FDA Approves Wider Use of Lap-Band - Article Discussion

[PhotoNut]

"The approval allows Allergan to market the device to patients with a body mass index of as low as 30 if they have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the company said."

"Overall, an estimated 37 million Americans now meet the criteria for receiving the device, Allergan said in a news release."

Read more HERE (http://band2gether.net/content.php?111) and then discuss on this thread.

[MoOrLess]

After reading the article, I wanted to add: Medicare also approves the lap band for patients who are on disability - and younger than 65. The age factor does not play a part in 'disabled' people who have Medicare coverage. They require (or did at least when I was banded in 2007) that patients have their surgery at a "Center of Excellence" (pre-approved by Medicare). Being on disability, I was able to go on the "fast track" where I was banded within less than 2 months from starting the original paperwork for the surgery.

[Rini]

I will be curous to see if any newbies get insurance approval under these lower guidlines. has any heard of anyone? My mom who is 5'7" and weighs around 230 (56 yrs old) is thinking about having the band placed. She has hgih blood pressure and high cholesterol for which she takes meds. I wonder if she could get approved.