Beginning the Lap Band Journey

The lap band system is becoming popular for its way of changing a patient’s way of living. Once a patient commits themselves to go through this procedure they will be able to notice how their life will begin to change.

In order to begin this journey there are many things to take into consideration. First is to find out if the lap band system is right for you. In February 2011 he FDA lowered the BMI requirements for patients wanting the lap band. It used to only be for patients with a minimum BMI of 40 with existing medical conditions. Now the FDA lowered the BMI requirements for individuals with a BMI of 30-34 and also has any existing condition related to their obesity.¹ The lap band system is recommended for individuals that have been struggling with losing weight, and have tried dieting and exercising. This system will help you lose the weight and keep it off, not like other diets plans that we may lose a few pounds and gain double the amount back.

The cost of this procedure depends one the patient; what kind of health plan they have, what lap band doctor and/or hospital they choose, and whether it’s an inpatient or outpatient procedure.² There are other options for lap band coverage, as well as medical financing. If your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure some facilities will be able to provide you with financing with flexible paying plans.

Lap band aetna insurance may qualify a patient automatically for full Lap Band coverage if patient is at least 100 pounds overweight, have a BMI over 40, have a BMI over 35 with obesity-related medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, lower extremity lymphatic, sleep apnea, or coronary artery disease, and/or have been overweight more that two years and have failed diet and exercise or other weight-loss programs

¹ Riley, Karen. FDA. FDA expands use of banding system for weight loss. , 2011. Web. 03 Aug 2011. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm245617.htm.

² “Affording the LAP-BAND® System. We can help..” n. pag. Lapband AP System. Web. 03 Aug 2011. http://www.lapband.com/en/lapband_is_for_you/costs_payment_options.

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