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Lap Band Procedure for Low BMI Patients

Until the recent update in the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation, the lap-band procedure was reserved for those with a BMI higher than 40 or 35 if diagnosed with at least two co-morbidities. This has changed in early 2011. According to the new FDA recommendation, lap-band is now also accessible for patients between 30-35 on the BMI scale.

What does it mean in terms of extra pounds? It means that from now on, being 50-70lbs overweight will make you a possible lap-band candidate.

Staci's Low BMI Surgery

What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of your weight in relation to your height and is used to determine your healthy weight. It is one of the ways to assess whether you are a candidate for the lap-band procedure. The BMI categories are:

BMI <18.5 – Underweight

BMI 18.5 to 24.9 – Healthy Weight

BMI 25 to 29.9 – Overweight

BMI 30 to 34.9 – Obese

BMI 35 to 39.9 – Severely Obese

BMI 40 and up – Morbidly Obese

To check your BMI now, use our DayOne Health BMI calculator on this page.

FDA Approves Lap-Band Use for Lower BMI Patients

In February 2011, the FDA approved LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System for use among patients with a lower BMI. It means that now patients with a BMI above 30, if diagnosed with at least one co-morbidity, will qualify for the lap-band weight loss procedure. LAP-BAND® System is now the only weight loss procedure approved for patients with a BMI between 30 and 35. As a weight loss clinic, we are more than happy to announce that now we will be able to provide this weight loss option for patients we couldn’t offer it to previously.

Is Having a Lap-Band at a Lower BMI as Beneficial as with a Higher BMI?

In the study reviewed by the FDA, more than 65% of participants were no longer obese one year after surgery. Moreover, many of the co-morbidities such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension were significantly improved. In other words, undergoing the lap-band procedure now may have a huge preventive impact on your future health. If you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, or your cholesterol results are high, you may want to act now to avoid serious heath problems.

Why is the lap-band so successful in treating co-morbidities? At DayOne Health, we have a saying that a lap-band is not merely a surgery but a lifestyle. The change in lifestyle is what makes you healthier and slimmer at the same time. And the band is what makes the change possible and much easier for you.

Availability of Insurance Coverage for Patients with Body Mass Index Below 40

Patients with a BMI above 35 may qualify but need to have at least two diagnosed co-morbidities. If you decide to come to DayOne Health for a consultation, our insurance coordinator will meet with you and go over all the steps needed for insurance verification and receiving coverage, if possible.

Unfortunately, patients with a BMI below 35 won’t qualify for insurance coverage of lap-band procedure at this time. Nevertheless, to be able to help more of our patients, we created a self-pay option for the lower BMI patients. If you feel that you may need some help in paying for your procedure, our Chicago weight loss clinic offers affordable financing as well.

Lap-Band Procedure for Patients with Low BMI in Chicago

If you would like to hear more about insurance coverage or self-pay options available for patients with low BMI at our Chicago weight loss clinic, please call (312) 239-3838 or contact us today.