Lap-band for 50 pound weight loss goal

 Hi Guys- 
I am new here and am trying to figure out some info.
I would like to have the Lap-band surgery to help end my yo-yo cycle.
I have found only one doctor that performs this procedure on BMI's over 30--instead of 35 or 40--
and it is DR Terry Simpson in Arizona. Can anyone tell me why this doc will do it? I would prefer not to have to travel if at all possible.
Any info would be great.

Dr Simpson is an amazing doctor, I just love him, he has written quite a few books and has spoken at many OH conferences, he is also on the Board of OH.

I have no clue of way he would do the surgery, or why others won't. They all have their own guidelines they follow.

Good luck in your quest.

Dr. Simpson is very involved not only here on OH but he is very involved to American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.  It is now felt that thru a diabetic conference that took place in Rome.  Many of the  Bariatric physicians attended this.  This is something that I believe that one day the insurance industry will buy into.  I know that they will eventually buy into the bmi of 30 but not yet.  It was stated in this conference that there is evidence to show that treating diabetics with surgery will help with resolution of diabetes. So about the band for a 50# wt loss I am not sure if there will be the insurance co paying at this time.  But this is why Dr. Simpson probably believes in the surgery for bmi of 30... Liz

BMI of 30 + is the standard in some other countries and some US doctors follow it too. They may not advertise it too much though. You have to call and talk to them. There are definitely docs in CA that will do a lap-band on someone with a BMI of 30-ish even if their web sites make it seem like they don't.

Who have you talked too in CA?

Have you checked out Dr. Paul Cirangel at www.LapSF.com.   It would really make more sense to do WLS surgery before we all got so  fat and got co morbidities.  I wish I could have had the surgery years ago before my weight got out of control and I got diabetes.  But that is not the way the system works.  It seems like you have to be a "train wreck" first.  I have read that the Mexican doctors will do it for lighter weight patients.  You might try posting this on the Lap Band forum on this sight.  Good luck.

Hello, Just catching up on my reading and ran across your post. Dr. Cirangle out of SF will do lap bands. My girlfriend went to him for a consult and she is currently at a BMI of 33. I thought he was an amazing surgeon on myself and have heard great comments from others.  Hope this helps.