Request for lapband or gastric At madigan

Hi..I am in desperate need of help about my weight...I am 42 years of age and border for diabetes and cholesterol..I am 195lbs and 5'4 inches ...my weight does not seem to want to loose...I've tried everything possible but the all I do lose is either a pound or two...other then that I gain easier then lose...I had my last child 4 years ago and since then my weight and body has just been terrible...I do eat healthy or at least try..having cut out a lot and moderate excersie..I just feel overwhelming disappointed that the weight still here...with me being older it's even harder...It's been taking a toll on my self esteem and I just get so depressed that my weight is the way it is..my highest ever..about 5 month ago I was tipping at 204 and felt the effects of diabetes but have lost about 5 or do lbs..again that lost took about 5 month...I've spoken to my doc about also a breast reduction and he kinda shrugged it off like he was not going to approve..while others around me are getting it done ASAP..also I was thinking about maybe a gastric of lapband I might be a candidate? Please do I have to go through my primary doc to see a specialist who can determine..I've told him about my issues but he seems not interested to talk about it...help where to start or go...

Thank you ladies..your encouraging me to seek help...

Oh I hate to be the one to tell you but ya gotta gain some weight to qualify, I got you at a BMI of 33.5 and most all insurances want you to be 35 with 2 or more co-morbidities like diabetes or high blood pressure, or 40 BMI with no co-morbids. It sucks to have to tell someone to gain to get surgery. Usually once you have the appropriate BMI then your doc has to refer you to a bariatric surgeon, who will have some requirements too. Most insurances have you do a 3,4 or 6 month weight loss attempt to be done with your primary doc doing documentation of diet and exercise. The there are the sleep study and psych testing and sometimes other health tests.

However please if you do ever do a weight loss surgery DO NOT do the lap band it is the biggest mistake I have ever made. For the most part it only works with volume eaters IF it works at all. It is not a lifelong surgery the manufacturers say they need it come out at 5-10 years. The worst part tho is they do horrible damage to your stomach and esophagus, people are ending up with permanent and painful damage from them. Fewer and fewer surgeons are even doing them anymore because of this. I would suggest either the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or bypass. Myself I'd go with the sleeve if possible. However like I said you have to gain some weight to even qualify, don't let this dissuade you tho. Also wait on the breast reduction till you lose your weight after surgery.

Ask you primary Doc for a referral to the Pathways program at Madigan. You may have enough that they will accept you.  Can't hurt to ask.