You should try diet/exercise

I THINK what she was trying to say is that if you go to the ER with a band related problem there's usually nobody there that knows enough about the band to help you.  That is true and a Bariatric specialist will need to be called or referred.  Other than that, I've been to the ER a couple of times for other things and it's never even come up that I have a band.

Don't worry about the slightly lower BMI.  As long as you have a couple of co-morbidities, (health issues related to obesity) your insurance should approve if they cover WLS.  The FDA just recently acknowledged and approved WLS for people with BMI's of 30.  It's insurance that can be picky.

You'll know a lot more after meeting with your surgeon. 

Best of luck!

I've had my band for 3 years and it's been a great blessing!

Lisa O.

 
Please keep in mind that MANY ppl with the band NEVER reach restriction! MOST Drs. will NOT TELL prospective bandsters this BEFORE they get the band. Kind of an important detail to leave out, don't you think?!

If you're always dieting to keep yourself as low as you can and you still have a BMI close to 40 then I think that indicates that you need WLS. 

I would suggest asking those that are several years out on the RNY, DS and VSG forum about how happy they are with their WLS and if they would do the same WLS all over again.

Yes to this...

One clue that the band may not be the right surgery for you is that you are constantly dieting and exercising and cannot lose weight. Because the band just makes it a little easier (for some people) to stick to a good diet, the exercise will be just like it always has been.  If you think you need extra help from your WLS, RNY or the sleeve might be better options.