Help Please!
I just found out that Medicare will ONLY pay for the surgery if it is done at a Center of Excellence. The closest centers near me are in Tampa (Dr. Murr), Miami and The Cleveland Clinic in Weston. I am will to travel to Tampa or Weston and would like to get in touch with anyone who has had their surgery performed at either one of these facilities. Thanks in advance.
http://www.mylapbandsurgery.com/forum
The system is used for weight loss in clinically obese adults who have been obese for at least five years and for whom non-surgical weight loss methods have not been successful. They must be willing to make major changes in their eating habits and lifestyle.
The American Society of Bariatric Surgery recommends the following indications for any surgical treatment of obesity:
BMI* (Body Mass Index) above 40, or 100 lbs above ideal weight, or BMI between 30 to 40 in the presence of other associated diseases that may improve with weight loss (high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and painful joint condition arthritis proven by x-ray)
Age between 18 and 55 years
Stable obesity for more than five years
Failure of dietary or weight-loss drug therapy for more than one year
Absence of glandular diseases such as hypothyroidism
Comprehension of the procedure and compliance by the patient
No dependency on alcohol or drugs
Acceptable operative risk
There are several contradictions which will disqualify you from lap band surgery. Your doctor will work with you in understanding your unique situation and make an appropriate recommendation.