surgeon will not consider you a candidate for surgery at just 28 pounds overweight.

Generally you must be considered morbidly obese (BMI over 40) or obese with a BMI over 35 with illnesses directly related to your obesity to be considered for WLS.

In my case, at 5' 6" 145 pounds is smack in the middle of the "Normal" BMI range.

To qualify for WLS I would have to weigh at least:

220 lbs (5.3 stones more than my "ideal" weight) with co-morbidities to qualify as WLS patient.

or

250 lbs (7.5 stones more than my "ideal" weight) without co-morbidies to qualify as a WLS patient.


Hope that helps.