Please continue to post your questions!

Hello, I am a 40 year old female with a BMI of 67 and my highest weight of 442, was 453 February 8 at last doctor visit. He suggested the lapband system and I have been doing alot of reading and watched your event today. I am glad I did. I had my gallbladder removed a year ago and have apnea and told that soon I may be diabetic. My only concern is finding a good surgeon locally in the Tampa Bay Florida area. I have tried so hard to lose weight and I so wish the lapband was an option long ago for me. I am grateful for any input where to turn. Thank you.

I have recently heard that people with a BMI in excess of 55 are not as successful with this procedure? Understanding that there are varing degrees of success can someone with a high BMI reach the healthy BMI ranges? Thank you

koukla,

Thanks for participating today. The LAP-BAND is a great option for you. With the LAP-BAND and weight loss, we should prevent the progression to diabetes. It should improve - or eliminate - the apnea.

I know one surgeon in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Lee Grossbard, who also happens to be a LAP-BAND patient. If that doesn't work, feel free to contact my office, and we'll try to put you in touch with a surgeon who can help.

When I started out my BMI was over 70. Today I am down to a 55.1 BMI. I still have a long ways to go but I will get there. I can't tell you enough what the lap-band has meant to me. It has literally saved my life. I am forever indebt to Dr. Malley and his amazing staff. So if someone is telling you that you can't lose because of a high BMI, send them my way. I'll show them it can be done.

hello everyone! i have been reaserching the lap band for 4 years now. the only reason I have as of yet had it done is insurance and finances! I was actually contemplating contacting Dr. malley to see about being his "public" patient but now i see teresa has beaten me to the punch! I wish her great success! I am so excited that we over weight population now have a safe procedure offered to us. I only wish more insurance companies would get on board and understand how they will save money in the long run by allowing these procedures. i someday hope to join all of you who are on your way to redefineing your life in a much healthier way. I work hard on contining to lose weight on my own but as of yet not very successful. perhaps someday this will be a much more affordable surgery. we can only wait and see.